Trazy Blog

All the insider's travel tips in Korea

Korea Festivals & Events Korea Winter Korean Culture Travel+Crazy: Seoul

Seollal in Seoul 2026 – Korean Lunar New Year Guide

Trazy Crew

Happy Korean Lunar New Year!

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Koreans hold a holiday called ‘Seollal‘. Seollal, one of Korea’s biggest holidays, will be celebrated this year from February 16th to 18th.

During the holiday period, many Koreans head back to their hometown to see their families and pay respect to their ancestors. As most head out of Seoul to do so, the usually bustling city becomes a lot more peaceful. Many businesses across the country, from major department stores to small local shops, close during the holiday period. Although the city may be quiet, there are still plenty of special events, tourist attractions, and activities to do during Seollal!

Check out these destinations where you can celebrate and make the most of your trip during the Korean Lunar New Year holiday!

Click the title below to jump directly to that section:

1. Theme Parks

A medium-shot captures two visitors and two mascots participating in a traditional Korean folk game during a cultural festival at Everland.

South Korea’s three best theme parks Everland, Lotte World, and Seoul Land are open during the Korean Lunar New Year and offer various attractions and Seollal-themed events, including light shows and parades.

1) Everland

Everland, Korea’s largest theme park, is located in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do. This year, it’s beautifully themed around Moomin Valley, and you can also experience the excitement of snow sledding at Snow Buster! For a relaxing spa experience and winter water fun, head to Caribbean Bay, the water park conveniently located next to Everland. You can easily book your visit through Trazy!

Check out the convenient ways to get to Everland and Caribbean Bay from Seoul!

2) Lotte World

Lotte World Adventure, located in Jamsil, Seoul, is the largest theme park in the city and easily accessible by subway. With both indoor and outdoor sections, it’s perfect for enjoying winter fun without worrying about the cold. If you’re in Busan, no need to worry! Busan also has its own Lotte World Adventure Busan, and you can conveniently book your tickets through Trazy.

3) Seoul Land

 

Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기

 

서울랜드(@today_seoulland)님의 공유 게시물

Seoul Land is Korea’s first theme park, located in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do, just an hour from downtown Seoul. In winter, you can enjoy various activities at this place, including snow sledding and smelt fishing until March 3rd! Also, don’t miss the captivating carnival parades, featured as a filming location for Netflix’s “Squid Game Season 2.” The character King No-eul takes on the role of a mascot, performing in Seoul Land’s enchanting parades!

2. Korean Royal Palaces

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ikajh4 이카 (@ikajh4)

If you’ve been meaning to visit the royal palaces, Seollal is the perfect time to go. Four of the royal palaces in Seoul (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Deoksugung) will hold regular operating hours and showcase various traditional events and programs for attendees during Seollal. Entry to the palaces is free for all visitors wearing a Hanbok, which makes it the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself (and save on admission!) by renting a Hanbok for your visit.

Available programs include traditional rituals, games, and activities that you can participate in, along with performances like the famous “changing of the guards” ceremony.

Reserve your Hanbok in advance:

Check out these detailed Royal Palace tours:

*For free admission to all four royal palaces and Seoul’s major attractions, get the Discover Seoul Pass (72/120-Hour Pass) or Discover Seoul Mobile Pass (72/120-Hour Pass) with a 5-day eSIM on Trazy!

 

3. Namsangol Hanok Village

  • Address: 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
  • Opening Hours: 9AM – 8PM

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @0.yong.0

The Namsangol Hanok Village, around Chungmuro Subway Station, is a collection of five traditional Korean houses from the Joseon Dynasty that have been restored and preserved. As part of the Seollal festivities, you can register for various experiences involving Korean traditional percussion, folk songs, games, and more. The event is typically free for all attendees, and more details will be released soon!

4. Korean Folk Village

  • Address: 90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (Kakao Map)
  • Opening Hours: 10AM – 6PM

A high-angle shot captures a dynamic traditional performance taking place around a large bonfire at the Korean Folk Village in Yongin.

