Seollal (설날) — the Korean Lunar New Year — is one of the most important traditional holidays in Korea, a time for family, ancestral rites, and special food. Because it follows the lunar calendar, the date varies; in 2026 it falls in mid-February. Here's the history and traditions.
See the Seollal holiday page for the exact date, or South Korea's holiday calendar.
What is Seollal?
Seollal marks the first day of the Korean lunar calendar. While Korea also celebrates 1 January, Seollal is the traditional New Year and culturally the more significant one — a three-day holiday centred on family reunion and honouring ancestors.
It shares its timing with the broader Lunar New Year celebrated across East Asia, though Korean customs are distinct.
Traditions of Seollal
- Charye (차례) — a formal ancestral memorial rite, with a table of carefully arranged food offered to ancestors.
- Sebae (세배) — younger family members make a deep formal bow to elders, who in return offer blessings and sebaetdon (money).
- Tteokguk (떡국) — a sliced rice-cake soup eaten on Seollal; eating it is said to add a year to your age.
- Wearing hanbok, the traditional dress, and playing folk games like yutnori.
Why the date changes each year
Because Seollal is set by the lunar calendar (the second new moon after the winter solstice), its Gregorian date shifts each year, usually falling between late January and mid-February. Check the holiday page for the exact date.
Quick answers
What is Seollal? The Korean Lunar New Year — a major three-day holiday for family reunion and ancestral rites.
What food is eaten at Seollal? Tteokguk, a rice-cake soup; eating it traditionally marks getting a year older.
What is sebae? A deep formal bow younger people make to elders, who give blessings and money in return.
When is Seollal 2026? It falls in mid-February 2026 — see the holiday page for the exact date.