When the Korean Lunar New Year—Seollal (설날)—arrives, it’s more than just a change in the calendar. It’s a heartfelt reunion of family, a respectful nod to ancestors, and a hopeful start to the year. And at the center of these celebrations? Food—rich with symbolism, culture, and love.
Why Food Matters During Seollal
In Korea, food is deeply symbolic. During Seollal, it serves to:
Honor ancestors through ceremonial rituals like charye (차례) Promote health, success, and longevity Celebrate family togetherness Mark a fresh start to the new year
Each dish isn’t just nourishment—it’s a message, a memory, and a meaningful gesture.
Traditional Dishes and Their Symbolism
1. Tteokguk (Rice Cake Soup)
A must-have during Seollal, this soup made with thinly sliced white rice cakes represents purity, renewal, and aging gracefully—you’re said to grow a year older with every bowl! Asking “How many bowls of tteokguk did you eat?” is a playful way to ask someone’s age.
2. Jeon (Korean Pancakes)
Golden, crispy, and savory—jeon comes in many varieties, from meat to vegetables to seafood. Carefully prepared and presented during the ancestor memorial ritual, jeon symbolizes respect, care, and family bonding, especially when cooked together.
3. Galbijjim (Braised Short Ribs)
Rich, tender, and festive, galbijjim is often served to honor elders and guests. It reflects generosity and celebration, making it a popular dish for special occasions.
4. Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles)
This colorful noodle dish represents longevity (thanks to the long noodles) and harmony, as a variety of vegetables are stir-fried together in balance. It’s a wish for a well-rounded and fortunate life.
5. Yaksik (Sweet Rice with Nuts and Fruits)
Made with glutinous rice, honey, chestnuts, and jujubes, yaksik is more than dessert. The name itself—“yak” meaning medicine—hints at its traditional use for health and good fortune. It’s a sweet way to end a meaningful meal.
Food That Feels Like Home
More than just flavors, Seollal dishes evoke a sense of belonging and connection. Whether surrounded by family or celebrating from afar, preparing and sharing these foods helps keep traditions alive and loved ones close at heart.
One Bite, Many Stories
Every dish on the Seollal table tells a story:
- A hope for peace and prosperity
- A tribute to generations past
- A toast to health, success, and joy in the coming year
So next time you enjoy a spoonful of tteokguk or a bite of japchae, remember—you’re tasting history, culture, and heartfelt wishes.
Seollal is a time for reflection and renewal. And through each bite of tradition, we carry forward the love, wisdom, and dreams of generations before us.
- Reported by Manisha
Intern at The Korean Academy
Korean news analysis and reporting
