Hello everyone!

It will be 2025 next week! Time seems to pass by so quickly. What plans have you made for the new year? Today, I would like to introduce you to the traditions of welcoming the new year in Korea. Let’s take a look together.

1️⃣ See the first sunrise of the new year

The first sunrise of the new year is one of the special events that many people in Korea enjoy to welcome the new year. There is also a tradition of making a wish while watching the sunrise or praying for health and good luck for the year. Some famous places to watch the rising sun are Homigot in Pohang, Gyeongbuk and Ganjeolgot in Ulsan. Why not have a special time watching the rising sun on New Year’s Day? If you go to see the sunrise, we recommend that you prepare warmly as it is very cold on New Year’s morning!

2️⃣ Eat rice cake soup

Tteokguk is a traditional Korean food eaten to welcome the New Year. Eating tteokguk symbolizes wishing for health and longevity for the year. This tradition has been passed down for many years and has become an important cultural element for Koreans to mark the beginning of the New Year. Tteokguk is mainly made with rice cakes, and egg custard, seaweed powder, thinly sliced ​​green onions, and meat are sometimes added. I personally think it is very delicious. This year, start the New Year with a bowl of tteokguk! 🍲✨

3️⃣ Sebae

On New Year's morning, the younger generation bows to their elders and expresses New Year's greetings. This is called Sebae, and the elders give them New Year's money along with words of wisdom. Sebae is an important tradition that symbolizes respect and harmony between families. Do you have this Sebae tradition in your country? I wonder. Haha

Today, I introduced some traditions for welcoming the New Year in Korea. International students, what are your plans for the first day of the New Year? I hope you have a warm year-end~

have a good day!