The Tradition of Seollal (설날)
In South Korea, the Lunar New Year is one of the most significant holidays. It is known as Seollal (설날) in Korean which is a festival and national holiday commemorating the first day of the Korean Lunar Calendar. On the western calendar, it usually occurs at the end of January or the start of February.
While the Lunar New Year is observed in many Asian nations, each one celebrates the occasion in a unique fashion. The Lunar New Year in Korea has its own special traditions and customs and it usually lasts several days.
Seollal (설날) is characterized by the reunion of family members [from within and outside Korea], the performance of Korean rites, the consumption of traditional foods, the participation in folk games, and other customary activities. The most popular dish for seollal is called ddeokguk, or rice cake soup. Koreans literally mark themselves a year older and wiser by eating this soup during the Seollal festivities. In South Korea, age is counted from the first day of the lunar year rather than specific birthdays.
During this period, roads will be extremely congested, and tickets for trains, buses, and airplanes will either be impossible to purchase or excessively expensive.
세배 (sebae) is the most important of all the Korean Lunar New Year traditions. Sebae is the practice of bending profoundly to the earth while kneeling down and placing your hands on the floor. Dressed in traditional clothing, younger ones wish their elders a happy new year by performing a deep traditional bow (rites with more than one bow involved are typically for the deceased).
THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT DURING SEOLLAL (설날)
A visit to designated heritage places
At this time of the year, historic palaces in Seoul are a must-see. That's because they frequently organize unique traditional shows during this period. With so many fun places to visit, you can find something that fits your budget and interests. Some traditional/historic places to visit in south Korea are:
· Gyeongbokgung Palace
· Seoul Tower
· National Museum of Korea
· Bukchon Hanok Village
· Bulguksa
· War Memorial of Korea
· Gyeongju-si
Whether you are traveling within or outside of Korea, adequate planning is required to ensure that the location you intend to visit is open before you travel.
Visit traditional markets:
This could be a fantastic time to try the delightful traditional cuisine available at Korean markets. Shopping for seollal is an enjoyable activity that you can do with your family and friends.
From traditional snacks to food ingredients, you can find everything you need to make your festivities special. So, grab your loved ones and head out on a shopping spree!
Enjoy quality time with family and friends
Not only is it a great way to bond with them, but it also helps you spend quality time together. Going outside and exploring nature is an amazing way to spend quality time with friends and family while also recharging your mind and body.
Get Fit with Traditional Korean Exercise & Games to Boost Energy Levels
Traditional Korean exercise and games are a great way to boost your energy levels and get fit. Not only can they help you lose weight, but they can also help you build strength, improve flexibility, and increase your overall health. Plus, playing traditional Korean games is a fun way to get active with friends or family. With the right approach and dedication, you can use these exercises and games to stay healthy and fit! Try some of these: Yutnori, Ssireum, Neolttwigi, Tuho, Hitting Tombstone and Jegichagi.
Learning a New Skill or Hobby
Learning a new skill or hobby is a great way to improve your knowledge and develop yourself. It can help you gain new skills and experiences that can help you in your career or personal life. It can also be a fun way to spend your holiday time, explore something new, and make friends with people who share the same interest. With the right tools and resources, learning a new skill or hobby can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. So why not make use of them and give yourself an edge?
Keep Your Place Clean and Organized
Lastly, whatever activities you might be engaging in during this period, remember to keep your house clean and organized so that you can return to a relaxing environment after the extended holidays. You will be surprised how much coming to a clean home boosts your productivity for resuming your daily routine.
It is best to clean up before the holiday season, but if you are already too tired to do your own chores, don't forget that Seoul House Cleaning is the right plug for all your cleaning needs! We will help you to make your home as refreshing as the holidays and lift off your stress.
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