If someone’s shoes go missing during this time, it means that they will be cursed with bad luck for a year. If they find a shoe that perfectly fits them, they take it away. There is a popular belief in Korea that ghosts enter the world before new year’s eve and try on different shoes that are left out in the open. But here are some of the common practices: There are many traditional customs observed during Seollal that tend to modify based on the region. In 2016, The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport estimated that around 36 million South Koreans were on the move during the lunar new year, which was about 70% of the population at that time. The occasion of Seollal marks one of the biggest temporary mass migrations within the country. Even non-residential Koreans tend to fly in from abroad to catch up with their families during this time. The roads are at their busiest, and many shops and restaurants close down during the holiday. Busiest Time Of The Yearĭuring Seollal, people travel to their native places in droves, and the rush is at its peak when it comes to booking tickets or buying gifts. Since this year, new year’s day is on a Sunday, according to the Transfer Holiday Expansion Law of Korea, the public holiday is shifted on January 24. The three days usually include the day before new year’s day, new year’s day, and the day after. Just like Chuseok, the occasion of Seollal also comes with three days of government-approved holiday. “I really hope this ends soon so that we can meet in person.Here are five interesting facts about the cultural festival: 1. “Our family decided to meet virtually to carry out the traditional rituals,” Seongyoon says. All private gatherings of more than five people are prohibited under the Lunar New Year quarantine regulations. “I like how it’s such a fast-paced and unpredictable game,” Seongyoon says.īecause of the pandemic, social distancing rules are in effect throughout the country. The main goal is the reach the “home” square again first. Capturing an opponent’s pieces is allowed. Two players or two teams take turns tossing sticks to determine how many spaces a player can advance. We also play traditional games, including one called Yut Nori. “It’s fun to dress up and also receive money,” says Minjoon Choi, 11. During Saebae, children bow to older family members in exchange for Saebaedon, which is a special allowance. In addition to Charye, Sebae is also performed. “I hope our ancestors can appreciate the food we laid out for them,” says Seongyoon, 10. Starting from the eldest son, each person bows two-and-a-half times.

The memorial ceremony is performed with each person wearing a hanbok, a two-piece outfit with colorful embroidery.ĭuring the ritual, a table holds an assortment of fruits and vegetables, as well as the main meat dish, which is topped off with rice and broth.

He is wearing a traditional hanbok.Īlthough many celebrations and rituals are performed on Seollal, an important one is Charye, the first greeting of the year to ancestral spirits. “It’s nice to see close family members you don’t usually meet,” says nine-year-old Jiwoo Park. Typically, an extended family gathers at the oldest family member’s house. The first day of the new year is based on the Chinese Lunar calendar.ĭuring Seollal, families gather to start the Lunar year fresh and enjoy traditional meals and activities.

It’s one of the biggest and longest celebrations in Korea, with festivities lasting three days. Seollal, commonly referred to as Korean Lunar New Year, begins on February 12 this year. Jiwoo Park of South Korea celebrates Seollal with her younger sister.

Lunar new year korean traditions