The Korean New Year, called Seollal (설날), is one of the biggest celebrations in Korean culture, full of festive traditions and heartfelt greetings. In this guide, we’ll explore popular Korean New Year greetings, cultural customs, traditional foods, vocabulary, and tips to celebrate it.
Let’s get straight to it!
How To Say ‘Happy New Year’ In Korean?
Celebrations aren’t complete without warm greetings. Here are some ways to say Happy New Year in Korean, depending on the level of formality.
Happy New Year In Formal Korean (For Elders & Business Settings)
Korean culture is quite strict when it comes to politeness levels, so when addressing elders or superiors, you must use formal language. In such situations, you say:
Happy New Year – Saehae Bok Mani Badeusipsio (새해 복 많이 받으십시오)
- 새해 = new year
- 복 = luck
- 많이 = many
- 받으십시오 = please receive (formal)
This expression is appropriate for both written cards and spoken greetings. It reflects the cultural importance of wishing others good fortune, as the Korean New Year symbolizes a fresh start and new opportunities.
Happy New Year In Standard Korean
The standard Korean is used in most situations. This form of Korean is neither too formal nor too informal. You’ll notice that Koreans add the word yo(요) in the end to make it sound polite.
1. Happy New Year – Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo
2. Have a Happy New Year-Haengbokan Saehae Doeseyo (행복한 새해 되세요)
Wishing someone happiness is a nice thing to do. We all want to be happy in our lives. Because of our struggles, some people hope the next year will be different from the previous year. It is an opportunity for them to reimagine their lives.
Informal Korean New Year Greetings
The informal form of the Korean language is only used for people who are close to you, like your friends, boyfriends, or girlfriends. This is similar to formal and standard greetings but without honorifics.
3. Happy New Year – Saehae Bok Mani Bada (새해 복 많이 받아)
Sometimes, people in a relationship, especially those who just started, prefer to be polite with each other. Informal language should not be used in formal situations, especially when you’re talking to elders.
Other Korean New Year Greetings!
After learning the Korean New Year greetings, there are also holiday greetings that you can use. You can add it after the Korean New Year greetings that you have learned above to make it sound more sincere. So, here are other Korean New Year greetings that you can consider.
- Enjoy the Holidays – Hyuil Jal Jeulgiseyo! (휴일 잘 즐기세요!)
- Happy Holidays – Haengbokan Hyuil Bonaeseyo! (행복한 휴일 보내세요!)
- See You Next Year – Naenyeone Boepkketsseumnida! (내년에 뵙겠습니다!)
- Have a Great Winter Vacation – Gyeoul Hyuga Jal Bonaeseyo! (겨울 휴가 잘 보내세요!)
What Are The Main New Year Traditions In Korea?
First things first, we should know that Koreans celebrate two new years based on the Lunar and Solar Calendars. The first is Sinjeong (신정), the Korean Solar New Year, and the second is Seollal (설날), the Korean Lunar New Year.
The Korean Solar New Year – Sinjeong (신정) is not as important as Seollal (설날), but families and close friends still gather on New Year’s Eve to welcome the year. Many attend the traditional Bell Ceremony – Boshingak Tajong Haengsa (보신각타종행사) at Bosingak – Bosingak (보신각) in Seoul. The bell has historical significance from the Joseon Dynasty – Joseon Sidae (조선시대), but today a replica is used to preserve the original.
Korean Lunar New Year Traditions
Now let’s dive into the most important Korean New Year:
- Seollal (설날) has been celebrated since 488 in the Silla Kingdom. The holiday lasts three days: the day before for preparation, the main day, and the day after.
- Family gatherings- Gajok Chajeom (가족 차점) are the central focus during this holiday, which is why many Koreans travel home, causing heavy traffic.
- Ancestral rituals – Charye (차례) are also important during the Lunar New Year. Koreans pay their respects to ancestors by setting food in front of their pictures, names, or tablets, and bowing deeply. This ritual shows reverence for their family heritage.
What Traditional Foods Are Served During The Korean New Year?
