Seoul, 31 January 2022 (TDI): South Korea is preparing for the New Year with much fanfare. Preparations to celebrate the occasion are underway. The Korean New Year or Seollal is the first day of the lunar Korean calendar.
Seollal is a traditional Korean festival that dates back many centuries. Seollal is the most essential of the traditional Korean holidays and consists of celebrations, that start on New Year’s Day. The holidays last for three days and businesses close for the lunar new year.
The celebratory new year festival mainly centers on family reunions, food, and paying homage to the ancestors. It is common for adults to wear Hanbok; the colorful traditional costume.
Festivities for the New Year in South Korea also include eating Tteokguk. Tteokguk is a traditional Korean food that is usually eaten for the New Year. It is made with thinly sliced rice cakes.
As per Korean tradition, the Korean New Year is comparable to a birthday and having Tteokguk is a part of the birthday festivity. It can be served in a heavy broth or a clear broth depending on the region in Korea.
Korean New Year Eve
Festivities on Korean New Year Eve are like that of western traditions such as fireworks and parties. People also like to play Yunnori, a traditional board game on New Year’s eve.
2022 is the Year of the Tiger as per the Chinese zodiac. In Korea, the tiger has always been revered and depicted as an animal symbolizing a fearless and valiant spirit. Moreover, the tiger being a predator is known to instill both trepidation and wonder amongst Koreans.
Besides, 2022 is the Year of the Black Tiger which is known to be energetic, brave, vigorous, and adventurous. Experts anticipate 2022 to be a year full of positive energy and adventure because of these attributes.
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