The Korean Folk Village hosts annual Seollal events such as folk games and traditional Korean music performances. Be sure to visit to watch tightrope walking, horseback martial arts, and role-playing by actors donned in makeup and hanbok that will transport you back to the Joseon dynasty.

Join Hassle-Free Day Tours to the Korean Folk Village:

5. Cultural Activities

For a truly unique Seollal experience in Korea, take part in these cultural activities and make unforgettable memories.

1) Korean Cooking Class & Food Tour

A top-down shot showcases an elaborate spread of traditional Korean temple food or a royal Hanjeongsik (full-course meal) served in rustic earthenware bowls.

Explore Korea’s rich culinary heritage on a refined traditional gourmet food tour in Seoul, then unwind with Korean traditional tea at a peaceful tea house. You can also join a Korean cooking class at a traditional hanok near Bukchon Hanok Village and learn how to make classic Korean dishes yourself.

2) Traditional DIY Workshops

Close-up of traditional Korean decorative pendants featuring intricate red and gold silk knotwork, carved jade or stone, and ornate metal butterflies inlaid with colorful gems like coral and turquoise.

In Seoul, you can join various traditional DIY classes and make your own memorable souvenir to take home! Create Korean stamp seals, traditional knot ornaments, or even handbound books – reserve your spot and make a special Seollal gift.

3) Korean Alcohol Tasting Experience

A person pours milky white makgeolli from a bottle into a small ceramic bowl, with a large scallion pancake (pajeon) and traditional brass utensils in the background.

For those curious about Korean alcohol, check out these activities! Experience the charm of Joseon-era Korea with traditional liquor tasting and storytelling in Seoul, or deepen your knowledge of soju with an English-speaking Korean alcohol sommelier.

6. Winter Exclusive Tours & Festivals

There are many special winter festivals you can easily visit for a quick day trip from Seoul! Check out these festivals for the Seollal holiday.

1) Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival

Ice Fountain at Chilgapsan, Cheongyang Alps Village

Every winter, the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival takes place at the magical Cheongyang Alps Village. Make winter memories by stepping into a frozen kingdom with massive ice fountains, ice sculptures, and igloos. And you won’t want to miss the opportunity to go bobsledding & more!

2) Eobi Ice Valley

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Francis Lam (@lam5067)

Found at the base of Eobi Mountain, between Mt. Youngmun and Mt. Yumyeong, the Eobi Ice Valley is a must-visit for winter tourists in Korea. Although smaller than those at Cheongsong, the ice formation at Eobi Valley holds its own unique charm. The name “Eobi (魚飛)”, which translates to “fish flying” in English, is said to come from the abundance of fish that made the crystal clear water of the valley their home. 

3) Pocheon Winter Festival

 

Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기

 

mintssong(@mintssong)님의 공유 게시물

Every winter, Pocheon hosts a variety of festive events! With this tour, you can experience three winter festivals in just one day: the Baegun Winter Ice Valley Festival, the Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival, and the Herb Island Pink Sand Festival. Enjoy picturesque scenes like frozen lakes, pink sand gardens, and stunning ice walls – perfect for capturing unforgettable moments!

7. Nami Island

Nami Island winter scenery covered with snow

Nami Island is another great place to visit during the Seollal holidays as it’s open every day! We also highly recommend visiting nearby hot spots like the Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, Italian Village, and Gangchon Rail Bike while you’re in the area.

Check out hand-picked Nami Island tours & more here!

8. Seoul’s Landmarks

1) Hangang River Cruise

The night view of Seoul's Hangang River and E-land Ferry Cruise

Hangang River E-land Ferry Cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery of Seoul. You can see some of the most famous landmarks on the cruise, including the National Assembly Building, N Seoul Tower, and Banpo Bridge.

