Korean Lifestyle in 12 Episodes | Episode 10: Holidays and Festivities – From Lunar New Year to Chuseok
Why Holidays Matter in Korea In Korea, holidays are not just days off work; they are moments of cultural continuity, family gathering, and social identity. They provide a rhythm to the year, anchoring people in traditions while also adapting to modern lifestyles. Among the many holidays, Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Harvest Festival) stand out as the most important. Seollal: Lunar New Year Seollal, usually celebrated in January or February, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. Family Reunions: Families gather in ancestral homes, often traveling long distances across the country. Rituals and Respect: Charye (ancestral rites) are performed to honor ancestors, followed by bows of respect ( sebae ) to elders. Traditional Food: Tteokguk (rice cake soup) is eaten, symbolizing good fortune and the passing into a new year of age. Games and Dress: Traditional games like yutnori are played, and some wear hanbok for the occasion. The Social Meaning of Se...