Lunar New Year 2024 Korea

Lunar New Year, also known as Seollal, is the grandest and most important traditional holiday in Korea. It is based on the lunar calendar, which differs from the solar calendar used by most Western countries. In 2024, Lunar New Year in Korea will begin on Monday, February 11, and the festivities will continue until Wednesday, February 13.

During Lunar New Year, Korean families come together to celebrate the coming of spring and honor their ancestors. The holiday is marked by a number of traditional customs and activities, including wearing traditional clothing, eating special foods, and playing traditional games.

In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the Lunar New Year 2024 holiday in Korea, including information on the dates and festivities, as well as tips for planning your trip to Korea during this special time.

Lunar New Year 2024 Korea

Lunar New Year is a major holiday in Korea, celebrated with a variety of traditional customs and activities.

• Dates: February 11-13, 2024
• Family gatherings
• Traditional clothing
• Special foods
• Ancestral rites
• Traditional games
• Fireworks

Lunar New Year is a time for Koreans to come together and celebrate the coming of spring and honor their ancestors. It is a vibrant and colorful holiday, filled with joy and laughter.

Dates: February 11-13, 2024

Lunar New Year is a three-day holiday in Korea, beginning on the first day of the lunar calendar and ending on the third day. In 2024, Lunar New Year will begin on Monday, February 11, and end on Wednesday, February 13.

• Day 1: Seollal (설날)

  The first day of Lunar New Year is called Seollal. On this day, Koreans typically visit their elders and pay their respects to their ancestors. They also eat traditional foods, such as tteokguk (rice cake soup) and samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly).

• Day 2: Chuseok (추석)

  The second day of Lunar New Year is called Chuseok. On this day, Koreans typically visit their relatives and friends. They also play traditional games, such as yut nori (a board game) and jegi chagi (a kicking shuttlecock game).

• Day 3: Sam il (삼일)

  The third and final day of Lunar New Year is called Sam il. On this day, Koreans typically relax and enjoy the rest of their holiday. They may also visit temples or go for walks in nature.

• Public holidays

  The first three days of Lunar New Year are public holidays in Korea. This means that most businesses and schools are closed during this time.

Lunar New Year is a time for Koreans to come together and celebrate the coming of spring and honor their ancestors. It is a vibrant and colorful holiday, filled with joy and laughter.

Family gatherings

Family gatherings are an important part of Lunar New Year celebrations in Korea. On the first day of the holiday, Koreans typically visit their elders and pay their respects to their ancestors. They also eat traditional foods together, such as tteokguk (rice cake soup) and samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly).

In the past, family gatherings during Lunar New Year were often held in the homes of the eldest family members. However, in recent years, it has become more common for families to gather at restaurants or other public venues. This is especially true for families who live in large cities, where space is often limited.

Regardless of where they are held, family gatherings during Lunar New Year are a time for Koreans to come together and strengthen their bonds. They are also a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the year ahead.

Here are some of the things that Koreans typically do during family gatherings on Lunar New Year:

• Exchange New Year’s greetings
• Eat traditional foods
• Play traditional games
• Give gifts to children
• Watch fireworks

Family gatherings during Lunar New Year are a time for Koreans to come together and celebrate the coming of spring and honor their ancestors. It is a vibrant and colorful holiday, filled with joy and laughter.

Traditional clothing

Traditional Korean clothing, known as hanbok, is often worn during Lunar New Year celebrations. Hanbok is a colorful and elegant garment that is made from silk or cotton. It consists of a jeogori (jacket) and a chima (skirt) for women, and a jeogori and baji (pants) for men.

• Women’s hanbok

  Women’s hanbok is typically brightly colored and decorated with intricate patterns. The jeogori is a short, fitted jacket that is tied closed at the waist. The chima is a long, flowing skirt that is gathered at the waist. Women’s hanbok is often worn with a variety of accessories, such as a norigae (decorative pendant) and a binyeo (hairpin).

• Men’s hanbok

  Men’s hanbok is typically more subdued in color than women’s hanbok. The jeogori is a long, loose jacket that is tied closed at the waist. The baji are wide-legged pants that are gathered at the ankles. Men’s hanbok is often worn with a gat (hat) and a sseugae (vest).

• Children’s hanbok

  Children’s hanbok is similar to adult hanbok, but it is often more colorful and playful. Children’s hanbok is often decorated with cartoon characters or other popular motifs.

