People in Korea celebrate the New Year twice: on January 1 and again on Seollal, the Lunar New Year. Based on the lunar calendar, Seollal falls in January or February. In 2026, it takes place on February 17, with an official three-day holiday from February 16 to 18.

Although Lunar New Year is observed in many Asian countries, Seollal in Korea has its own customs and social atmosphere. As the holiday begins, people travel across the country to visit family, causing transportation to sell out quickly. This large-scale movement is often called a “national migration” and is a familiar holiday scene.

The most important Seollal ritual is sebae. Younger family members bow to elders, wishing them health and happiness, while elders offer blessings and New Year’s money. Many families wear hanbok.

Another key tradition is charye, a ceremony honoring ancestors with prepared food and prayers for peace in the coming year.

Tteokguk, a rice cake soup symbolizing prosperity and a fresh start, is the Seollal dish. Families also enjoy traditional games such as yutnori, which add laughter and friendly competition.

Seollal is a time to reconnect with family and tradition, making it one of the clearest windows into Korean culture.

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