Lunar New Years Day
By Shim Hyun-chul
Seollal, Lunar New Year’s Day, is drawing near. The big holiday falls on Feb. 3 this year, and Koreans are preparing for a long weekend of family gatherings to share handed-down recipes and customs.
On Seollal, one traditionally prepares ``seolbim,’’ or a brand new ``hanbok’’ (traditional Korean costume), in order to pay respects to late ancestors (``charye’’) and surviving elders (``saebae’’). One usually performs deep bows during both ceremonies, and exchange ``deokdam’’ or New Year’s greetings wishing one another good health and fortune. Elders usually give out ``saebaetdon’’ or New Year’s allowances for good luck.
Festivities are never complete without a feast, and Seollal is all about ``tteokguk’’ or rice cake soup. Rice dough is thinly sliced into soup seasoned with pork broth, anchovies or oysters (depending on the region and household). Eating tteokguk means turning a year older.
Afterward, family members gather around for various folk games, such as a board game using ``yutnori’’ sticks. Players try their best to yield the highest combination points that the four ``yutgarak’’ sticks allow ― similar to throwing a die ― in order to move forward on the ``yutpan’’ board.
Foreigners will have a chance to experience local Seollal traditions at the Seoul Namsan Gugakdang in downtown Seoul, from Feb. 1 to 15. The two-hour program allows visitors to taste tteokguk, play yutnori and perform saebae bows wearing hanbok. Visitors can also learn about ``gugak’’ (traditional music) and ``darye’’ (a tea ceremony).
Call (02) 2261-0501 or visit www.sejongpac.or.kr/sngad/ (Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese) for more information.