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First Korean Lunar New Year in Korea? A Complete Seollal Guide for Foreigners

pdt · 2026. 2. 6.

Korean Lunar New Year, known as Seollal, is one of the most important traditional holidays in Korea.

If this is your first Seollal in Korea, you may notice many restaurants closing and daily life slowing down as people focus on family gatherings. For foreigners living in Korea, this can feel unfamiliar—but it is also a great chance to experience Korean traditions and culture.

This guide explains what Seollal means, what to expect during the holiday, and how to enjoy Korean Lunar New Year with confidence.

What Is Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal)?

The Origin and Meaning of Seollal

Seollal marks the first day of the lunar calendar and represents the beginning of a new year in traditional Korean culture.

Historically, Korea was an agricultural society, where seasonal changes were closely tied to farming and survival. As a result, the lunar calendar naturally became the basis for celebrating the new year.

Rather than being just a celebration, Seollal is a time to express gratitude to ancestors, wish for family well-being, and pray for good fortune in the coming year. This is why it is considered one of the most meaningful national holidays in Korea.

→ Learn more about national holidays in Korea

Korean Lunar New Year Traditions You’ll See in Korea

Sebae, Tteokguk, and a Family-Centered Holiday

On the morning of Seollal, Korean families perform ancestral rites and then bow to elders in a tradition called sebae.

While bowing, people exchange New Year’s greetings such as “Happy New Year,” and elders often give New Year’s money in return. Another essential part of Seollal iseating tteokguk, a traditional rice cake soup. Eating tteokguk symbolizes becoming one year older and is one of the most iconic foods associated with Korean Lunar New Year.

Because Seollal is a deeply family-oriented holiday, most Koreans spend this time with relatives. You may notice heavy travel across the country as people return to their hometowns—a phenomenon often called “the great holiday migration.”

As a result, many restaurants temporarily close during the holiday period.

Living in Korea During Seollal: What Foreigners Should Know

Restaurants and Shops May Be Closed During the Holiday

Since Seollal is traditionally spent cooking and sharing meals with family at home, many independently owned restaurants and local shops close for the holiday, usually for around three days. If you go out expecting to eat out, you may find closed stores and quieter streets.

That said, central areas of Seoul tend to have more options open compared to smaller cities. Large franchise restaurants, convenience stores, department stores, shopping malls, and hotel restaurants are more likely to operate as usual, making them safer choices for foreigners unfamiliar with the holiday schedule.

Festivals and Cultural Experiences During Korean Lunar New Year

Despite the closures, Seollal is also a great opportunity to experience Korean culture through special holiday events and festivals. For foreigners living in Korea, two of the most recommended places to visit during Seollal are Namsangol Hanok Village and Unhyeongung Palace.

01.The Namsangol Seollal Festival
The Namsangol Seollal Festival is one of the most representative Korean Lunar New Year festivals held in central Seoul.

Set against a traditional hanok village backdrop, the festival allows visitors to see, hear, and participate in Seollal traditions through games, performances, and hands-on cultural programs. It is especially suitable for foreigners who are experiencing Korean Lunar New Year for the first time.

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2026 Namsangol Seollal Festival Event Information

02.The Unhyeongung Seollal Event The Unhyeongung Seollal Event is a traditional cultural program that offers a quieter way to experience Korean Lunar New Year, rather than a large-scale festival.

Because the event takes place within an actual palace, visitors can enjoy the calm holiday atmosphere of Seollal while appreciating the beauty of Korea’s traditional architecture.

Instead of crowded or complex programs, the event focuses on traditional games, hands-on craft activities, and leisurely walks around the palace grounds.

If you prefer a more local and peaceful Seollal experience away from large crowds, this event is highly recommended.

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Both events can be enjoyed without reservations, making them excellent options if your plans change due to restaurant or shop closures during the holiday. Korean Lunar New Year, or Seollal, is a holiday that offers deep insight into Korean traditions, values, and family culture.

If this is your first Seollal in Korea, participating in seasonal festivals and cultural events can help you create meaningful memories and better understand life in Korea. We hope you enjoy a warm and memorable Korean Lunar New Year filled with new experiences.