Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year, known as "Seollal" in South Korea, stands as one of the most significant traditional holidays in Korean culture, typically falling on the first day of the lunar calendar. The 2025 celebration marks another year in this centuries-old tradition that dates back to ancient agricultural societies.

Historically, Seollal emerged during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 935 CE), when agricultural cycles deeply influenced Korean society. The holiday represented not just the start of a new year, but also the anticipation of spring and the upcoming farming season. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), it became firmly established as the most important holiday in Korea.

Modern Seollal celebrations typically span three days, with families gathering in their ancestral hometowns. The morning begins with "charye," a ceremony honoring ancestors, followed by "sebae," where younger family members perform a deep bow to their elders and receive "sebaetdon" (New Year's money) and words of wisdom. Traditional foods play a central role, with "tteokguk" (rice cake soup) being the most symbolic – eating it represents becoming one year older.

The holiday's customs share similarities with other East Asian celebrations, particularly those in China and Vietnam. However, Korean Seollal has distinct traditions, such as playing traditional games like "yut nori" (a board game with wooden sticks) and "jegi chagi" (Korean hacky sack). Many Koreans also wear "hanbok," traditional Korean attire, during these celebrations.

In contemporary South Korea, Seollal remains deeply significant despite modernization. While some young people view the extensive family obligations as stressful, most Koreans embrace this time as an opportunity to reconnect with family and cultural roots. The holiday also creates one of the year's largest travel movements, known as "귀성" (귀향) rush, as millions return to their hometowns.

Interestingly, the holiday has adapted to modern times while maintaining its core values. Many families now incorporate new technologies, conducting video calls with distant relatives or sending digital New Year's greetings. Some traditional games have even been adapted into popular mobile apps, allowing younger generations to engage with cultural traditions in familiar formats.

The celebration also highlights Korea's rapid social changes. While traditionally celebrated in the oldest son's home, many families now rotate hosting duties or meet in restaurants, reflecting evolving gender roles and family structures in modern Korean society.