Korean New Year, widely known as #KoreanNewYear or #Seollal, is one of the most meaningful and emotionally rich celebrations in #Korean culture. Observed on 17th February 2026, this day is #far more than the start of a #newcalendaryear — it is a celebration of #ancestry, #respect, #renewal, and #togetherness. #Families pause their #fast-paced lives to #reconnect with #elders, honour #ancestors, and welcome a #fresh beginning #rooted in #tradition. From #wearing vibrant hanbok to performing ancestral #rites and sharing symbolic #foods, #Korean New Year reflects the soul of #Korea — where the #past, #present, and #future meet in #harmony.
History of Korean New Year
The origins of Korean New Year trace back over 2,000 years, deeply rooted in ancient agrarian and lunar traditions of the Korean Peninsula. The celebration began during the Three Kingdoms period of Korea (57 BCE – 668 CE), when early Korean societies followed the lunar calendar, heavily influenced by Chinese astronomical systems but uniquely adapted to Korean beliefs and customs.
The festival was not started by a single individual but evolved collectively through Korean royal courts, Confucian scholars, and farming communities. Confucianism played a major role in shaping Seollal, emphasizing filial piety, ancestor worship, and moral discipline. Over centuries, these values became embedded in New Year rituals.
During the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), Korean New Year became a formal national observance, standardized with court rituals, ancestral ceremonies (charye), and prescribed customs. Even during periods of foreign occupation and modernization, Koreans preserved Seollal as a symbol of cultural identity and resilience.
Today, Korean New Year stands as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern life.
Importance of Korean New Year
The importance of Korean New Year lies in its role as a cultural reset button—a time to cleanse the past year’s burdens and begin anew with gratitude and intention.
This day is important because:
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It reinforces family unity across generations
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It honours ancestors, acknowledging that present life is built on past sacrifices
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It promotes reflection, forgiveness, and renewal
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It preserves traditional Korean values in a modern society
Unlike many New Year celebrations focused on parties or fireworks, Korean New Year is deeply introspective and relational. Respect for elders, humility, and gratitude take centre stage, making the day emotionally powerful and socially grounding.
Why the Date Is Chosen Korean New Year
Korean New Year follows the lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar. The date changes every year, typically falling between late January and mid-February.
In 2026, the Lunar New Year falls on 17th February, which is why Korean New Year is observed on this date. The lunar calendar is based on moon cycles, symbolizing natural rhythms, agricultural seasons, and cosmic balance.
This date is chosen because:
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It marks the first new moon of the lunar year
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It aligns human life with nature’s cycles
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It traditionally signalled a new agricultural season
Thus, 17th February 2026 represents not just a date, but a cosmic and cultural turning point.
Significance of Korean New Year
The significance of Korean New Year goes beyond celebration—it is a ritual of identity and continuity.
Key symbolic elements include:
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Sebae: A deep ceremonial bow performed by younger members to elders, symbolizing respect and humility
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Sebae money: Elders give blessings and money, representing good fortune
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Tteokguk (rice cake soup): Eating it symbolizes aging one year and gaining wisdom
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Charye: Ancestral rites that strengthen spiritual connections
Seollal signifies:
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Respect for lineage
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Renewal of moral values
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Balance between material and spiritual life
It reminds people that progress without roots is incomplete.
How Citizens Are Affected
Korean New Year has a profound impact on citizens, both emotionally and socially.
Emotional Impact
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Rekindles family bonds
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Reduces emotional distance between generations
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Encourages gratitude and reflection
Social Impact
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Massive travel as people return to hometowns
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Temporary pause in work and business
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Revival of traditional games, clothing, and language
Cultural Impact
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Strengthens national identity
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Educates younger generations about heritage
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Preserves rituals that might otherwise fade
For many Koreans, Seollal is the emotional heart of the year.
10 Famous Quotes for Korean New Year
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“The new year begins when we remember where we came from.”
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“Tradition is not the past—it is living memory.”
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“A bow to elders is a step toward wisdom.”
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“The first meal of the year feeds both body and soul.”
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“New beginnings grow stronger when rooted in respect.”
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“Time renews itself when families reunite.”
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“Honour the ancestors, and the future will honour you.”
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“The lunar moon teaches patience and balance.”
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“Culture survives when hearts remember.”
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“Seollal is not a day—it is a feeling of belonging.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Korean New Year called in Korea?
It is called Seollal.
Q2. Is Korean New Year different from Chinese New Year?
Yes, while dates may coincide, rituals, foods, and customs are uniquely Korean.
Q3. Why do Koreans eat rice cake soup on New Year?
It symbolizes gaining a year in age and welcoming purity and good fortune.
Q4. Do Koreans celebrate two New Years?
Yes, they observe January 1st and Korean New Year, but Seollal is more traditional.
Q5. How long does Korean New Year last?
Typically three days—before, during, and after the New Year day.
Q6. Why do people wear hanbok?
To honour tradition and show respect during ceremonies.
Q7. Is Korean New Year a public holiday?
Yes, it is one of the most important national holidays.
Q8. What games are played during Seollal?
Traditional games like yutnori are common.
Q9. What does Sebae mean?
It is a formal bow showing respect to elders.
Q10. What values does Korean New Year teach?
Respect, gratitude, family unity, and renewal.
Conclusion
Korean New Year on 17th February 2026 is not merely the start of a new year—it is a profound cultural journey into respect, memory, and renewal. In a rapidly changing world, Seollal reminds people to pause, bow, remember, and reconnect. It teaches that progress is most meaningful when guided by tradition and that the future shines brighter when the past is honoured. Korean New Year stands as a timeless celebration where family, culture, and hope come together under the quiet glow of the lunar moon.
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Someshwar Chowdhury is a seasoned Chartered Mechanical Engineer, Educator, and Technology enthusiast with over a decade of experience in engineering education and consultancy. Someshwar is also an active blogger, trainer, and member of professional bodies like ISHRAE and GREEN ADD+. When not teaching or consulting, he enjoys blogging, music, and exploring green technologies.
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