Public Holidays in Korea, South for 2025

New Year’s Day Introduction

New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the year in the Gregorian calendar, which is widely used around the world. This festive occasion is not only a time for reflection on the past year but also a moment for setting resolutions and aspirations for the year ahead. Interestingly, ancient civilizations, such as the Babylonians, celebrated the new year during the vernal equinox in March, while the Romans later moved the date to January to honor Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions. Traditions vary globally; in Spain, it’s customary to eat twelve grapes at midnight for good luck, while in Japan, families often visit shrines to pray for prosperity. From fireworks lighting up the night sky to lively gatherings, New Year’s Day embodies hope, renewal, and a collective desire for personal and communal growth.

Seollal Holiday Introduction

Seollal, the Lunar New Year celebration in South Korea, is one of the country’s most significant and culturally rich holidays. Traditionally marking the arrival of spring, Seollal usually falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar. Families gather to honor their ancestors through a ritual called Charye, which involves preparing a feast of traditional foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup) and various side dishes. This holiday is not only a time for familial bonding but also for cultural reflection, as people engage in activities such as wearing hanbok (traditional clothing) and playing folk games like yutnori. An interesting aspect of Seollal is the practice of doljanchi, celebrated for a child’s first birthday, where families wish for prosperity and health for the coming years. With its deep-rooted customs and emphasis on respect for elders, Seollal embodies the spirit of unity and renewal, making it a vibrant and cherished occasion in South Korean society.

Seollal Holiday Introduction

Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, is one of South Korea’s most significant and cherished holidays, typically celebrated in late January or early February. This festive occasion marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is a time for families to come together, pay respects to ancestors, and celebrate new beginnings. Traditionally, families gather to perform a ritual called “charye,” where they prepare an elaborate feast featuring dishes like tteokguk (rice cake soup), believed to grant the consumer a year of age and prosperity. The holiday is also characterized by vibrant customs, including wearing hanbok (traditional clothing), playing folk games, and giving “sebae” (New Year’s bows) to elders in exchange for money or blessings. Seollal emphasizes the value of family ties, respect for tradition, and the hope for prosperity in the coming year, making it a deeply-rooted cultural celebration that resonates with the spirit of the Korean people.

Seollal Introduction

Seollal, also known as the Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant and cherished holidays in South Korea, marking the beginning of the lunar calendar. Celebrated on the first day of the lunar month, typically between late January and mid-February, Seollal brings families together for a time of reunion, remembrance, and renewal. The holiday is steeped in rich traditions, including the performance of “sebae,” a deep bow to elders, symbolizing respect and gratitude. Families honor their ancestors through a ritual called “charye,” offering food and drink on a ritual table. Popular foods enjoyed during Seollal include “tteokguk,” a savory rice cake soup that signifies the gaining of a year in age. Interestingly, Seollal’s festivities often last three days, allowing people to travel and spend quality time with loved ones. With its blend of cultural reverence and joyous celebration, Seollal serves as a vibrant reminder of South Korea’s rich heritage and communal values.

Seollal Holiday Introduction

Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant and vibrant holidays in South Korea, celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, usually falling between late January and mid-February. This holiday marks the beginning of a new year and is a time for families to come together to honor their ancestors, a practice known as “charye.” Unique traditions include wearing traditional attire called “hanbok,” performing ancestral rites, and enjoying special dishes like tteokguk (rice cake soup), which symbolizes the gaining of a year in age. Fun activities such as playing folk games, exchanging gifts, and visiting relatives enhance the festive spirit. Seollal is not just a celebration of the new year but also a time of reflection, gratitude, and cultural heritage, showcasing the rich customs that bind Korean families together.