Check out more Hangang River experiences in Seoul:

2) N Seoul Tower

The night view of N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower, also known as the Namsan Tower, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Seoul. Perched atop Namsan Mountain in central Seoul, the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. It’s also well known for its Locks of Love, where couples attach padlocks to fences to symbolize their everlasting love.

3) Lotte World Tower

The daytime view of Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake in Seoul.

Lotte World Tower, located in Jamsil, Seoul, is the tallest building in South Korea and one of the tallest in the world. This iconic skyscraper stands at an impressive 555 meters with 123 floors. Seoul Sky Observation Deck is a must-visit, located on the 177th to 123rd floors, offering jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city.

9. Top Ski Resorts

A view of Vivaldi Park Ski Resort's slopes with a skier and cable cars.

Seollal is the perfect time to plan a ski trip to Gangwon-do! With hassle-free ski 1-day packages, you can easily book Korea’s top ski resorts, complete with hassle-free transportation and lift passes. Whether it’s Vivaldi Park, Yongpyong, or High1 Ski Resort, find and book your ideal ski adventure in Korea through Trazy.

10. Indoor Attractions & Shows

1) SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium

The entrance of SEA LIFE Coex Aquarium in Seoul

SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium is Korea’s largest indoor aquarium, located in the Starfield COEX Mall in Seoul’s Gangnam District. It features 183 display tanks and 90 breeding tanks with 650 different marine species and over 40,000 sea creatures. It’s a suitable place for all ages, offering an immersive and educational marine experience!

2) Zoolung Zoolung

A family interacting with a parrot at Zoolung Zoolung Indoor Animal Theme Park

Zoolung Zoolung is Korea’s first indoor animal theme park, where visitors can interact with various animals in an urban setting. It has multiple branches across Korea, including Seoul Yeongdeungpo Times Square Mall, Hanam, Dongtan, Gyeongju, and more.

3) Aquafiefld & SPAREX

Aquafield Sauna and Spa in Hanam and Goyang Starfield Mall.

Aquafield is a stylish, modern jjimjilbang spa where you can enjoy a variety of themed experiences, from traditional Korean jjimjilbangs to contemporary spa treatments. It also features an indoor and outdoor water park with exciting slides, jacuzzi pools, infinity pools, and more!

Spa and Sauna of SPAREX in Dongdaemun and Dongmyo in Seoul

For ultimate relaxation and recharge, visit SPAREX Jjimjilbang, a modern take on the classic Korean sauna, open 24/7. With locations in Dongdaemun and Dongmyo, SPAREX offers a full range of amenities, from ice rooms to body scrubs, to help you unwind and rejuvenate!

4) Onemount Snow Park & Water Park

Snow sleddding slopes of Onemount Snow Park, located in Goyang, Korea.

Onemount is a sprawling theme park complex located in the Ilsan area, just 30 minutes from Seoul by subway. Snow Park is a winter-themed wonderland where you can enjoy sledding, ice skating, and other fun activities. Enjoy a day of winter fun at Onemount Snow Park with the longest indoor slide!

5) Shows & Exhibitions

During the Seollal holiday, you can enjoy a variety of shows and exhibitions.

The poster image of the Painters Show in Seoul

If you love watching shows, don’t miss these fantastic performances in Seoul this Seollal, all easy to enjoy without a language barrier!

If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to check out Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, for more fun and exciting posts like this one!

[Photo Credits]

13 thoughts on “Seollal in Seoul 2026 – Korean Lunar New Year Guide”

    1. Hello! While Dongdaemun Shopping Complex & Shopping Town will be closed during Seollal holidays (Jan 27~30), the Migliore building will be closed only on Jan 27~28 and will open on Jan 30. Namdaemun Market and Gwangjang Market will also be closed during the Seollal holidays but this may vary by stores and buildings.

      Reply

  2. Hello! I’m trying to find somewhere for a dinner on Saturday 28th, preferably Korean food. Every restaurant seems to be closed for the holidays! Do you have any recommendations, preferably in the Insadong area? Thank you!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Close

Related Post