Seollal (Lunar New Year)

Korean New Year commonly known as Seollal or Solnal, is the first day of the lunar Korean calendar. It is the most important of the traditional Korean holidays. Korean New Year generally falls on the day of the second new moon after winter solstice.

The biggest festival in Korea today is Seollal The Korean New Year holidays lasts for three days. It is considered as a more important holiday than the solar New Year's Day. The term Seollal is also used to refer to the solar new year.

Although many of the younger generation take advantage of the time off to go skiing or travel abroad, Korea's roads, railways, and skies are full of homeward bound travelers. People line up for hours when the bus and train tickets go on sale, about 3 months prior to the holidays. For those masochistic enough to try driving, taking over 24 hours to drive from Seoul to Busan is not unheard of! (Normally, it takes 5-6 hours. However, the family bond runs deep in Korea culture, and it seems that people gladly make the journey.

SEOLLAL DISCUSSION

• Where are you going for Seollal?
• What day is Seollal celebrated in Korea?
• Do you celebrate Seollal? If so, how?
• What did you do last year?
• Why is the traffic so bad?

• What do you know about the history of Seollal?
• What do people do in Seollal for fun?
• What food do you eat at Seollal?

• What foods are associated with Seollal?
• What is your favourite Seollal food?
• Who cooks Seollal food in your home?
• What time of day does your family typically sit down to eat Seollal food?

• What are some Seollal traditions?

• What are some Seollal traditions in your family?
• Do people wear hanbok in Seollal?

• Do you think Seollal is a family holiday? Why?

• What does " Seollal " mean to you?

• What is your favourite Seollal memory?

• What is your worst Seollal memory?

• What is your favorite holiday in Korea? Why?

• Why do you think people celebrate Seollal Day?

• Is making New Years Resolution popular in Korea?

• What are some of the things you are wishing for this year?

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