🧧 Seollal: Everything You Need to Know About the Korean Lunar New Year

 If you happen to be in South Korea during the first or second month of the year, you might notice the bustling cities suddenly becoming quiet, while train stations are packed with people carrying beautifully wrapped gift sets.

Welcome to Seollal (설날)—Korea’s most celebrated traditional holiday!

While many parts of the world celebrate New Year’s on January 1st, Koreans place deep cultural importance on the Lunar New Year. It’s a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and, of course, eating incredible food. Here is your ultimate guide to understanding Seollal.

---

1. The Spirit of Seollal: Family First

Seollal is more than just a day off; it is a time for Hyo (효), or filial piety. Thousands of people travel across the country to their hometowns (a phenomenon called the "Great Migration") to spend time with their parents and extended relatives.

2. Traditional Rituals and Customs

• Sebae (세배): This is the highlight for the younger generation. Children perform a deep formal bow to their elders while saying "Saehae bok mani badeuseyo" (May you receive lots of luck in the New Year).

• Sebaetdon (세뱃돈): After the bow, elders give "New Year’s money" to the children along with words of wisdom and blessings (Deokdam).

• Seol-bim (설빔): Many Koreans wear Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) on this day. The vibrant colors represent a fresh start and a bright future.

3. The "Age-Defining" Dish: Tteokguk (떡국)

You haven't officially turned a year older in Korea until you've finished a bowl of Tteokguk (Sliced Rice Cake Soup).

• The Meaning: The white color of the rice cakes symbolizes purity, while the thin, round shape resembles old Korean coins, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

• The Legend: Since Koreans traditionally count their age by the New Year rather than their birthday, eating a bowl of Tteokguk is metaphorically "consuming" another year of life!

4. Let the Games Begin: Yutnori (윷놀이)

After the feast, families gather to play Yutnori. It’s a board game played by tossing four wooden sticks into the air. It’s highly competitive, easy to learn, and usually involves a lot of cheering and laughter.

---

💡 Pro-Tips for Expats and Travelers

• Empty Seoul: If you stay in Seoul, you’ll find the streets unusually empty and peaceful. It’s the perfect time to visit the Han River or take photos.

• Palace Visits: Major palaces like Gyeongbokgung are usually open to the public during Seollal, often offering free admission and hosting traditional cultural performances.

• Greeting: Don't be shy! If you meet a Korean friend, say: "Sae-hae-bok-ma-ni-ba-deu-se-yo!"

---

Seollal is a beautiful reminder of the importance of roots and the joy of new beginnings. Whether you're eating tteokguk with a host family or exploring a quiet Seoul, we wish you a year filled with health and happiness!

Happy Lunar New Year! 🏮

South Korea_The Legend of Korean Soul Food: Nongmin Baekam Sundae (농민백암순대)

 

If you ask a local in Gangnam where to find the absolute best Sundae-guk (Korean blood sausage soup) in Seoul, nine out of ten will point you toward a hidden gem in Yeoksam-dong: Nongmin Baekam Sundae.

This isn't just a meal; it’s a rite of passage for soup lovers. Known for its deep, rich broth and legendary waiting lines, this spot proves that true culinary masterpieces don't need fancy decor—just a recipe perfected over decades.

What Makes It Special?

Most foreigners might be hesitant about Sundae (blood sausage), but this isn't your average street-food version.

• The Broth: Unlike the thin, milky soups found elsewhere, this broth is thick, savory, and packed with "umami." It’s simmered for hours to achieve a heavy, soul-warming consistency.

• The Texture: The sausages are handmade, filled with a mix of vegetables and glass noodles that melt in your mouth.

• The "Dadaegi" (Spicy Paste): It comes with a signature red pepper paste that adds a kick without overwhelming the natural pork flavor.

  

  

  

  
  

Signature Menu & Prices

The menu is minimalist—a sign of a restaurant that does one thing perfectly.

Menu Item	Price	Description
Sundae-guk (Normal)	10,000 KRW	The classic bowl. Comes with sundae and assorted pork parts.
Sundae-guk (Special)	12,000 KRW	A larger portion for those who are extra hungry.
Surae-guk (Jeongsik)	15,000 KRW	Highly Recommended. The soup plus a side plate of boiled pork and sundae.
Mo-eum Suyuk	36,000 KRW	A large platter of assorted boiled pork (great for sharing).
O-so-ri Gam-tu	18,000 KRW	Chewy, delicious pork stomach slices.

Pro Tip: If you visit during lunch, try to order the Jeongsik (Set Menu). It’s only available at specific times and often sells out early. It's the best way to taste their high-quality Suyuk (boiled pork) alongside the soup.

How to Eat Like a Local

1. Seasoning: Taste the broth first. Add shrimp jeot (salted shrimp) for saltiness or bu-chu (chives) for freshness.

2. The Rice: Don't dump all the rice in at once! Add half, eat, then add the rest to keep the rice from soaking up all the precious broth.

3. The Peppers: The green peppers on the table are usually "O-yi gochu" (cucumber peppers)—they are crunchy and mild, not spicy! Dip them in the soybean paste for a refreshing crunch.

Essential Information

• Location: 20, Yeoksam-ro 3-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (A short walk from Gangnam Station Exit 4).

• Wait Times: Expect a 20–40 minute wait during peak lunch (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM). There is a physical waiting list at the door—write your name and the number of people!

• Vibe: Busy, loud, and authentic. It’s where office workers and foodies collide.