About the Korean New Year
In Korea, Solnal is the first day of the first month of the new year. While many
Koreans celebrate the New Year on January 1st of the solar calendar, the lunar new
year is still popular today. In many Korean communities, the New Year is celebrated
twice.
The Lunar New Year starts on
February 12 in 2002. According to the Asian
Zodiac, 2002 is the Year of the
Horse.
The Koreans focus on the family as they celebrate the beginning of the
New Year.
Children put on new traditional clothes called hanbok. They kneel and bow to their
ancestors and elders. Family members wish each other prosperity and good fortune. Then
they exchange gifts. Children receive lucky money, candy and fruit from the elders. The
family spends time together and have rice-cake soup for breakfast. Children often take
this day to play special New Year games.
In parts of Korea, people usher in the New Year with a ritual called
Jishin
Balpgi.
Loud drums and gongs are played to scare off evil spirits of the old year. At the end of
the day, friends and relatives join together for dinner to renew their friendship. Sol is
a celebration of family and good friends. And for the Koreans, the New Year is about
family and community.
Korean New Year Resources
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