Event: Seollal - Korean Lunar New Year Celebration

Seollal, one of South Korea's most significant holidays, honors the first day of the Korean lunar calendar.

Families gather during Lunar New Year to share meals, perform rituals, and enjoy traditional games and customs.

Children show respect by bowing to elders and receiving gifts of money. This guide offers detailed insights into Seollal festivities and the 2023 schedule.

Understanding Seollal

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Traditionally, families across Korea gather at the eldest male relative’s home to honor their ancestors through the charye ritual. Women prepare the ceremonial food, while men serve it, and both partake in the eumbok ceremony by eating the offerings to receive ancestral blessings for the year ahead.

Also read: Travel Itinerary & Budget for 14 Days, 13 Nights in South Korea

Activities to Enjoy During Seollal

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Players accumulate points each time they say "Go," and then they trade a small amount of money based on their total points. These brief games typically last no longer than 15 minutes and serve as an excellent way to unwind and have some fun. There's a popular belief that those who shout during card games can enhance their luck.

In contrast, Yut Nori is an ancient game predating Go-Stop, allowing for any number of participants. Players aim to reach the finish line by throwing four marked sticks, which dictate their movement across the board.

Yut Nori is typically played as a "first to achieve three victories" game, but participants can modify the rules. The winning amounts, number of players, and any special rules are entirely at the discretion of those playing.

Seollal Celebration Time and Venue

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Seollal is a period dedicated to honoring ancestors, reuniting with family, enjoying delicious food, and celebrating together. The festivities generally extend over three days. Like many traditional Asian celebrations, Seollal is based on the lunar calendar.

Seollal typically occurs on the first day of the lunar calendar. In terms of the Gregorian calendar, this celebration usually happens towards the end of January or the beginning of February. This year, Seollal was celebrated from January 21 to January 23.

To partake in the Seollal celebrations, plan your journey to South Korea with Mytour. You can conveniently book flights and accommodations at any time, from anywhere.