Seollal (설날) 2025: Celebrate the Korean New Year and the Year of the Snake

This year, January 29, 2025, marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake , a zodiac sign associated with wisdom, intelligence, and reflection. Ready to immerse yourself in the festive and unique atmosphere of Seollal? Here's everything you need to know about this promising celebration.

The morning of Seollal begins with a solemn family ceremony called Charye (차례) , during which families honor their ancestors. A table laden with traditional dishes is set for the occasion. Among the must-try dishes are:

• Tteokguk (떡국) : a soup made from rice cake, a symbol of growth and wisdom, which marks the transition to a new year.
• Jeon (전) : savory pancakes stuffed with vegetables, meat or seafood, which add a festive and tasty touch to this family meal.

THE SABAE: RESPECT AND SHARING AT THE HEART OF SEOLLAL

Another highlight of the day is the sebae (세배) , a tradition where children bow to their elders to express respect. In return, they receive sebaetdon (세뱃돈) , small red envelopes containing money, along with blessings for the coming year. This ritual symbolizes the mutual respect and family spirit that characterize Seollal.

TRADITIONAL GAMES: THE PLAYFUL ESSENCE OF SEOLLAL

Once the rituals are over, the celebration takes on a lighter tone with traditional Korean games, which bring together young and old. Here are three must-try games:

1. Yut Nori (윷놀이)

This board game is the most popular during Seollal. Played in teams, it involves throwing wooden sticks to move tokens around a board. Simple yet strategic, it guarantees plenty of laughs!

2. Jegichagi (제기차기)

Jegichagi, a kind of Korean "footbag," tests your agility. The challenge is to keep a jegi (a small paper shuttlecock and coin) in the air for as long as possible. An energetic and fun game!

3. Tuho (투호)

Tuho is a game of skill where participants throw wooden darts into a jar. Originating in royal palaces, it requires patience, but it is as satisfying as it is entertaining.

Seollal Resonates With The K-Beauty Spirit

Seollal isn't just about traditions and games. It's also a time for self-care, both physically and mentally, to start the year off right. Much like Korean self-care routines, this holiday emphasizes balance, respecting natural cycles, and attention to detail.

During Seollal, beauty goes far beyond appearance: it is expressed in gestures of love towards one's family, in the richness of the rituals, and in the joy shared during traditional games.

This year, let yourself be inspired by this beautiful tradition and bring a little of the spirit of Seollal into your daily life.