South Korea has more than 5,000 years of history and a very rich holiday culture. Among many traditional holidays, the two most important ones are Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving). For Koreans, these days are not just vacations – they are time to honor ancestors, visit family, and celebrate together. For foreigners, they are also the best moments to experience real Korean cultural traditions beyond K-pop and Korean dramas.
In this guide, you will learn about the main Korean holidays in 2026, the origins of Seollal and Chuseok, traditional customs, typical holiday foods, and practical travel tips if you plan to visit Korea during these periods.
1. 2026 Korean Holiday Calendar (Overview)
Korea uses both the solar (Gregorian) calendar and the lunar calendar. National holidays like New Year’s Day (1 January) follow the solar calendar, while traditional holidays such as Seollal and Chuseok follow the lunar calendar. Because of this, the exact dates of these holidays change each year.
- Solar New Year’s Day (신정) – 1 January 2026
- Seollal (설날, Lunar New Year) – 16 ~ 18 February 2026 (3-day national holiday)
- Chuseok (추석, Korean Thanksgiving) – 24 ~ 26 September 2026 (3-day national holiday)
Since lunar dates shift every year, travelers should check the official calendar again closer to their travel dates. However, the cultural meaning and customs of these holidays remain the same every year.
2. Seollal (Lunar New Year) – Starting the Year with Family and Ancestors
Seollal is one of the most important holidays in Korea. While January 1st is celebrated as the New Year, Koreans also consider Seollal—based on the lunar calendar—as another New Year. It is a time to honor ancestors, visit parents and grandparents, and wish each other good fortune for the coming year.
2.1 Origin of Seollal
The origin of Seollal dates back more than a thousand years, to the Three Kingdoms and Silla dynasties. Historically, people believed that the first day of the lunar year brought new energy and good luck. Families cleaned their homes, wore new clothes, honored their ancestors, and prayed for health and prosperity. Many of these traditions continue today in modern Korea.
2.2 Typical Seollal Traditions
(1) Charye – Ancestral Memorial Ritual
In the morning of Seollal, many families perform charye, an ancestral memorial ritual. A special table is prepared with rice, soup, fruits, rice cakes, and various traditional dishes. The family bows to their ancestors to express gratitude and respect.
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| Charye (Ancestral rites, Memorial) |
(2) Sebae – New Year’s Bow to Elders
After charye, younger family members perform sebae, a deep bow to elders. While bowing, they say: “새해 복 많이 받으세요 (Saehae bok mani badeuseyo)”, which means “Please receive a lot of luck in the new year.” Elders then give sebaetdon (New Year’s money) along with warm blessings.
(3) Traditional Games and Activities
During Seollal, families often enjoy traditional games together:
- Yut nori (윷놀이) – A board game played with four wooden sticks.
- Jegichagi (제기차기) – Kicking a feathered shuttlecock.
- Tuho (투호) – Throwing sticks into a narrow container.
2.3 Foods You Must Try on Seollal
- Tteokguk (떡국) – A rice cake soup traditionally eaten on Seollal. Koreans say that eating tteokguk means you “gain one more year of age.”
- Jeon (전) – Pan-fried dishes made with vegetables, meat, or fish coated in flour and egg.
3. Chuseok – Korean Thanksgiving and Harvest Festival
If Seollal celebrates the beginning of the year, Chuseok celebrates its harvest. Often called “Korean Thanksgiving,” Chuseok is another major holiday during which families travel to their hometowns, share food, and express gratitude for the year’s abundance.
3.1 Origin of Chuseok
Chuseok is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the day of the brightest full moon. Historically, after the autumn harvest, people offered new crops to their ancestors in appreciation. Over time, this developed into one of Korea’s most important family-centered traditions.
3.2 Main Chuseok Customs
(1) Seongmyo – Visiting Ancestors’ Graves
Many Koreans travel to their hometowns to visit and clean ancestral graves, a custom called seongmyo. It symbolizes gratitude and remembrance for previous generations.
(2) Charye – Thanksgiving Ritual at Home
Families also prepare a charye table during Chuseok, focusing on autumn fruits, newly harvested rice, and seasonal foods made with fresh grains.
(3) Folk Games and Traditional Performances
Depending on the region, Chuseok includes various cultural activities:
- Ganggangsullae (강강술래) – A traditional circle dance under the full moon.
- Ssirum (씨름) – Korean traditional wrestling.
- Local folk music, mask dances, and cultural village events.
3.3 Chuseok Holiday Foods
- Songpyeon (송편) – Half-moon-shaped rice cakes steamed with pine needles, giving them a natural aroma.
- Japchae (잡채) – Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and sometimes beef.
- Hangwa (한과) – Traditional Korean sweets made from honey, rice, and grains.
4. Why Foreigners Find Korean Holidays Fascinating
4.1 Family-Centered Culture
Korean holidays revolve around strong family values. Most people visit parents and grandparents, offering foreigners a unique chance to understand Korea’s family-centered society.
4.2 Hanbok – Traditional Clothing
During holidays, some families wear hanbok. Many palaces offer hanbok rentals, allowing visitors to enjoy a traditional experience and take beautiful photos.
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| Gyeongbokgung palace |
4.3 Unique Holiday Atmosphere
Cities become quieter during holidays, while cultural sites such as palaces and folk villages host special events and performances. This creates a rare mix of peaceful urban streets and lively traditional celebrations.
5. Travel Tips for Visiting Korea During 2026 Holidays
5.1 Book Transportation Early
Before Seollal and Chuseok, millions of Koreans travel nationwide. Train and bus tickets often sell out quickly, so booking early is highly recommended.
5.2 Check Opening Hours
Some restaurants and shops close on the main holiday date, but many tourist attractions remain open or even offer special events.
5.3 Enjoy Cultural Programs
Palaces such as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung offer holiday programs including free entry, traditional music, and hands-on cultural experiences.
6. FAQ: Common Questions About Korean Holidays
Q1. Is Seollal the same as January 1st?
No. January 1st is the solar New Year, while Seollal follows the lunar calendar. Koreans celebrate both, with Seollal being more traditional.
Q2. Can foreigners join Seollal or Chuseok celebrations?
Yes. Many cultural centers, palaces, and museums offer holiday activities for visitors. Some foreigners also experience the holidays with Korean host families.
Q3. What greetings should I use?
For Seollal: “새해 복 많이 받으세요 (Saehae bok mani badeuseyo)”
For Chuseok: “풍성한 한가위 보내세요” (“Have a bountiful Chuseok”)
7. Final Thoughts
Korean holidays are more than just public breaks—they reflect deep cultural traditions and strong family bonds. Visiting Korea during Seollal or Chuseok allows travelers to experience meaningful rituals, unique foods, traditional performances, and Korea’s warm, family-oriented atmosphere. In 2026, if you plan to visit Korea, consider aligning your trip with these special holidays for a truly cultural experience.
