Lunar New Year in Korea
Unlike Japan, in Korea there is a “to celebrate New Year in Lunar calendar” culture, which is Korean Lunar New Year. Similarly, in China and Taiwan it is common to celebrate the New Year in Lunar calendar, so Lunar New Year events might be held in the in February, takes place in Chinatown or Korean Town etc. in Japan.
This time we would like to give you a summary about the greetings of the Lunar New Year in Korea, general cuisine, convenient tax duty free information and shopping, and the schedule of the New Year’s Day in 2019 at the same time!
When is the Schedule of Korean Lunar New Year in 2019?
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The schedule of Korean Lunar New Year in 2019 will be 3 days from February 4th to 6th. This is determined according to the calendar of the Lunar calendar, and if we said it in an exaggerated way, it means that they have already decided on the Lunar New Year schedule for a decade later.
And next year in 2019, February 4th is Monday, so workers and students will have five consecutive holidays if we link it to Saturday and Sunday. In Korea, there are not many consecutive holidays in large scale, so people using these consecutive holidays to return to their parents’ home or recently traveling overseas are on the rise.
Here are The Greetings of the Korean Lunar New Year!
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In the Lunar New Year in Korea, it is common to give traditional greetings to superiors, such as parents and relatives, in the morning of New Year ‘s Day.
Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo
This greeting means “Please accept lots of New Year’s blessings” which has the same meaning as “Happy New Year” in Japan. Therefore, it is the most common standard greetings for Lunar New Year that can be used not only for families but also for friends and lovers, shop clerks and passers-by.
Ol hae do-o geon gang ha ge jal bonaeseyo
“Please stay healthy for the rest of the year” similar to previous greetings, it is also word that is used frequently. Even in New Year’s cards, sometimes it is drawn together with cute illustrations as common phrases!
Just like in Japan, it is also an exciting time for children to give greetings to their parents in the morning of Lunar New Year’s New Year Day and getting a new year’s gift. In addition, during greetings, “Kunjeol” or putting the head on the floor is also done, this is a Korean traditional greeting ritual which is also done in the marriage greetings and formal places.
