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Seollal is Korea’s biggest holiday and refers to January 1st on the lunar calendar. To Koreans, Seollal is just as important as January 1st is to the rest of the world. Traffic is always heavy during this time of the year, but for those who are eager to see their relatives, the congested roads are just a small obstacle.
Traditional folk games like Yutnori (throwing sticks) and traditional kite-flying, once considered as an essential part of Seollal celebrations, are rare sights to come by in this day and age, especially in a big metropolitan city like Seoul. But, one thing that won’t change as the generations pass by are the intimate times spent together with family and friends. And we can’t forget about rice cake soup. In a nutshell, rice cake soup is made of broth that has been stewed with beef leg bone and brisket for a long time with tube-shaped rice cakes, green onions, and eggs. Per custom, young children also wear Hanbok and wish their elders a Happy New Year and receive pocket money in return. During these few precious days, staying in Seoul might prove to be a better way to spend time. Check out our tips below on where to go for a memorable Lunar New Year in Seoul.
To truly get in the traditional spirit, celebrate Seollal in the palaces of Seoul or the Namsangol Hanok Village. Located at the foot of Namsan is the Namsangol Hanok Village, where 5 traditional Korean houses have been restored. Take a peek into the traditional way of life. Namsan Seoul Tower towering in the background adds to this cool experience. As part of the festivities, a diversity of programs will be available during the long holiday. On the actual day of Seolnal (Monday, February 8), visitors will be offered a chance to try rice cake soup. Visitors can also register on-site for other experiences involving Korean traditional percussions, folk song, folk games, and more. At Gyeongbokgung palace from February 7-9, there will be a chance to participate in a “traditional ondol and a deep traditional bow” experience. At Deoksugung palace, there will be traditional Korean games such as yutnori (board game), traditional hacky sack, and tuho (throwing sticks). At Unhyeongung Palace, look forward to a drum performance and samulnori. Also experience the monkey character performance and make small traditional bags.
Museums can come across as stiff and formal places, but your perception might change this holiday season as there are plenty of events planned. The National Museum of Korea will be hosting a performance by a female Palsande group, an exhibition on porcelain from the Goryeo era, and more. There is also a chance to hear about relics in greater detail through the relic story program. The National Folk Museum of Korea offers a diversity of fun experiences pertaining to the year of the monkey, special performances, and folk play. Check out traditional trays inscribed with the symbol of the monkey, monkey masks, and try your hand at making clay monkeys. The Seoul Museum of History will be having a North Korean Folk Performance by the “Pyeongyang Art Troupe” as well as a performance by “World Beat Vinari” composed of percussion and instrumental music. Not only the performances will be available, but also there will be a chance to experience Neoltwigi (a traditional see-saw game for girls), Tuho, Yutnori, a game of slap-match, and a game of traditional hacky sack. But, wait, there’s more. Try traditional Korean food as well such as rice puffs, tube-shaped rice cakes, and roasted sweet potato. A special area will also be set aside for practicing calligraphy and writing wishes.