Complete Guide to Korea's Seollal (Lunar New Year): Holiday, Transport & Tips
Contents
Hello! I’m Guide H.
Are you visiting Korea during Seollal (Lunar New Year)? Seollal is one of Korea’s biggest holidays, so the atmosphere and how things operate during the long weekend are quite different from usual.
In this post I’ll cover holiday dates and what to expect, traffic and transport tips, stores and attractions, Seollal culture and etiquette, and practical tips for travelers.
📋 Table of Contents
- What is Seollal? Holiday Dates & Overview
- Traffic & Getting Around
- Stores, Attractions & Restaurants
- Seollal Culture & Etiquette
- Other Tips for Travelers
- Conclusion
What is Seollal? Holiday Dates & Overview
What is Seollal (Lunar New Year)?
Seollal is Korea’s main holiday based on the first day of the lunar calendar.
January 1 on the solar calendar is called “New Year’s Day,” and the lunar New Year is “Seollal” (or “Gujeong”); many Koreans treat Seollal as the bigger celebration.
- Holiday: There is an official 3-day break around Seollal (the day before, the day of, and the day after).
- Dates: In solar terms it falls between late January and mid-February each year.
Check the exact dates for the year you’re traveling.
What to expect during the holiday
- Going home: Many people travel to their hometown or in-laws, so travel volume nationwide is very high.
- Family-focused: With ancestral rites, New Year’s bows, and holiday food at home, streets and tourist spots can feel quieter than usual.
- Winter weather: Seollal is in midwinter, so warm clothing is essential.
Traffic & Getting Around
When is it busiest?
- Right before and on the first day of the holiday: Highways, KTX, bus terminals, and airports are very crowded.
- Last day of the holiday: People return to Seoul and other big cities, so afternoon and evening see heavy congestion.
Tips for getting around
- Book transport early: KTX, SRT, express buses, and flights sell out quickly over Seollal. Book as early as you can.
- Avoid peak travel times: If possible, travel in the middle of the holiday or at early morning when it’s relatively quiet.
- Cities can be quieter: While many head to hometowns, downtown Seoul, Busan, etc. can be less crowded. Only terminals and major stations stay busy.
- Rental cars: Highways and rest stops get jammed. If you’re renting a car for a long trip over the holiday, allow extra time.
Stores, Attractions & Restaurants
What tends to be closed or limited?
- Banks, government offices, post offices: Often closed during the Seollal break.
- Shops, supermarkets, restaurants:
Many are closed on Seollal itself, and some have shorter hours or close on the days before and after. - Traditional markets, small shops: Varies by area, but many are closed on the day before and the day of Seollal.
What’s usually open?
- Large supermarkets: Some stay open with reduced hours on Seollal (check locally).
- Convenience stores: Most 24-hour stores stay open year-round.
- Downtown and department stores: Some open on certain days during the holiday.
Check official websites or SNS for opening days and hours before you go. - Attractions:
National museums, palaces, etc. may have closure days over Seollal.
Private theme parks and commercial facilities often have special holiday hours.
→ Always check each venue’s opening days before visiting.
Tips for travelers
- Meals during Seollal: Many restaurants are closed on the main day. Plan around hotel breakfast, convenience stores, and places that stay open.
- Cash: Some banks and ATMs are closed or limited. It helps to withdraw or exchange a bit of cash before the holiday.
Seollal Culture & Etiquette
What happens on Seollal?
- Charye (ancestral rite): Families set out food and bow to ancestors at home.
- Sebae (New Year’s bow): Younger people bow to elders and say “Saehae bok mani badeuseyo” (Happy New Year / May you receive many blessings).
- Tteokguk (rice cake soup): It’s traditional to eat tteokguk in the morning. There’s a saying that you “age one year” when you eat it—it’s the iconic Seollal dish.
What travelers can experience
- Traditional games: Yut, seesaw, kite flying, etc. are often available as programs at parks or cultural centers (schedules vary; check in advance).
- Hanbok experience: At palaces or hanbok rental shops you can wear hanbok and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Confirm which places are open during the Seollal period. - Etiquette:
If you’re invited to a Korean home, doing sebae will be appreciated.
When receiving a bow, it’s polite to respond with something like “Yes, thank you.”
Other Tips for Travelers
Must-check items
- Seollal dates for your year: They change every year in the solar calendar, so confirm the holiday dates first.
- Accommodation and transport: Book early; things fill up quickly over Seollal.
- Warm clothing: Seollal is in winter. Bring a coat, hat, gloves, scarf, etc.
- Opening hours: Always check whether the restaurants, stores, museums, and palaces you want to visit are open and what their hours are over Seollal.
Advantages of visiting during Seollal
- Cities and tourist areas can be less crowded than usual.
- You can enjoy traditional holiday atmosphere and winter scenery together.
- It’s a good time to plan hanbok, traditional food, and other cultural experiences.
Quick summary
- Transport: Busy on the first and last days due to people traveling home → book in advance and plan your travel dates and times.
- Facilities: Banks, many shops, restaurants, and some attractions are closed or have shorter hours → check opening days before visiting.
- Culture: Tteokguk, sebae, traditional games—search in advance for traditional venues and experience programs.
Conclusion
Seollal in Korea is a special holiday centered on tradition and family.
If you check transport, opening hours, and weather in advance, you can enjoy the Seollal atmosphere without too much hassle.
Just make sure to confirm this year’s Seollal dates and opening hours of the places you want to visit, dress warmly, and you’ll be set for a great Seollal trip.