Celebrating Korean Holidays: A Guide to Korea’s Major Traditional Festivals
South Korea boasts a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, with its national holidays offering deep insights into the country's history and values. Whether you're planning a visit or simply curious about Korean culture, understanding these holidays can enhance your appreciation of Korea's heritage.
🌕 Seollal (설날) – Korean Lunar New Year
Seollal, celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, is one of Korea's most significant traditional holidays. Families gather to honor their ancestors through rituals like charye (ancestral rites) and enjoy traditional foods such as tteokguk (rice cake soup), symbolizing the gaining of a year in age. 대한민국 공식 웹사이트+6shef.com+690 Day Korean+6
Key Traditions:
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Sebae: A deep bow performed by younger family members to elders, wishing them a prosperous new year.
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Hanbok: Wearing traditional Korean attire to honor the occasion.
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Folk Games: Engaging in games like yutnori and jegichagi to celebrate.
🌾 Chuseok (추석) – Korean Harvest Festival
Chuseok, often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving, occurs on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It's a time when families come together to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and pay respects to their ancestors.
Key Traditions:
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Charye: Ancestral memorial services held at home.
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Beolcho: Visiting and tidying ancestral graves.
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Songpyeon: Making and sharing half-moon-shaped rice cakes filled with various ingredients.
📜 Other Notable Korean Holidays
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March 1st Movement Day (삼일절): Commemorates the 1919 independence movement against Japanese colonial rule.
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Children's Day (어린이날): Celebrated on May 5th, it's a day dedicated to the happiness and well-being of children, marked by various events and activities.
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Buddha's Birthday (부처님 오신 날): Observed on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, temples are adorned with lanterns, and various ceremonies take place.
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National Liberation Day (광복절): Held on August 15th, it celebrates Korea's liberation from Japanese occupation in 1945.
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Hangul Day (한글날): Observed on October 9th, it honors the creation of the Korean alphabet by King Sejong the Great.
📅 Planning Your Visit Around Korean Holidays
If you're planning to visit South Korea, aligning your trip with these cultural celebrations can offer a deeper understanding of Korean traditions. However, note that during major holidays like Seollal and Chuseok, many businesses may close, and transportation can be crowded as people travel to their hometowns.
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