Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, known as **Seollal** (설날) in South Korea, is one of the most significant and cherished traditional holidays in the country. Celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, usually between late January and mid-February, Seollal marks the beginning of the new year and is a time for family reunions, cultural traditions, and honoring ancestors. During Seollal, families gather to perform **Charye** (차례), a traditional ancestral rite, where food offerings are made to pay respect to deceased family members. This is followed by **Sebae** (세배), a deep bow performed by younger family members to their elders as a sign of respect and to receive blessings and gifts, often in the form of money. Traditional foods play a central role in the celebrations, with **Tteokguk** (떡국), a rice cake soup, being the most iconic dish. Eating Tteokguk symbolizes gaining another year of age and starting the year fresh. Families also enjoy other traditional foods and snacks, such as **Jeon** (전, savory pancakes) and **Hangwa** (한과, traditional sweets). Seollal is also a time for fun and games, with activities like **Yutnori** (윷놀이), a traditional board game, and kite flying being popular among both children and adults. Many Koreans dress in **Hanbok** (한복), the traditional Korean attire, to celebrate the holiday. The holiday typically lasts for three days, including the day before and after the Lunar New Year, and is a public holiday in South Korea. Seollal is a time for reflection, gratitude, and strengthening family bonds, making it a deeply meaningful and joyous occasion for Koreans.