Lunar New Year Holiday 2026
Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year, is one of the country’s most important traditional holidays and will be observed from February 16 to February 18, 2026, with Seollal falling on February 17. During this national public holiday, most offices, schools, and government institutions close as families gather to honor their ancestors and celebrate together. The holiday centers on ancestral rites (Charye), the traditional New Year’s bow (Sebae), and sharing symbolic foods such as tteokguk (rice cake soup), which represents gaining a year in age. For visitors, it is a meaningful time to experience authentic Korean culture, though advance travel planning is recommended due to high demand and temporary business closures.
What is Seollal?
Seollal marks the first day of the lunar calendar year. It is a time for:
- Family reunions
- Paying respect to ancestors through traditional rituals (Charye)
- Sharing traditional meals
- Giving blessings and well wishes for the new year
It is similar in importance to Christmas or Thanksgiving in Western countries.
Traditional Customs
1) Ancestral Ritual (Charye)
Families prepare a ceremonial table with traditional food and perform a ritual to honor their ancestors. This is a core cultural tradition reflecting Korea’s
Confucian heritage.
2) Sebae (New Year’s Bow)
Younger family members bow deeply to elders and say, “Saehae bok mani badeuseyo” (Receive lots of blessings in the New Year). In return, elders give
money gifts known as “Sebae Money.”
3. Traditional Food
The most symbolic dish is Tteokguk (rice cake soup). It is believed that eating tteokguk makes you one year older in Korean tradition.
Other common foods include:
Jeon
(savory pancakes)
Japchae
(glass noodle stir-fry)
Galbi
(braised ribs)
Travel Tips for Foreign Visitors
If you are visiting Korea during Lunar New Year 2026:
● Book train and bus tickets early
● Expect some restaurants to be closed
● Tourist attractions may have special holiday programs
● It’s a great time to experience authentic Korean culture
While daily life slows down, it is also one of the best times to see traditional clothing (Hanbok), folk games, and family-centered celebrations.
Why It Matters
Lunar New Year is not just a holiday—it reflects Korea’s deep cultural roots, respect for elders, and strong family values. For international visitors, it offers a unique opportunity to observe living traditions that have been preserved for centuries.
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