Celebrating Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal) in 2025: Festivals and Events

Korean Lunar New Year, known as Seollal (설날), is one of the most significant holidays in South Korea. In 2025, it falls on January 29th, with the official holiday period extending from January 28th to January 30th. By utilizing weekends and vacation days, Koreans can enjoy up to a 9-day golden holiday period.

Traditions of Korean Lunar New Year

It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and celebrating Korean culture. Traditional activities include:

Exchanging New Year’s Greetings and Gifts:

• Younger family members perform sebae (deep bow) to elders
• Elders give sebaet-don (New Year’s money) in special red envelopes
• Gifts often include practical items, food, or money

Greeting phrase: “Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo” (May you receive many blessings in the New Year)

Sebae (세배)

Younger family members perform a deep bow to elders, wishing them good fortune for the new year.

Wearing Hanbok (한복):

Many Koreans wear traditional clothing Hanbok for family gatherings and ceremonies.

Eating Tteokguk (떡국)

A soup made with sliced rice cakes, believed to add a year to one’s age when consumed.

Playing traditional games

Popular games include yut nori (윷놀이), a board game played with wooden sticks.

• Played with four wooden sticks thrown like dice
• Players move markers on a board based on how sticks land
• Represents strategy and family bonding

• Other games include Go-Stop (card game) and various traditional children’s games

These traditions showcase the deep cultural significance of Seollal in Korean society, emphasizing family unity, respect for ancestors, and cultural continuity.

Festivals and Events

National Folk Museum of Korea Seollal Festival

The museum hosts a variety of family-friendly programs, including:

• Traditional game experiences
• Folk performances
• Seasonal food-making workshops

Namsangol Hanok Village Seollal Festival

Visitors can immerse themselves in Korean culture through:

• Traditional performances
• Sehwa (세화) drawing: Creating New Year’s paintings
• Yut nori competitions

Seoul Plaza Ice Rink

A popular winter attraction that remains open during the Seollal holiday, perfect for family skating outings.

Everland Seollal Festival

Enjoy a mix of modern and traditional entertainment:

• Diverse performances
• Traditional cultural experience programs

Gwanghwamun Square

Gwanghwamun Square will host several Seollal-themed events:

• Traditional Folk Games: Visitors can participate in popular Korean games like yutnori (board game) and jegichagi (Korean hacky sack).
• Cultural Performances: The square will feature traditional music and dance performances throughout the holiday period.
• New Year’s Wishes: A special “Life instead of Strife in New Year” event will be held from February 9th to 12th, allowing visitors to share their hopes for the new year.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace will offer free admission during the Seollal holiday, with special events including:

• Royal Guard Changing Ceremony: This colorful traditional ceremony will take place at the East Gate.
• Royal Guard Sehwa Drawing Giveaway: Following the changing ceremony, visitors can participate in a drawing event for good luck charms. This will occur twice daily, at 10:20 AM and 2:20 PM.
• Traditional Performances: The palace grounds will host various Korean music and dance performances.
• Cultural Demonstrations: Visitors can observe and participate in traditional craft-making and games.

Lotte World

Lotte World, a popular theme park and entertainment complex, will have special Seollal events:

• Traditional Game Experiences: Visitors can try their hand at various Korean folk games.
• Seollal Parades and Performances: The park will feature special holiday-themed parades and shows.
• Lotte World Folk Museum: The museum within the complex will offer exhibitions and activities related to Korean New Year traditions.

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower, also known as Namsan Tower, will celebrate Seollal with:

• Cultural Performances: Daily performances showcasing Korean traditional arts will be held at 3 PM.
• Special Photo Zones: Visitors can take memorable Seollal photos with themed backdrops and decorations.
• Observatory Experience: The tower will offer panoramic views of Seoul, allowing visitors to start the new year with a breathtaking cityscape.

Recommended Domestic Travel Destinations

For those looking to explore beyond Seoul during the Seollal holiday, consider these destinations:

Gapyeong’s Morning Calm Arboretum

Looking for a magical place to visit during Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) that combines natural beauty with cultural experiences? Look no further than the Morning Calm Arboretum in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do. This stunning garden offers enchanting scenery in every season, but it truly transforms into a winter wonderland when blanketed in snow.

