In Korea, the Solar New Year, known as Sinjeong (신정), is celebrated on January 1st, marking the start of the Gregorian calendar year. While the Lunar New Year (Seollal) holds deeper traditional significance, Sinjeong has its own charm, combining modern festivities with meaningful customs. From watching the first sunrise to eating traditional rice cake soup, Koreans celebrate the new year with hope, warmth, and togetherness. Let’s dive into the unique customs and traditions of the Korean Solar New Year.
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| First Sunrise of New Year in Korea |
1. Watching the First Sunrise of the New Year
One of the most iconic Solar New Year customs in Korea is heading out early to witness the first sunrise of the year. Many Koreans believe that watching the sunrise on January 1st and making a wish brings good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Popular destinations for sunrise viewing include:
- Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진해변): Known for its beautiful coastal views.
- Seongsan Ilchulbong (성산일출봉): A famous sunrise peak on Jeju Island.
- Haeundae Beach (해운대해변): Located in Busan, perfect for a magical sunrise over the sea.
- Namsan Seoul Tower (남산서울타워): For a city view combined with the sunrise.
Thousands of people gather at these locations, bundled up in warm clothes, to greet the first light of the year with cheers and hopeful resolutions.
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| Korean Rice Cake Soup - Tteokguk. Image by Maangchi |
2. Eating Rice Cake Soup (Tteokguk - 떡국)
No Korean New Year celebration is complete without tteokguk, a traditional rice cake soup. This warm and comforting dish is made with thinly sliced rice cakes (tteok), often served in a savory beef or anchovy broth and garnished with egg, green onions, and sometimes dumplings.
Why Do Koreans Eat Tteokguk on New Year’s Day?
- Symbol of a New Beginning: The round rice cakes in tteokguk represent the sun, symbolizing a fresh start.
- Gaining a Year in Age: In Korean culture, eating tteokguk signifies gaining a year in age. It’s a delicious way to welcome growth and maturity for the year ahead.
- Bringing Good Luck: The dish is also believed to bring blessings and prosperity.
Want to try making tteokguk at home? Check out this authentic tteokguk recipe for a step-by-step guide.
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| Bosingak Bell Pavilion (보신각종각). Image by namuwiki |
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| Bosingak Bell-ringing. Image by The Seoul Guide |
In major cities like Seoul, people gather for bell-ringing ceremonies to countdown to the new year. The most famous is held at Bosingak Bell Pavilion (보신각종각) in Seoul, where the large bell rings 33 times at midnight, signaling the arrival of the new year.
These ceremonies are often accompanied by:
- Fireworks displays lighting up the night sky.
- Cultural performances showcasing traditional and modern music.
- Cheers and celebrations as people welcome the new year with excitement.
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| Korean New Year blessings |
4. Exchanging New Year’s Greetings
On January 1st, it’s customary to greet family, friends, and colleagues with the phrase:
"Saehae bok mani badeuseyo (새해 복 많이 받으세요)", meaning “Please receive a lot of blessings in the new year.”
This greeting reflects the importance of starting the year with positivity and spreading good wishes.
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| Korean New Year's Fireworks in Busan |
5. Modern Celebrations and Festivities
While some prefer traditional customs, many Koreans embrace modern celebrations for Sinjeong. These include:
- Attending New Year’s Eve parties with friends.
- Watching special New Year’s broadcasts on TV featuring music performances, comedy, and countdown events.
- Enjoying a relaxing day off with family to recharge for the year ahead.
Solar New Year vs. Lunar New Year in Korea
While both the Solar New Year (January 1st) and the Lunar New Year (Seollal) are public holidays in South Korea, they are celebrated differently:
- Sinjeong (Solar New Year): Focuses on personal resolutions, modern festivities, and symbolic traditions like watching the sunrise and eating tteokguk.
- Seollal (Lunar New Year): Centers around family reunions, ancestral rites, traditional games, and wearing hanbok (traditional clothing).
Both holidays share a common theme of renewal, but Sinjeong offers a more relaxed and contemporary way to celebrate.
Final Thoughts
The Solar New Year in South Korea is a time of reflection, hope, and new beginnings. Whether it’s watching the breathtaking first sunrise, sharing a warm bowl of tteokguk, or exchanging heartfelt greetings, these traditions highlight the importance of welcoming the year with optimism and gratitude.
If you’re planning to celebrate Sinjeong in Korea, don’t miss the chance to experience these unique customs and start your year with positivity and cultural richness.
Happy New Year! Or as Koreans say, 새해 복 많이 받으세요 (Saehae bok mani badeuseyo)!
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