Did you know that Koreans celebrate two New Years every year? One is the same as the New Year you all know, on January 1st, and the other is called Seollal , which follows the Lunar Calendar.
What Is Seollal? How Do Koreans Celebrate Seollal? When Is Seollal Celebrated? No matter which version you choose, the message remains the same: a wish for a blessed and happy New Year. Fireworks and Countdown Celebrations: Major cities, like Seoul , host countdown events with fireworks and celebrations. People often gather in public places to celebrate as they count down to midnight. Parties and Festivities: Many people celebrate with friends, family, or colleagues at parties, enjoying food and drinks.
While Seollal is a time for traditional family rituals, honoring ancestors, and reflecting on the past, the Gregorian New Year is more about modern celebrations and parties. Both holidays hold unique meanings in Korean culture, reflecting a blend of old traditions and new customs.
It usually takes place in late January or early February, depending on the Lunar Calendar. Seollal is a deeply cultural and family-centered holiday, filled with customs and rituals that date back centuries. Family Gatherings: Families come together, often traveling long distances, to celebrate Seollal. This ritual is performed to show respect and seek blessings for the coming year.
Eating this dish symbolizes growing a year older and is believed to bring good luck in the New Year. The exact date changes each year, as it aligns with the first day of the Lunar Calendar , which is based on the cycles of the moon. Seollal is celebrated for three days in Korea: the day before, the day of, and the day after the Lunar New Year.
