Hello guys! It's Luna. As the new year approaches, people around the world celebrate in unique ways. As a South Korean student studying in the U.S., I’ve experienced both Korean and American New Year traditions. While both celebrations share a sense of hope and renewal, they differ greatly in customs, atmosphere, and cultural significance.
Korean New Year: Seollal and Solar New Year
In Korea, the most important New Year celebration is Seollal (설날), which follows the lunar calendar and usually falls in late January or early February. However, Koreans also celebrate the Solar New Year (양력 새해) on January 1st, similar to Western traditions.
Key Traditions of Seollal:
Sebae (세배) – On the morning of Seollal, younger family members perform a deep bow to elders, expressing respect and gratitude. In return, they receive sebaetdon (세뱃돈), money given as a blessing for the new year.
Charye (차례) – Families honor their ancestors by preparing a table with traditional foods and performing a ritual to pay respects. This reflects the deep-rooted Confucian values in Korean culture. However, in recent years, some families have stopped practicing Charye because it requires a lot of preparation and effort.
Tteokguk (떡국) – Eating this rice cake soup is symbolic of turning a year older and starting the year with a fresh beginning.
Folk Games and Hanbok – Many people wear traditional Korean clothing (hanbok) and play folk games like yutnori (윷놀이), a board game involving wooden sticks.
Seollal is a quiet yet meaningful celebration centered around family and tradition. Many people travel long distances to reunite with loved ones, making it one of the busiest travel times of the year. It is primarily a family-focused holiday, where people spend time with their relatives, pay respects to their ancestors, and share traditional meals.
Solar New Year in Korea
On January 1st, many Koreans also participate in Western-style celebrations.
New Year’s Eve Countdown – Large cities like Seoul host countdown events, and people gather in public places to welcome the new year.
Fireworks and Events – Fireworks displays are held in places like Lotte World Tower or along the Han River. However, most Koreans cannot set off fireworks at home due to the prevalence of apartment living.
New Year’s Resolutions – Just like in the U.S., many Koreans make personal goals for the year ahead.
Hiking and Sunrise Viewing – Some Koreans start the new year by hiking mountains or visiting the coast to watch the first sunrise, believing it brings good luck.
Unlike Seollal, which is centered on family, the Solar New Year is more of a social event, often spent with friends. Young people, in particular, tend to gather with their peers to celebrate with parties, countdowns, and outings.
American New Year: A Festive Countdown
In contrast, the American New Year, celebrated on January 1st, is more about parties, fireworks, and making resolutions. It is widely recognized as a time for social gatherings and personal reflection.
Key Traditions of American New Year:
New Year’s Eve Countdown – People gather in public places or at home to count down to midnight, often with fireworks or watching the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City.
Celebrations and Fireworks – Many cities host large-scale fireworks displays, and people toast with champagne at midnight to welcome the new year.
New Year’s Resolutions – Unlike Seollal, where age is symbolically gained through food, Americans often start the year by setting personal goals, such as exercising more or learning a new skill.
Parades and Sporting Events – The Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, and college football bowl games are traditional ways Americans celebrate on New Year's Day.
Unlike Seollal, which emphasizes family and ancestral respect, the American New Year is about new beginnings, personal achievements, and social festivities.
A Personal Perspective
Having experienced both traditions, I find them to be unique yet equally meaningful. Seollal’s emphasis on family and heritage gives me a sense of belonging, while the lively celebrations of the American New Year create an exciting and hopeful atmosphere. Both traditions offer valuable ways to reflect on the past and welcome the future.
Whether through a warm bowl of tteokguk with family or watching fireworks with friends, the new year is a time for renewal and joy. How do you celebrate the new year in your culture? Share your traditions with us in the comments!
Happy New Year! 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!)
- Luna
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