• Modern hanbok

  In recent years, modern hanbok has become increasingly popular. Modern hanbok is a more contemporary take on traditional hanbok. It is often made from different materials, such as denim or leather, and it may incorporate modern design elements, such as zippers or buttons.

Wearing traditional clothing during Lunar New Year is a way for Koreans to connect with their culture and heritage. It is also a way to show respect for their ancestors and to celebrate the coming of spring.

Special foods

Special foods are an important part of Lunar New Year celebrations in Korea. Many of these foods have symbolic meanings and are believed to bring good luck and fortune in the coming year.

One of the most popular Lunar New Year foods is tteokguk (rice cake soup). Tteokguk is a clear broth made with beef or chicken, and it is topped with sliced rice cakes. Rice cakes are a symbol of long life, and eating tteokguk on Lunar New Year is said to bring good luck and longevity.

Another popular Lunar New Year food is samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly). Samgyeopsal is a thick cut of pork belly that is grilled and then wrapped in lettuce leaves and dipped in a spicy sauce. Pork is a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and eating samgyeopsal on Lunar New Year is said to bring good fortune in the coming year.

Other popular Lunar New Year foods include:

• Mandu (dumplings): Mandu are filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood, and they are boiled, steamed, or fried. Mandu are a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and they are often eaten on Lunar New Year to bring good fortune.
• Jeon (pancakes): Jeon are made with a variety of ingredients, such as seafood, vegetables, or meat. They are pan-fried and served with a dipping sauce. Jeon are a symbol of good luck and fortune, and they are often eaten on Lunar New Year to bring happiness and prosperity.
• Yakgwa (honey cookies): Yakgwa are sweet cookies that are made with honey, flour, and sesame oil. They are shaped like flowers or other auspicious symbols, and they are often eaten on Lunar New Year to bring good luck and fortune.

Eating special foods on Lunar New Year is a way for Koreans to celebrate the coming of spring and to bring good luck and fortune in the coming year.

Ancestral rites

Ancestral rites are an important part of Lunar New Year celebrations in Korea. These rites are a way to pay respect to one’s ancestors and to ask for their blessings in the coming year.

• Cha禮

  Cha禮 is the main ancestral rite performed during Lunar New Year. It is typically held on the morning of the first day of the holiday. Cha禮 involves setting up a table with offerings of food and drink for one’s ancestors. The offerings are then bowed to and prayed over.

• Seongmyo省墓

  Seongmyo is a ritual visit to the graves of one’s ancestors. It is typically performed on the second or third day of Lunar New Year. Seongmyo involves cleaning the graves and offering food and drink to the deceased.

• Munmyo釋奠

  Munmyo is a rite performed at Confucian shrines to honor Confucius and other Confucian scholars. It is typically performed on the second or third day of Lunar New Year. Munmyo involves offering food and drink to the spirits of Confucius and the other scholars.

• Dongje祭天

  Dongje is a rite performed to honor the god of heaven. It is typically performed on the second or third day of Lunar New Year. Dongje involves offering food and drink to the god of heaven and praying for good weather and a bountiful harvest.

Ancestral rites are a way for Koreans to connect with their past and to honor their ancestors. They are also a way to ask for blessings and protection in the coming year.

Traditional games

Traditional games are a popular way to celebrate Lunar New Year in Korea. Many of these games are centuries old, and they are a fun way to connect with Korean culture and heritage.

One of the most popular Lunar New Year games is yut nori (윷놀이). Yut nori is a board game that is played with four sticks. The sticks are thrown into the air, and the number of sticks that land upright determines how many spaces a player’s piece can move. Yut nori is a simple game to learn, but it can be very exciting to play.

Another popular Lunar New Year game is jegi chagi (제기차기). Jegi chagi is a kicking shuttlecock game that is played with a shuttlecock made of feathers and a long string. The object of the game is to keep the shuttlecock in the air as long as possible by kicking it with one’s foot.

Other popular Lunar New Year games include:

• Tuho (투호): Tuho is a game that is played with arrows and a target. The object of the game is to throw the arrows into the target from a distance.
• Ggonggi (공기): Ggonggi is a game that is played with small stones. The object of the game is to toss the stones into the air and catch them on the back of one’s hand.
• Neolttwigi (널뛰기): Neolttwigi is a game that is played with a long rope. The object of the game is to jump over the rope without touching it.

