Happy Korean Lunar New Year!
2023 is the year of the rabbit, and Koreans celebrate the Lunar New Year, or ‘Seollal‘ in Korea, which is one of the biggest holidays in Korea. This year, Korean Lunar New Year is from Jan 21 to 24.
During the holiday period, many Koreans head back to their hometown to see their families and pay respect to their ancestors. As most people head out of Seoul during this time to see their families, the city that is usually bustling with people becomes a lot more peaceful and quiet.
Also, many businesses including major department stores and small local shops close during the holiday period. But don’t be in despair as travelers (just like yourself!) can find and partake in Seollal events at many tourist attractions and destinations within and around Seoul.
Check out these destinations where you can celebrate and make the most of your trip during the Korean Lunar New Year holiday!
1. Theme Parks
South Korea’s three best theme parks Everland, Lotte World, and Seoul Land are open during the Korean Lunar New Year and they offer various attractions and Seollal-themed events like sledding, light shows, and parades.
Get Discount Tickets to Theme Parks Around Seoul:
- Everland 1 Day Pass
- Everland Discount Ticket & Shuttle Bus Package
- Lotte World 1 Day Pass
- Lotte World Theme Park & Aquarium Combo Discount Ticket
- Seoul Land 1 Day Pass
2. Korean Royal Palaces
If the royal palaces are somewhere you’ve been meaning to visit, Seollal is the perfect time to go. Four of the royal palaces in Seoul (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung) will be open and will showcase different programs for the guests.
Programs include traditional rituals, games, and activities that you can participate in along with performances like the famous “changing of the guards” ceremony with the palace as the perfect backdrop.
Check Out These Detailed Royal Palace Tours:
- Modern Hanbok Rental & Gyeonbokgung Photoshoot
- Korean Palace Tour
- Deoksugung / Gyeongbokgung Palace Half Day Tour
*For free admission to all four royal palaces and Seoul’s major attractions, get the Discover Seoul Pass on Trazy!
3. National Folk Museum of Korea
You may perceive museums as mundane places, but head to one during Seollal and you’ll find that it’s actually quite fun and exciting!
During Seollal, the National Folk Museum of Korea located in Gyeongbokgung Palace offers a range of hands-on programs and exhibitions such as arts and crafts and traditional folk games for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
You can try playing Korean traditional games like “paengichigi (top spinning)”, “jegichagi (hacky sack)” and “yut nori (a board game where you throw sticks)”.
4. Namsangol Hanok Village
The Namsangol Hanok Village, around Chungmuro Subway Station, is a collection of five traditional Korean houses from the Joseon Dynasty that have been restored. As part of the Seollal festivities, here you can register for various experiences involving Korean traditional percussions, folk songs, games and more. It’s sure to be a lot of fun!
5. Korean Folk Village
The Korean Folk Village is also hosting Seollal events such as folk games and traditional Korean music performances.
There are also performances like tightrope walking, horseback martial arts, and role-playing by actors donned in makeup and outfits that make it look like they’re really from the Joseon dynasty.
Join Hassle-Free Day Tours to Korean Folk Village:
- Korean Folk Village Half Day Tour from Seoul (Morning/Afternoon)
- Suwon Hwaseong Fortress & Korean Folk Village Private Van Tour
- Seoul Vicinity: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress + Korean Folk Village + Uiwang Rail Bike 1 Day Tour
- South Gyeonggi Private Van Tour
6. Winter Festivals
There are various winter special festivals that you can easily visit from Seoul in a day! Check out these festivals for the Seollal holiday.
1) Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is Koreans’ favorite winter festival. Spot sancheoneo (mountain trout) under the frozen river and try fishing through the holes. Then, you can grill or get it filleted to taste fresh mountain trout on the site!
2) Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival
Every winter, the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival takes place at the magical Cheongyang Alps Village. Make winter memories to cherish by stepping into a frozen kingdom with massive ice fountains, ice sculptures, and igloos. Also, enjoy exciting winter activities, such as snow sledding, ice sledding, and bobsledding!
7. Nami Island
Nami Island is another great place to visit during the Seollal holidays as it’s open every day! It’s highly recommended to visit other vicinity destinations with Nami Island, such as Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, Italian Village, and Gangchon Rail Bike.
Check Out Hand-picked Nami Island Tours:
- Nami Island Shuttle Bus from Seoul
- Nami Island and Garden of Morning Calm / Petite France + Italian Village Tour
- Seoul Vicinity: Nami Island + Petite France + Italian Village + Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour
- Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort & Nami Island 1 Day Package
- Vivaldi Park Ski Resort & Nami Island 1 Day Shuttle Bus Package
- Nami Island & Alpaca World 1 Day Tour from Seoul
8. Han River Ferry Cruise
Han River (Hangang River) Ferry Cruise is the best way to enjoy the scenery of Seoul. You can see some of the most famous landmarks on the cruise such as N Seoul Tower, the 63 Building, and the Sports Complex.
Luckily you can enjoy the Han River Ferry Cruise during the Korean Lunar New Year along with live music performances and a spectacular fireworks show. They also offer a luxurious buffet cruise. Consider having a nice dinner with your special someone along with live music & fireworks to celebrate Korean Lunar New Year!
For more details, click here.
9. Other destinations to visit during the Seollal holiday
Other major tourist attractions that are also open during the Korean Lunar New Year holiday period include N Seoul Tower, COEX Aquarium, and Myeongdong Nanta Theatre. Jamsil is another great neighborhood to visit where you can enjoy a trip to Lotte World, Lotte World Aquarium, and Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky. All of them are easy to reach by subway and they are truly wonderful places to visit with your family and friends and have a great time together.
So, what are you waiting for? Do try a visit to one of these spots during Seollal!
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]
Everland Blog
KOREA.NET – Official page of the Republic of Korea Korea_2013_Seollal_07 via photopin (license)
KOREA.NET – Official page of the Republic of Korea 2015_Seollal_09 via photopin (license)
KOREA.NET – Official page of the Republic of Korea 2015_Seollal_22 via photopin (license)
KOREA.NET – Official page of the Republic of Korea Korea_2013_Seollal_06 via photopin (license)
Thanks for the info! How about the markets like Dongdaemun,, Gwangjang and Namdemun markets? Will they be open?
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.
Is dongdaemon night market open on the 25th and 26th?
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!
Hello! Many shops and restaurants will be closed on the very day of Seollal, but this place called “Gangnam Myeonok” might be open. You can find directions here: https://goo.gl/maps/Smvin1xyuA22
Wow such a awesome post love it, searching for something
Thank you! It’s a pleasure. 🙂
Tqsm. I will be there 1-5th Feb😭😭
Terimakasih bos infonya
Is there any shopping places that are recommended to visit during seollal holidays?
Hi Jiya! We have interesting outlet shopping tour packages. Please check this link: https://www.trazy.com/search/activities?keyword=outlet
Hi, will the kids attractions be busy during seollal? Like Lotte world, KidZania 🙂
Hi, The shops around Hongdae will be close d during 25-26?