Date
Wednesday
Feb
10

February 12

Seollal

Usher in the Lunar New Year with Seollal! Dance with dragons, feast on Tteokguk, and celebrate Korean traditions in style!

Type
Day
Category
Cultural

Introduction

Mark your calendars for the vibrant and festive Seollal, taking place on February 10! Seollal, also known as Korean Lunar New Year, is among the most revered traditional holidays in Korea, a celebration of renewal, family, and ancient customs. This time-honored festivity dates back to the 14th century during the reign of King Sejong. Bursting with traditional music, dance, and a special feast featuring Tteokguk- a traditional Korean soup, it beautifully encapsulates the rich Korean heritage. Get ready to immerse yourself in this colourful cultural extravaganza, and celebrate Seollal in style!

Seollal Timeline

1392
Origin of Seollal
Seollal is traced back to the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty under the reign of King Taejo. It officially becomes a significant traditional holiday in Korea.
1446
King Sejong Rule
During King Sejong's rule, the holiday developed further and more customs, celebrations, and traditions associated with Seollal were established.
1800s
Full Moon Seollal
Seollal transforms into a full moon festival. Folk games like Yut Nori and Juldarigi became common activities and performances during the celebration.
1945
Modern Seollal
Post Korean liberation, Seollal becomes a national holiday with government regulations standardizing time off from work and school to celebrate.
2000s
Seollal in Media
Seollal is widely portrayed in Korean dramas and movies, presenting the traditional customs and culture to a global audience, thereby increasing international interest.
Present
Contemporary Celebrations
Seollal continues to be celebrated with traditional games, ancestral rites and other festivities, reflecting ancient customs while embracing modern societal change.

How to Celebrate Seollal

1

Host a Tteokguk making session

As a traditional meal to celebrate Seollal, Tteokguk is a must-have. Gather your friends and family and set up a fun cooking session. Enjoy good conversations while indulging in a warm bowl of Tteokguk.

2

Organize a traditional Hanbok fashion show

Celebrating Seollal without the traditional attire Hanbok will be incomplete. Organize a Hanbok fashion show in your local community or among friends. This will not only showcase the beautifully designed clothing but also give everyone a slight window into Korean culture and history.

3

Screen a Korean movie night

Host a movie night where you only play Korean movies. This would serve as an entertaining means of understanding Korean storytelling, themes and ideas and it is an enjoyable way to expose friends to Korean culture.

4

Learn traditional Korean games

Games like Yut Nori or Jegichagi are popular during Seollal. Gather friends and family and learn to play these traditional games. It's a fun way to engage with others while learning about Korean traditions.

5

Embark on a virtual tour of Korea

Many online platforms offer virtual tours of different cities and attractions in Korea. Embark on one of these tours to learn more about the history, traditions, and landscapes that make Korea unique. Make it even more interactive by asking quiz questions after the tour, it would be fun and educational!

Why We Love Seollal

A

Enrich Cultural Understanding

Seollal is the perfect opportunity to immerse in and celebrate Korean traditions. From learning about the significance of Tteokguk, wearing a Hanbok, to understanding the traditional games, this festival deepens our cultural appreciation and insight.

B

It's Interactive and Fun

Hosting a Tteokguk making session or organizing a traditional Hanbok fashion show brings people together in fun and engaging activities. The festival is not merely about observing; it promotes active participation and enjoyment.

C

Blend of Traditional and Modern

While Seollal honors age-old customs and traditions, it isn't stuck in the past. Modern interpretations, such as screening Korean movies and embarking on virtual tours, make the celebration relevant and accessible, especially for younger generations and people around the world.