Picturesque Photo Spots in Traditional Korean Gardens

The Morning Calm Arboretum features several themed gardens that showcase Korea’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. For those wanting to capture stunning photos in hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), head to these prime spots:

• The Korean Theme Garden: Embodies the essence of Korean aesthetics
• The Korean Garden: Blends traditional landscaping with artistic beauty

The serene Seohwayeon Pond in the Korean Garden is considered one of the best photo locations, especially when surrounded by snow.

Warm Up with Organic Flower Teas

After exploring the frosty gardens, warm up at the Green Shop next door. They offer a variety of organic handmade flower teas, including a delightfully sweet hydrangea leaf tea.

The Magical Garden of Lights Festival

As night falls, the arboretum transforms into a dazzling wonderland during the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival. Over 200,000 twinkling lights illuminate the gardens in colorful displays themed around love, animals, and plants.

Don’t miss these festival highlights:

• Panoramic night views from the Hakyung Garden observation deck
• A romantic evening stroll through the starlit “J’s Cottage Garden”

This globally renowned light festival has become increasingly popular with international visitors in recent years.

Visitor Information

• Address: 432 Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• • Admission: Adults ₩11,000 / Teenagers ₩8,500 / Children ₩7,500

Making a Reservation :Morning Calm Arboretum

Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung: A Trendy Hanbok Photo Spot

Nestled in the heart of Suwon, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace stands as a testament to Korea’s rich history and has recently become a popular destination for those seeking stunning hanbok photo opportunities. This temporary palace, built by King Jeongjo during the construction of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, is the largest and most beautiful among all temporary palaces in Korea.

Historical Significance

Hwaseong Haenggung served as a temporary residence for the king during his visits to local areas. It was constructed by King Jeongjo as part of the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress project and was so grand that it was often referred to as a subsidiary palace to Gyeongbokgung.

Perfect Backdrop for Hanbok Photos

The palace offers numerous picturesque spots for hanbok photography:

• Yuyeotaek: Strike a regal pose where King Jeongjo once received reports from his officials
• Naknamheon: Capture intimate moments between the grand pillars of this banquet hall
• Sinpungnu: Use the majestic gate and traditional walls as a backdrop for your hanbok shots

Hanbok Rental

If you don’t have your own hanbok or want to try something special, there are several hanbok rental shops near Hwaseong Haenggung. One popular option is Jangem’s Workshop, which offers over 300 different hanbok styles to choose from.

Surrounding Attractions

After your photo session, explore the area around Hwaseong Haenggung:

• Haenggung-dong Cafe Street: A favorite spot among young locals, filled with trendy cafes
• Craft Street: Suwon’s version of Insadong, featuring unique shops and eateries
• Paldalmun Market: Visit the traditional market near Paldalmun Gate for a complete Suwon experience

Visitor Information

• Address: 825 Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do1
• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Admission Fees:
  • Adults: ₩1,500
  • Military personnel and teenagers: ₩1,000
  • Elementary school students: ₩700
• Note: Admission is free if you’re wearing hanbok

Hwaseong Haenggung offers a perfect blend of historical significance and Instagram-worthy backdrops. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a photography lover, this palace provides an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of traditional Korean culture.

Gangneung

• Beautiful beaches
• Traditional Hanok villages
• Relaxing atmosphere

Jeonju

• Famous Hanok Village
• Traditional Korean cuisine
• Cultural experiences

Gyeongju

• Historical sites and UNESCO World Heritage locations
• Beautiful natural landscapes
• Ideal for family trips

Busan

• Popular beaches like Haeundae and Gwangalli
• Vibrant city atmosphere
• Diverse culinary experiences

Additional Seollal Events

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

Running from January 11th to February 2nd, 2025, this festival offers winter activities like ice fishing and sledding.

Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival

Scheduled for February 7-16, 2025, visitors can enjoy snow sculptures and winter sports.

Planning Your Seollal Holiday

When planning your Seollal activities, keep in mind that many businesses may be closed during the holiday period. However, major attractions, shopping centers, and restaurants in tourist areas often remain open. It’s advisable to book accommodations and transportation in advance, as prices tend to increase and availability becomes limited during this peak travel season.

Seollal offers a unique opportunity to experience Korean culture at its most traditional and festive. Whether you choose to participate in local events in Seoul or explore other parts of Korea, the Lunar New Year period promises a rich cultural experience filled with delicious food, engaging activities, and warm family gatherings.

Check Out Korean Lunar New Year Food! : Korean Lunar New Year Food

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