In Korea, Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) is a time of reflection, respect, and togetherness. Homes are filled with the smell of tteokguk (떡국), a traditional Korean soup made with sliced rice cakes in a savory broth. Elders offer blessings, and children bow to show respect to their elders as the year begins with gratitude and hope.
However, for many of the youth we serve through Seollal can look very different. This Seollal, a small gift can help bridge that gap.
What Is Seollal?
Seollal marks the first day of the Korean Lunar New Year and is one of the most important holidays in Korea. Celebrated in January or February, it has roots stretching back more than 2,000 years. Historically, it was a time to honor ancestors and welcome the coming year with intention and care.
Today, while celebrations look different across families and communities, Seollal remains centered on connection, respect, and shared tradition.
Sebae and Sebaedon: A Tradition of Respect
One of the most meaningful Seollal traditions is sebae (세배), a formal deep bow younger people perform to show respect to elders. In return, elders offer words of wisdom, blessings for the year ahead, and sebaedon (세뱃돈), a small envelope of money symbolizing good fortune and care.
Seollal Traditions: Food, Games, and Togetherness
Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, is celebrated through shared meals, traditional games, and time spent together. These traditions help mark new beginnings and strengthen bonds across generations.
Families often gather to enjoy traditional Seollal foods, including:
- Tteokguk (떡국): Rice cake soup symbolizing new beginnings and longevity
- Jeon (전): Savory Korean pancakes
- Galbijjim (갈비찜): Braised short ribs
- Japchae (잡채): Glass noodles with vegetables and meat
- Sikhye (식혜): A sweet traditional rice drink made from barley and cooked rice
Alongside food, traditional Korean games are an important part of Seollal celebrations. These games encourage movement, teamwork, and playful connection during the holiday.
Common Seollal games include:
- Yutnori (윷놀이): A traditional board game played by teams or individuals using wooden sticks instead of dice. The way the sticks land determines how far players move across the board.
- Jegichagi (제기차기): A game where players kick a weighted shuttlecock into the air and try to keep it from touching the ground.
- Ddakji-chigi (딱지치기): A competitive game where players attempt to flip their opponent’s folded paper tile using their own.
- Yeonnalligi (연날리기): Kite flying, often enjoyed outdoors with friendly competitions.
Together, these foods and games make Seollal a holiday rooted in joy, tradition, and togetherness.
Why Seollal Looks Different for the Youth We Serve
Many children in Korea’s social welfare system experience Seollal differently. Some are able to spend time with family, while others remain in their children’s homes during the holiday. For many, limited resources can make it difficult to fully take part in Seollal traditions. That’s where community support can make a meaningful difference.
How a $20 Gift Makes an Impact
Inspired by the tradition of sebaedon, a gift of $20 provides sebaedon for one child. Additional funds help support meaningful Seollal celebrations and winter break experiences for the youth we serve.
Your support helps make possible:
- 🎢 Special outings during school holidays, such as amusement park visits
- 🍲 Shared holiday meals and special treats
- 🌱 Educational and cultural experiences beyond the children’s home
- 🙏 Opportunities to participate in sebae and receive sebaedon from caring adults
Small gifts, given with intention, can turn tradition into connection.
Give This Seollal
This Seollal, you can help ensure the holiday is filled with dignity, warmth, and belonging. Give today through our donate page.
Your Seollal gift helps turn centuries-old traditions into memories that last, and starts the Lunar New Year with hope.
As we welcome Seollal and the Year of the Horse, we wish you a new year filled with strength, warmth, and forward momentum. May this Lunar New Year bring health, hope, and meaningful connections to you and those you love.
Happy Seollal (새해 복 많이 받으세요)! 🐎✨