Lunar New Year, known as Seollal (설날) in Korea, is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in the country. It’s a time for family gatherings, paying respects to ancestors, and preparing for a prosperous year ahead. While many Koreans leave Seoul to visit their hometowns during this time, the city offers a wealth of cultural events and experiences perfect for tourists. From traditional performances and rituals to modern festivals and activities, Seollal in Seoul provides a unique blend of the old and the new. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Korean traditions or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, here are the best events for tourists during the Lunar New Year in Seoul.
1. Lunar New Year Celebrations at Namsangol Hanok Village
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Namsangol Hanok Village is a living museum that recreates life in a traditional Korean village. Every Lunar New Year, the village hosts a variety of activities, performances, and cultural events that allow tourists to step back in time and experience the customs of Seollal.
Why Visit?
- Rituals and Ceremonies: One of the most important Seollal traditions is the Jesa (ancestral ritual), and Namsangol Hanok Village offers tourists the chance to witness or participate in a reenactment of this ceremony. It’s a solemn yet beautiful experience that gives insight into how Koreans pay respect to their ancestors during the holiday.
- Traditional Food Tasting: Seollal is known for special foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup), which symbolizes growing a year older. Many events at the village allow tourists to try these traditional dishes, providing a taste of Korea’s culinary traditions during the New Year.
- Hanbok Experience: Visitors can rent hanbok (traditional Korean attire) and wear it while exploring the village, making for great photo opportunities and a deeper immersion into Korean culture.
2. Folk Performances and Games at the National Folk Museum of Korea
During Seollal, the National Folk Museum of Korea, located in the Gyeongbokgung Palace complex, hosts a range of traditional Korean performances and activities. This is one of the best places for tourists to experience the cultural essence of the holiday while participating in time-honored games and rituals.
Why Visit?
- Traditional Performances: Watch performances of samulnori (Korean traditional percussion music), folk dances, and tightrope walking, all set against the backdrop of the palace. These performances showcase the vibrancy and energy of Korean culture.
- Hands-On Activities: Try your hand at yutnori, a traditional board game played during Seollal, or jegichagi, a shuttlecock-kicking game that children enjoy. The museum often provides free workshops for tourists to learn how to play these games.
- Cultural Exhibits: In addition to the holiday events, the museum’s permanent exhibits provide insights into Korean folk culture and history, making it a great place to learn about Korea’s traditions and heritage during the holiday season.
4. Seoul Namsan Gugakdang New Year Concert
If you’re a fan of traditional music, the Seoul Namsan Gugakdang, located on Namsan Mountain, hosts a special New Year concert that features gugak (Korean traditional music). The concert is a wonderful way to experience the artistry of Korea’s cultural heritage while celebrating the start of the Lunar New Year.
Why Visit?
- Authentic Traditional Music: The New Year concert highlights a range of gugak performances, including gayageum (a traditional zither-like string instrument) ensembles, samulnori, and pansori. The concert showcases the depth and beauty of Korean music.
- Unique Cultural Experience: For tourists looking to enjoy something beyond the typical tourist attractions, the New Year concert offers a unique chance to experience the traditional arts in an intimate and festive setting.
- Stunning Venue: The concert takes place in a traditional-style building on Namsan, providing a peaceful and scenic location to enjoy the performances, especially during the winter season when Namsan is dusted with snow.
5. Lunar New Year Shopping and Events at Myeongdong
While many shops and businesses close during Seollal, Myeongdong, Seoul’s bustling shopping district, remains lively. During the holiday season, Myeongdong features special sales and events that cater to both locals and tourists looking for a festive shopping experience.
Why Visit?
- Lunar New Year Sales: Many of the shops in Myeongdong offer holiday sales and promotions, making it an ideal time for tourists to shop for Korean skincare, cosmetics, fashion, and souvenirs at discounted prices.
- Street Food and Performances: The streets of Myeongdong are lined with food stalls offering delicious Korean street food, and during Seollal, there are often special performances and events organized by local businesses to add to the festive atmosphere.
- New Year Lucky Bags: A common tradition during Seollal is the sale of lucky bags (bokjumeoni) filled with surprise items. These bags are available at various stores in Myeongdong, giving tourists a fun and traditional way to celebrate the New Year.
5. Royal Palace Seollal Events at Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces
The royal palaces of Seoul, particularly Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, hold special Seollal events that combine the grandeur of Korea’s royal history with the charm of traditional festivities. The palaces are open to visitors during the Lunar New Year, and they often host special performances and ceremonies that reflect royal traditions.
Why Visit?
- Royal Ceremonial Reenactments: Witness reenactments of royal Seollal ceremonies, where performers dressed in historical costumes recreate the New Year rituals of the Joseon Dynasty. These events offer a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s royal past.
- Traditional Korean Music and Dance: During Seollal, the palaces often host performances of gukak (traditional Korean music) and pansori (a form of narrative singing). These performances, set against the majestic backdrop of the palaces, create a memorable cultural experience.