No Korean New Year celebration is complete without the delicious traditional foods that symbolize luck, health, and prosperity. Let’s explore the must-try dishes you’ll encounter during Seollal:
- Rice Cake Soup – Tteokguk (떡국)
On Seollal, everyone traditionally ages by one year after eating a bowl of Tteokguk (떡국), a soup made with disc-shaped rice cakes in a savory broth. - Dumpling Soup – Manduguk (만두국)
Manduguk (만두국) is a delicious soup made with homemade mandu (Korean dumplings), offering a heartier alternative to Tteokguk. - Korean Pancakes – Jeon (전)
These are savory Korean pancakes. Varieties served during New Year’s include kimchi jeon, buchujeon (garlic chive), and saengseon jeon (fish). - Glass Noodles – Japchae (잡채)
Korean glass noodles, stir-fried with vegetables and sometimes meat, are a flavorful and light dish served at most special occasions. - Braised Short Ribs – Galbi-jjim (갈비찜)
This is a popular dish of braised beef short ribs, traditionally served on holidays like Seollal (설날), Chuseok, or family celebrations. - Cinnamon Punch – SuJeongGwa (수정과)
SuJeongGwa (수정과) is a traditional Korean cinnamon punch often served during festive holidays. It aids digestion and is typically enjoyed after a heavy meal. - Rice Punch – Sikhye (식혜)
A sweet fermented rice drink served during festive holidays as a traditional dessert or refreshing beverage.
Korean Words And Phrases Related To The Korean New Year
Let’s learn more words and phrases related to the Korean New Year.
| English | Hangul | Romanization | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 새해 첫날 | Saehae Cheonnal | |
| New Year’s Eve | 섣달 그믐 | Seotdal Geumeum | |
| New Year’s Meal | 구정 음식 | Gujeong Eumsik | |
| New Year’s Holiday | 연말 연시 | Yeonmal Yeonsi | |
| Year | 년 | Nyeon | |
| Midnight | 자정 | Jajeong | |
| Party | 파티 | Pati | |
| Fireworks | 불꽃놀이 | Bulkkotnori | |
| Countdown | 카운트 다운 | Kaunteu Daun | |
| Toast | 건배 | Geonbae | |
| Champagne | 샴페인 | Syampein | |
| Resolution | 새해소원 | Saehaesowon | |
| Parade | 퍼레이드 | Peoreideu |
Tips For Making The Most Of Your Korean New Year
Want to enjoy the Korean New Year like a local? Here are some simple tips to help you celebrate with friends and family while showing respect for traditions:
- Practice greetings ahead of time: Impress elders and friends by confidently saying phrases like Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo (새해 복 많이 받으세요).
- Learn basic New Year phrases: Small talk goes a long way! Knowing a few polite expressions can make your interactions smooth and friendly.
- Try traditional dishes: Whether at home or in a restaurant, tasting Tteokguk (떡국), Jeon (전), or Sikhye (식혜) makes the celebration even more special.
- Respect age hierarchy: If visiting Korean friends or family, perform the Sebae (세배) to honor elders and share heartfelt New Year wishes.
FAQs About The Korean New Year
What’s The Difference Between Seollal And Sinjeong?
Seollal (설날) is the Lunar New Year, and Sinjeong (신정) is the Solar New Year, celebrated on January 1st.
Should I Visit Korea During The Korean New Year?
Absolutely! Visiting during Seollal – Korean Lunar New Year is a great experience, full of traditional rituals and delicious food. Just keep in mind that many businesses close for the holiday, and travel can get busy as locals return to their hometowns.
Are Seollal And The Chinese New Year The Same?
Not exactly. Both are based on the lunar calendar and share some customs like family gatherings and food traditions. However, Seollal has its own unique Korean rituals.
Final Thoughts On The Korean New Year
The Korean New Year is a celebration full of meaningful traditions, delicious foods, and heartfelt greetings. Traditions like performing Sebae (세배) to elders, enjoying a bowl of Tteokguk (떡국), and sharing warm wishes like Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo (새해 복 많이 받으세요), there’s so much to experience and enjoy. Whether you’re trying traditional dishes, learning Korean greetings, or exploring local customs, Seollal is the perfect opportunity to connect with Korean culture and celebrate new beginnings.
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