Playing traditional games on Lunar New Year is a way for Koreans to celebrate the coming of spring and to have fun with their family and friends.

Fireworks

Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate Lunar New Year in Korea. Fireworks are believed to scare away evil spirits and to bring good luck in the coming year.

• Public fireworks displays

  Public fireworks displays are held in many cities and towns across Korea on Lunar New Year’s Eve. These displays are typically large and impressive, and they draw large crowds of people.

• Private fireworks

  In addition to public fireworks displays, many Koreans also set off their own private fireworks on Lunar New Year’s Eve. Private fireworks are typically smaller and less powerful than public fireworks, but they can still be very enjoyable.

• Fireworks safety

  It is important to remember that fireworks can be dangerous if they are not used properly. Always follow the safety instructions on the fireworks packaging, and never point fireworks at people or animals.

• Fireworks etiquette

  When setting off fireworks, it is important to be respectful of your neighbors. Do not set off fireworks too late at night, and be sure to clean up any debris after you are finished.

Fireworks are a beautiful and exciting way to celebrate Lunar New Year in Korea. However, it is important to use them safely and responsibly.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Lunar New Year 2024 in Korea:

Question 1: When is Lunar New Year 2024 in Korea?
Answer 1: Lunar New Year 2024 in Korea will begin on Monday, February 11, and end on Wednesday, February 13.

Question 2: What are some of the most popular things to do during Lunar New Year in Korea?
Answer 2: Some of the most popular things to do during Lunar New Year in Korea include visiting family and friends, eating special foods, playing traditional games, and watching fireworks.

Question 3: What are some of the most popular Lunar New Year foods in Korea?
Answer 3: Some of the most popular Lunar New Year foods in Korea include tteokguk (rice cake soup), samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), mandu (dumplings), jeon (pancakes), and yakgwa (honey cookies).

Question 4: What are some of the most popular traditional games played during Lunar New Year in Korea?
Answer 4: Some of the most popular traditional games played during Lunar New Year in Korea include yut nori (a board game played with sticks), jegi chagi (a kicking shuttlecock game), tuho (a game played with arrows and a target), ggonggi (a game played with small stones), and neolttwigi (a game played with a long rope).

Question 5: Are there any special fireworks displays during Lunar New Year in Korea?
Answer 5: Yes, there are many special fireworks displays held in cities and towns across Korea during Lunar New Year. These displays are typically large and impressive, and they draw large crowds of people.

Question 6: What are some tips for celebrating Lunar New Year in Korea?
Answer 6: Here are some tips for celebrating Lunar New Year in Korea:

• Book your accommodation and transportation in advance, as Lunar New Year is a popular travel time.
• Be prepared for large crowds, especially at popular tourist destinations.
• Make sure to try some of the delicious Lunar New Year foods.
• Learn a few basic Korean phrases to help you get around.
• Be respectful of Korean customs and traditions.

We hope this FAQ has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

In addition to the FAQ, here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Korea during Lunar New Year:

Tips

Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Korea during Lunar New Year:

Book your accommodation and transportation in advance. Lunar New Year is a popular travel time in Korea, so it is important to book your accommodation and transportation in advance. This will help you to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Be prepared for large crowds. Lunar New Year is a time for family gatherings and celebrations, so be prepared for large crowds, especially at popular tourist destinations. If you are traveling during this time, be sure to allow yourself extra time to get around.

Make sure to try some of the delicious Lunar New Year foods. Lunar New Year is a time to indulge in some of Korea’s most delicious foods. Be sure to try some of the traditional dishes, such as tteokguk (rice cake soup), samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), and mandu (dumplings).

Learn a few basic Korean phrases. Learning a few basic Korean phrases will help you to get around and communicate with locals. Some useful phrases to know include “Hello” (안녕하세요), “Thank you” (감사합니다), and “Excuse me” (실례합니다).

We hope these tips have been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

Lunar New Year is a vibrant and colorful holiday, and it is a great time to experience Korean culture. By following these tips, you can make the most of your trip to Korea during this special time of year.

Conclusion

Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in Korea, and it is a time for family gatherings, special foods, and traditional games. It is also a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the year ahead.

In this article, we have provided an overview of the Lunar New Year 2024 holiday in Korea, including information on the dates, festivities, and tips for planning your trip. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you have a wonderful time celebrating Lunar New Year in Korea.