Discover Korea Now

Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year): Why Kids Love It—and Why Adults Feel Mixed Seollal (설날) is Korea’s Lunar New Year, and for many Koreans it feels like the real start of the year—even more than January 1st. Families gather, share traditional food, bow to elders, and exchange New Year wishes. At the same time, Seollal can feel totally different depending on your age : For kids, it’s often the happiest holiday of the year—full of treats, games, and New Year money . For adults, it can bring warmth and pressure—travel, expenses, and the famous “life update” questions from relatives. This guide explains the most important Seollal traditions (including tteokguk , sebae , and sebaetdon ) and why the holiday creates such a strong emotional contrast between children and grown-ups. If you’re visiting Korea during Lunar New Year, you’ll also find practical travel tips at the end. What Is Seollal? (Korea’s Lunar New Year in One Minute) Seollal is Korea’s major Lunar New Year holiday ...

  What Foreigners Really Think About Everyday Korean Habits When you first arrive in South Korea , you might expect high-tech cities, K-pop playlists in every café, and a sea of neon-lit signs. But what surprises most foreigners isn’t the speed of the Wi-Fi or the style of the cafés — it’s the invisible code of social behavior that shapes daily life. A viral YouTube video titled “Things That Are Normal in Korea but Strange Abroad (and Vice Versa)” captured just that. In it, people from Australia , Norway , Switzerland , Belgium , and Israel share candid stories about what felt “off” or “odd” during their time in Korea. The result isn’t a criticism, but rather a fascinating mirror reflecting how deeply culture shapes what we call “normal.” 1. A Compliment or an Insult? The “You Gained Weight” Paradox For Koreans, commenting on someone’s appearance is often a sign of affection — a way of showing attention or familiarity. Saying “You lost weight!” or “You look bigger than ...