Seollal in Seoul

 

What is Seollal?

Seollal is Korea’s biggest holiday and refers to January 1st on the lunar calendar. To Koreans, Seollal is just as important as January 1st is to the rest of the world. Traffic is always heavy during this time of the year, but for those who are eager to see their relatives, the congested roads are just a small obstacle.
Traditional folk games like Yutnori (throwing sticks) and traditional kite-flying, once considered as an essential part of Seollal celebrations, are rare sights to come by in this day and age, especially in a big metropolitan city like Seoul. But, one thing that won’t change as the generations pass by are the intimate times spent together with family and friends. And we can’t forget about rice cake soup. In a nutshell, rice cake soup is made of broth that has been stewed with beef leg bone and brisket for a long time with tube-shaped rice cakes, green onions, and eggs. Per custom, young children also wear Hanbok and wish their elders a Happy New Year and receive pocket money in return. During these few precious days, staying in Seoul might prove to be a better way to spend time. Check out our tips below on where to go for a memorable Lunar New Year in Seoul.  
 

TIP

- Koreans follow the Chinese Zodiac where each year represents a different animal out of 12 different kinds. 2016 is the year of the monkey and thus expect to see many monkey-related themes throughout the city. If you want to shop for things related to the year of the monkey, then check out the links below.

Paris Baguette (Korean), Pascucci (Korean), Tous Les Jours (Korean)

 

Spending Seollal in Seoul

To truly get in the traditional spirit, celebrate Seollal in the palaces of Seoul or the Namsangol Hanok Village. Located at the foot of Namsan is the Namsangol Hanok Village, where 5 traditional Korean houses have been restored. Take a peek into the traditional way of life. The N Seoul Tower towering in the background adds to this cool experience. As part of the festivities, a diversity of programs will be available during the long holiday. On the actual day of Seolnal (Monday, February 8), visitors will be offered a chance to try rice cake soup. Visitors can also register on-site for other experiences involving Korean traditional percussions, folk song, folk games, and more. At Gyeongbokgung palace from February 7-9, there will be a chance to participate in a “traditional ondol and a deep traditional bow” experience. At Deoksugung palace, there will be traditional Korean games such as yutnori (board game), traditional hacky sack, and tuho (throwing sticks). At Unhyeongung Palace, look forward to a drum performance and samulnori. Also experience the monkey character performance and make small traditional bags. 

Directions : Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on line 3 (Gyeongbokgung Palace), exit 2 of City Hall station on line 1 or exit 12 of City Hall station on line 2 (Deoksugung Palace), exit 4 of Chungmuro station on Line 3, 4 (Namsangol Hanok Village).
Websites : www.royalpalace.go.kr (Gyeongbokgung Palace), www.deoksugung.co.kr(Deoksugung Palace), hanokmaeul.or.kr (Namsangol Hanok Village)

TIP

- While you are at Gyeongbokgung Palace, also check out the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea.

- Make sure to also check out the National Museum of Contemporary Art located inside of Deoksugung Palace. There may be a separate fee for the exhibition; please check in advance at their website here.

- On the day of Seollal, admission is free to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace (except for the garden), Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace, and Jongmo Shrine. 

- Take note that admission is also free if you wear a Hanbok to Jongmyo Shrine or the five palaces listed above.
 

 

Seollal Fun at the Museum

Museums can come across as stiff and formal places, but your perception might change this holiday season as there are plenty of events planned. The National Museum of Korea will be hosting a performance by a female Palsande group, an exhibition on porcelain from the Goryeo era, and more. There is also a chance to hear about relics in greater detail through the relic story program. The National Folk Museum of Korea offers a diversity of fun experiences pertaining to the year of the monkey, special performances, and folk play. Check out traditional trays inscribed with the symbol of the monkey, monkey masks, and try your hand at making clay monkeys. The Seoul Museum of History will be having a North Korean Folk Performance by the “Pyeongyang Art Troupe” as well as a performance by “World Beat Vinari” composed of percussion and instrumental music. Not only the performances will be available, but also there will be a chance to experience Neoltwigi (a traditional see-saw game for girls), Tuho, Yutnori, a game of slap-match, and a game of traditional hacky sack. But, wait, there’s more. Try traditional Korean food as well such as rice puffs, tube-shaped rice cakes, and roasted sweet potato. A special area will also be set aside for practicing calligraphy and writing wishes.

 

Directions : Exit 2 of Ichon Station on Line 4 or the Gyeongui-Jungang Line (The National Museum of Korea), exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station on line 5 or exit 1 of Anguk station on line 3 (National Folk Museum of Korea), exit 7 of Gwanghwamun Station on line 5 (Seoul Museum of History).
Websites : http://www.museum.go.kr (The National Museum of Korea),http://www.nfm.go.kr (National Folk Museum of Korea),http://www.museum.seoul.kr (Seoul Museum of History)

TIP

- The National Folk Museum of Korea and Seoul Museum of History are free entrance.

- The experience programs at The National Folk Museum of Korea range from 1,000-5,000 won. Most programs do not require any kind of signing up or registering.
 

More Seollal Events

A Big Seollal Celebration at Unhyeongung Palace   
Dates: February 5-9, 11:00~17:00
Details: Bag-making, Yut-jeom divination watching, and other Seollal customs.
Inquiries: 02-766-9090

2016 Seollal Bosinggak Bell Ceremony 
Dates: February 6, 11:00~12:20
Details: Samulnori performance, ancestor worship ceremony, cultural heritage commentary, Bosinggak bell ceremony.
Inquiries: 02-2133-0983

“Geunchogo” Musical
Dates: February 6, 10, 15, 21, 28, March 1, 14:00~16:00
Details: A musical about the capital of Baekje at the Hansung Baekje museum.
Inquiries: 02-2152-5814

2016 Seoul Grand Park Welcomes the New Year
Dates: February 8-10, 11:00~17:00
Details: Masked dance performance, Chinese zodiac photozone, traditional game experience.
Inquiries: 02-500-7335

2016 Seollal Event
Dates: February 2-9
Details: 10-30% discount available on ancestral rites goods sold at the Macheon Market, Munjeong-dong Rodeo Street, Pungnap, Saemaeul, Seokchon, and Songpa-gu Bangi.
Inquiries: 02-2147-2000

Seollal Celebration
Dates: February 2-5
Details: 15% discount on all items at Songhwa alley, Gangseo-gu, Hwagok Market, and Kkachisan Market. Visitors will also have a chance to make dumplings, cut rice cake, make Injeolmi (traditional Korean rice cake), and play a taffy-breaking game. Depending on the item that you pay, you could get a coupon offering 10-20,000 won off.
 

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Milan Tomic

Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.

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