- Free Hanbok Admission: Tourists who rent and wear hanbok can often gain free admission to the palaces, adding to the festive atmosphere as many visitors dress in traditional clothing to celebrate the holiday.
6. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Lunar New Year Festivities
While Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is primarily known for its modern architecture and design exhibitions, it also hosts special cultural events during Seollal. These events blend contemporary Seoul with traditional New Year customs, offering a unique experience for tourists.
Why Visit?
- Cultural Performances: DDP often hosts traditional music and dance performances during Seollal, providing a contrast to the ultra-modern surroundings of the plaza. These performances reflect the blending of old and new that defines Seoul.
- Interactive Exhibits: In addition to performances, DDP frequently features interactive art installations and exhibitions during the New Year. Visitors can explore cutting-edge Korean design while enjoying the holiday festivities.
- Seollal-Themed Workshops: DDP offers craft workshops where tourists can make traditional New Year items like bokjumeoni (lucky pouches) and kites, which are part of Seollal celebrations in Korea.
7. Jogyesa Temple Lunar New Year Events
For a more spiritual experience, tourists can visit Jogyesa Temple during Seollal. As one of the most important Buddhist temples in Seoul, Jogyesa hosts special New Year ceremonies that offer a peaceful and reflective way to celebrate the holiday.
Why Visit?
- Temple Ceremonies: During Seollal, Jogyesa Temple holds special prayer ceremonies for peace, health, and prosperity in the new year. Tourists are welcome to join these ceremonies, which offer a serene and meaningful way to start the year.
- Temple Stay Programs: Some temples, including Jogyesa, offer Temple Stay programs during Seollal, where visitors can spend the night at the temple, participate in Buddhist rituals, and meditate. This is a unique opportunity for tourists to experience the spiritual side of Korean culture.
- Lantern Displays: Jogyesa is famous for its beautiful lantern displays, and during Seollal, the temple grounds are decorated with colorful lanterns that symbolize hope and blessings for the new year.
8. Han River Cruises with Seollal Themes
While the Han River cruises are a popular tourist activity throughout the year, during Seollal, the cruises take on a festive twist. Special holiday-themed cruises offer tourists a scenic and celebratory way to enjoy Seoul’s skyline while embracing the Lunar New Year spirit.
Why Visit?
- Festive Atmosphere: The cruises often include traditional Korean music performances, cultural shows, and special Seollal decorations, making it a festive and relaxing way to spend the holiday.
- Spectacular Views: As you cruise along the Han River, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Seoul’s landmarks, such as Namsan Tower, 63 Building, and the Han River bridges. During the winter months, the crisp air and sparkling city lights create a magical ambiance.
- Holiday Meals: Some Seollal cruises offer special holiday meals featuring Korean New Year dishes, such as tteokguk and galbi (grilled ribs), allowing tourists to indulge in traditional flavors while enjoying the cruise.
9. Seoul’s Major Parks and Outdoor Festivals
Many of Seoul’s major parks, such as Seoul Forest and Olympic Park, host outdoor events and activities during Seollal. These parks offer a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle while providing festive experiences for visitors of all ages.
Why Visit?
- Holiday Picnics: During Seollal, families often gather in parks to enjoy picnics and outdoor games. Tourists can join in the fun by visiting these parks and participating in the festivities, which include kite flying, jegichagi, and more.
- Winter Scenery: Seoul’s parks are especially beautiful during the winter months, with snow-covered landscapes providing a serene backdrop for holiday activities.
- Festive Decor: Parks like Seoul Forest and Olympic Park are often decorated with Seollal-themed lanterns and lights, creating a cheerful and festive atmosphere for visitors.
10. Seollal Traditions at Korean Folk Village
Located in Yongin, just outside of Seoul, the Korean Folk Village is a popular tourist destination year-round, but it becomes especially lively during Seollal. The village offers a comprehensive look at Korean folk culture and traditions, with special Lunar New Year activities that immerse visitors in the customs of rural Korea.
Why Visit?
- Traditional Performances: The folk village is famous for its daily performances of traditional Korean music, dance, and acrobatics, but during Seollal, these shows take on a holiday theme. Tourists can watch reenactments of holiday rituals, as well as performances of nongak (farmers’ music) and tightrope walking.
- Folk Games and Activities: Try your hand at traditional Korean games like tuho (throwing arrows into a jar), yutnori, and neolttwigi (seesaw jumping). These games are fun for all ages and provide a hands-on way to experience Korean culture during the holiday.
- Cultural Immersion: The folk village offers a complete immersion into traditional Korean life, with historical buildings, craft workshops, and opportunities to see artisans at work. It’s a great place to learn about Korea’s past while celebrating the New Year.
Final Thoughts
Seollal in Seoul offers a wealth of cultural experiences for tourists, from traditional games and performances to spiritual ceremonies and modern festivities. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Korean heritage or simply enjoy the festive spirit, Seoul has something to offer every traveler during the Lunar New Year.
