Korea has just gained an extra day off for Seollal, totaling a six-day break! So what are the best places in Korea to visit during the Lunar New Year holiday? Read on to find out what makes this year so special!
What is Lunar New Year?
The Korean New Year holiday is one of the most significant traditional holidays in Korea, which is otherwise known as Seollal. This event is typically spread over three days, including the day before and after the New Year's Day which this year falls on January 29, 2025. Usually during this time the big cities are left empty, and people head home to spend time with their families, playing traditional games, eating delicious festive dishes like tteokguk (a rice cake soup) and enjoying unique family and cultural events.
Why should I visit Korea during Lunar New Year?
Seollal offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's rich heritage whether you are living or simply just visiting Korea during this time. Another great reason why in my opinion is one of the best times to visit, is because the tourist attractions are often less crowded, which means that you can enjoy a more relaxed pace while exploring beautiful landscapes and historical sites! It is also a perfect time for immersing yourself in rich Korean traditions, such as folk games, hanbok wearing and performances! So what are you waiting for?
So why do we get a six day holiday this year?
This year the Korean government has announced that the Lunar New Year will be a six day holiday, with January 27 being a temporary holiday in the attempt to encourage more consumer spending.
The full dates will be from January 27 - January 30, 2025. During this time the roads, trains, buses are likely to be very busy and the public transport options will be sold out as it is peak time.
So it will be a lot quieter in Seoul during this time, with some smaller, family run restaurants and businesses shut down for the holiday. However, you won't have trouble finding places to eat or shop though, as major malls and chains and popular tourist sites are mostly open to the public.
In the run up to the holidays
Like any major event, traditional markets are usually packed with people who are shopping for food and gifts to take back to their hometowns. Public transport options are booked up in advance, and it is definitely the chaos before the calm. Once all of the preparations are complete, it will feel like a ghost town, and you will find yourself feeling surprised by eerily empty subways, unhurried sidewalks and silent cafes.
Check out our other articles about what to do during the Lunar New Year holiday's!
Let us know how you plan on spending the Lunar New Year Holiday in the comments below.
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