Seollal (Lunar New Year) Description
Seollal (설날), the Korean Lunar New Year, is one of the two most important traditional holidays in South Korea. In 2026, Seollal falls on Monday, February 16th, with the holiday period spanning February 16-18 (Monday through Wednesday), creating a three-day public holiday. It is a deeply family-centered celebration where Koreans perform charye (ancestral rites), wear hanbok (traditional clothing), eat tteokguk (rice cake soup — eating a bowl symbolizes turning one year older), and play traditional folk games such as yutnori. Younger family members perform sebae (a deep formal bow) to elders and receive sebaetdon (New Year's money) in return. The holiday triggers the largest annual migration in South Korea, with millions traveling to their hometowns — KTX train tickets and express bus reservations sell out weeks in advance, and highways experience severe congestion with journey times often doubling. Government offices, banks, schools, and most businesses close. Major tourist attractions remain open but may have adjusted hours. Department stores and large supermarkets usually close on Seollal day itself but open on adjacent days.
