In South and North Korea, it is customary to celebrate two New Years: with the whole world according to the Gregorian calendar and according to the Chinese lunisolar. The date of the last version "floats" . It usually falls between the end of January and the middle of February. It is at this time that the first new moon after the winter solstice should occur. In 2024, the traditional Korean New Year will be celebrated on February 10 (Saturday).
Celebration traditions
In the past, Seollal was celebrated for two weeks. In modern realities, the country cannot afford such a long vacation, so the number of solemn days has been reduced to three.This is enough to relax, spend time with loved ones and start working again.
On New Year's Eve, Koreans decorate their homes with dragons and various animals (usually tigers, chickens) on the walls. They believe that in this way they protect the lives of family members.
Day One
No one works that day. Time is spent with family. The celebration falls in the morning (may begin at dawn). First of all, they sacrifice to the deceased ancestors, that is, they have breakfast. Food and drinks are placed in a certain sequence. During the meal, they talk about deceased relatives, their life path. This is done so that young people remember their ancestors and respect them. They remember everyone without exception, up to the fourth generation. Thus they show a good knowledge of the history of the family.
At the next stage, the younger generation bows their heads to the older, demonstrating the highest degree of respect, and makes congratulatory speeches.For this he receives a gift. How expensive it will be depends on the eloquence of young family members. In some cases, the amount is so large that it is enough to pay for the annual tuition at the university.
Further, the youth exchange gifts. The latter are very modest, but no less sincere. Often these are cosmetic sets. In Korea, there is a cult of appearance, so girls and boys actively look after themselves. After the end of the feast (at about noon), Koreans go home to their employers, having previously changed into national clothes.
Day two
The second day of the holiday, similarly to the first, they begin to celebrate early in the morning - with the sunrise. Koreans choose a hill and organize a feast on it. Then the fun begins: traditional Asian motifs are heard to which they dance, play games and fly kites (they symbolize good luck).
Day three
On the final day of the holiday, Koreans predict the weather. To do this, they are waiting for the moon to rise. If the moon is clear, then the harvest will be rich, and natural disasters will not occur throughout the year. White portends prolonged rains, and red portends drought. After this procedure, people go home.
Traditional dishes
Koreans will know many months in advance what date the Korean New Year will be in 2024. They will spend the day before in the kitchen. Asians believe: the richer the New Year's table, the more prosperous the next year will be. Among the huge variety of dishes, there will definitely be time-tested, popular options.
| Dish | Description |
| Tteokguk | Soup on rich broth with rice dumplings. In Asia, rice symbolizes goodness and the beginning of a new stage. To eat this dish means to grow up and become wiser |
| Manduguk | Tteokguk-like soup. It differs from the latter in that Korean dumplings are put instead of rice dumplings |
| Chon | Pancakes with vegetables (onions, tomatoes, corn, green peas, bell peppers), fish and spices, spices |
| Chapche | Gluten-free noodles that Asians eat on both holidays and weekdays. It is served with vegetables, mushrooms, fish and meat. Drizzle with soy sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds |
| BBQ | The Eastern version is made with chicken or beef and vegetables. All ingredients are alternately put on skewers, after which they are sent to the oven. Sesame and spices are used to enhance the taste |
| TTok | They are glutinous rice cakes. There are over a hundred varieties. The filling is made from fruits, berries, nuts, condensed milk |
| Yakqua | Honey-ginger cookies are a real delicacy. It is believed to have medicinal properties |
From drinks there is rice wine. For its preparation, grains, sugar and yeast are used. The finished product is weak, sparkling, slightly tart. After the feast, it is customary to drink Sikhe - a non-alcoholic rice-cedar tincture. It has a sweet taste, speeds up the process of digestion.
In comparison with South Korea, North Korea has retained its originality to a lesser extent. This is due to politics. Its rulers have eradicated traditions and customs for decades.
Korean New Year 2024 date already known. This winter holiday is eagerly awaited by children and adults. On the eve of its offensive, the atmosphere inside the country will become special: fabulous, wonderful. It will be felt not only by locals, but also by tourists.The first half of February is a great time to travel around Asia. To make it comfortable, you should take care of purchasing tickets and booking hotel rooms in advance.
