Happy Lunar New Year Korean 2025
Lunar New Year, known as Seollal (설날) in Korea, is one of the most important traditional holidays in the country. It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming a prosperous new year. In 2025, Seollal falls on January 29, marking the beginning of the Year of the Dragon (용의 해, Yong-ui Hae), a zodiac sign associated with power, success, and wisdom.
If you want to learn more about how Koreans celebrate Seollal, traditional greetings, customs, and food, this blog will guide you through this exciting holiday!
1. What is Seollal (설날)? 🏮
Seollal is the Korean Lunar New Year, which follows the lunar calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar. While many countries like China and Vietnam celebrate Lunar New Year, Korea has its own distinct traditions that make Seollal unique.
Seollal is not just a one-day celebration—it usually lasts for three days, including the day before and after the official holiday. During this time, Koreans:
✔ Travel to their hometowns to be with family.
✔ Perform ancestral rites (차례, Charye) to honor deceased relatives.
✔ Wear traditional Korean hanbok (한복) for the occasion.
✔ Play folk games, eat special dishes, and give gifts.
It is a time of gratitude, respect, and new beginnings, deeply rooted in Confucian traditions and family values.
2. How to Say “Happy Lunar New Year” in Korean? 🇰🇷
If you want to wish someone a Happy Seollal, here are the best Korean greetings:
1. 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!)
🔹 Meaning: “Wishing you lots of blessings in the new year!”
🔹 Usage: This is the most common and polite way to say Happy New Year in Korean.
2. 설날 잘 보내세요! (Seollal jal bonaeseyo!)
🔹 Meaning: “Have a great Lunar New Year!”
🔹 Usage: This phrase is perfect for friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.
3. 건강하고 행복한 새해 되세요! (Geonganghago haengbokhan saehae doeseyo!)
🔹 Meaning: “Wishing you a healthy and happy new year!”
🔹 Usage: This is a warm and heartfelt greeting, great for family and elders.
4. 용의 해, 큰 행운이 가득하길 바랍니다! (Yong-ui hae, keun haengun-i gadeuk-hagil baramnida!)
🔹 Meaning: “Wishing you great luck in the Year of the Dragon!”
🔹 Usage: Since 2025 is the Year of the Dragon, this greeting is especially meaningful.
These greetings are perfect for writing in greeting cards, text messages, or saying in person!
3. Seollal Traditions & Customs in Korea 🎎
1. Charye (차례) – Ancestral Memorial Rites
One of the most important parts of Seollal is Charye, a ceremony where families honor their ancestors by preparing a special table of food. They offer rice, meat, fruits, and traditional dishes while bowing in respect. This ritual is believed to bring blessings and good fortune for the new year.
2. Sebae (세배) – New Year’s Bowing to Elders
Younger family members bow deeply to their elders as a sign of respect. In return, they receive words of wisdom and a special gift called “Sebaetdon” (세뱃돈), which is New Year’s pocket money. Kids and young adults look forward to this the most!
3. Playing Traditional Games
Seollal is a time for fun and entertainment, and some of the most popular Korean New Year games include:
🎲 Yutnori (윷놀이) – A traditional board game using wooden sticks instead of dice.
🪀 Jegichagi (제기차기) – A hacky sack-style game where players kick a small shuttlecock-like object to keep it in the air.
🎭 Talchum (탈춤) – A mask dance performed in some regions of Korea.
These games bring families together and add joy and excitement to the holiday.
4. What Do Koreans Eat on Seollal? 🍲🥟
Food is a huge part of Seollal, and families prepare special dishes to celebrate the new year. Some of the must-try foods include:
🍲 Tteokguk (떡국) – A warm rice cake soup that symbolizes good luck and a new start. Eating a bowl of tteokguk means you become one year older!
🥟 Mandu (만두) – Korean dumplings, often eaten in mandu-guk (dumpling soup).
🐟 Jeon (전) – Savory pancakes made with fish, meat, or vegetables, pan-fried to perfection.
🍚 Japchae (잡채) – Stir-fried glass noodles with beef and vegetables, a special dish for festive occasions.
🍎 Korean Fruits (과일) – Apples, pears, and tangerines are common symbolic gifts during Seollal.
Many of these dishes bring luck, health, and happiness for the year ahead!
5. How Koreans Celebrate Seollal in 2025 🎆🐉
Since 2025 is the Year of the Dragon, many Seollal celebrations will feature dragon themes, symbolizing strength, courage, and success. Some of the best places to experience Seollal traditions include:
✔ Namsangol Hanok Village (남산골한옥마을) – Traditional performances, games, and food stalls.
✔ Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) – Hanbok-wearing visitors get free entry and can enjoy special New Year rituals.
✔ Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌) – An immersive historical experience with Seollal performances.
Families will also watch Seollal TV specials, enjoy K-pop Seollal greetings, and send digital New Year messages to loved ones.
6. Wishing You a Happy Seollal 2025! 🎉🇰🇷
Seollal is a beautiful holiday that blends tradition, family, and fun. Whether you’re in Korea or celebrating from afar, you can embrace the spirit of Lunar New Year by:
✨ Wishing friends & family “새해 복 많이 받으세요!”
✨ Enjoying Korean Seollal food like Tteokguk & Mandu
✨ Learning about Korean zodiac signs & traditions
✨ Visiting Korea’s cultural sites during the New Year
As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, may 2025 bring you strength, prosperity, and happiness!
🐉 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!) 🎊
