Korean New Year 2024 (Korea): In the absence of an intercalary 11th or 12th month preceding the New Year, the Korean New Year, or ‘Seollal’, is a ceremony and national holiday that typically takes place in January or February on the second new moon following the winter solstice (February 10 this year). The first day of the Korean calendar has arrived. It is among the most significant holidays in traditional Korean culture.
Korean New Year History
Seollal is a cultural holiday observed on the first day of the Korean lunar calendar that has its origins in traditional Chinese Confucianism. Typically, it spans three consecutive days: the day preceding the Korean New Year, the day of the Korean New Year, and the day following.
The “Book of Sui” and the “Book of Tang” contain the earliest documented histories of Silla, an ancient kingdom that honored Seollal from 57 B.C. to 935 A.D. The Joseon dynasty, an esteemed monarchy that governed from 1392 to 1897, also left indications of Lunar New Year celebrations among government officials in the five grand palaces.
Chinese in origin, seollal is an exceptional Korean custom that revolves around the lunar cycle. The recurring cycle signifies a distinct animal each year for twelve years. The mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig comprise the twelve animals. It is believed that the arrangement of the animals followed the order in which they were extended invitations to visit Buddha.
According to Korean belief, the animal associated with the year of birth bestows particular attributes and characteristics upon the infant. Certain parents even make arrangements regarding the birth year of their offspring based on this particular belief.
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FAQs on the Korean New Year
Does the Korean New Year coincide with the Chinese New Year?
“Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, is equivalent to the Chinese New Year.” “As its name suggests, it is observed concurrently with the Chinese New Year, except for a few exceptional years in which the dates differ by one day. Furthermore, according to Amy Poehler’s statement in Smart Girls, the lunar calendar determines its timing.
How does one pronounce “Happy New Year” in Korean?
“Saehae bok mani badeuseyo” translates to “May the new year bring you much good fortune.” The phrase “Happy New Year!” can be used interchangeably with “New Year’s Eve” or “New Year’s Day” when greeting family and acquaintances.
What is given as a New Year’s gift to a Korean?
Crazy Korean Cooking states, “Gifts consist of cash, fresh fruits, ginseng, honey, gift baskets containing tuna, spam, traditional sweets, and dried fish, and traditional sweets and dried fish.”
Engaging in Korean New Year Activities
Bestow presents
The tradition of exchanging gifts is an additional reason why Seollal is a special holiday, along with delicious cuisine and family gatherings. This practice of gift-giving extends beyond the confines of the household to the workplace, where gifts are frequently presented to every employee. Therefore, the most appropriate method to commemorate would be through the exchange of gifts.
Perform folk activities
Additionally, we can observe the occasion by engaging in customary folk activities. Traditional activities occupy a significant position in the New Year celebrations in Korea. The traditional Korean board game “Yut Nori” is the most frequently played. Men also engage in kite flight during the days preceding the first full moon of the new year and beginning on the Lunar New Year. Furthermore, “neol ddwigi” is a well-liked activity among adolescent women.
Consume Korean cuisine
Nearly every sizable family gathering, regardless of culture, is centered on sustenance. The best method to celebrate the Korean New Year is by consuming Korean cuisine. ‘Tteokguk’ (rice cake soup) is a principal delicacy that is regarded as comfort food in observance of the Korean New Year. Delightful and comforting, this bowl of broth is a traditional New Year’s dish.
Five Korean New Year Facts
They hid their shoes
Koreans conceal their footwear due to the belief that if one’s shoes are lost, it signifies that they have been abducted by spirits and that the individual will be plagued with misfortune for an entire year.
Strainers hung from the walls
Early in the morning, individuals flock to the market in search of ‘bokjori’ (bamboo strainers), which are displayed atop the walls of their residences as a means of attracting and bestowing good fortune.
The Korean New Year bow, or “Sebae”
The young members of each family conduct a ritual known as “sebae” or “New Year’s bow,” which consists of a deep bow, after consuming the food.
“Charye” is a ceremony of ancestral veneration.
In remembrance of the belief held by Koreans that their ancestors visit them on Seollal, they honor this belief by preparing ceremonial fare known as “charye.”
Donning the ‘hanbok’
In observance of this momentous occasion, individuals favor traditional attire; South Koreans don hanbok, a garment adorned with elaborately embroidered patterns and vibrant hues.
KOREAN NEW YEAR DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 10 | Saturday |
| 2025 | January 29 | Wednesday |
