Discover festivities, getaways for your Lunar New Year holiday

Tourists take photos near a blue snake sculpture at Busan's Gwangalli Beach, Dec. 31, 2024. Yonhap

Lunar New Year, Korea's cherished holiday of family and tradition, falls on Jan. 29 this year — and it's bringing an epic break with it.

Thanks to the addition of Jan. 27 as a temporary holiday, people can enjoy a six-day vacation until Jan. 30. Those who tack on Jan. 31 as a personal day can extend the celebration to a whopping nine days, making it one of the longest Lunar New Year breaks in recent memory.

Wondering how to fill all that free time? Here's a list of vibrant events and activities to help start the Year of the Blue (or Green) Snake with unforgettable memories.

Tourists visit Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul in the snow, Nov. 27, 2024. Yonhap

Step into tradition

For a taste of Korea's rich history, the Cultural Heritage Administration is opening the gates to the nation's grandest royal sites — for free.

From Jan. 25 to 30, visitors can roam Gyeongbok, Changdeok (excluding its Secret Garden), Changgyeong and Deoksu Palaces, as well as the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. The usually reservation-only Jongmyo Shrine will also be open for leisurely visits.

At Unhyeon Palace, tradition meets festivity during a three-day cultural festival. Highlights include fusion gugak (Korean traditional music) and magic shows on Jan. 28, steaming bowls of tteokguk (rice cake soup) on Jan. 29, and enchanting gayageum (traditional string instrument) performances alongside circus acts on Jan. 30.

Meanwhile, Namsangol Hanok Village will light up the holiday spirit with a stunning lantern exhibition and interactive cultural programs, also running Jan. 28 to 30.

Seoul's museums will also turn up the charm with events that blend fun with history. The Seoul Museum of Korean Folk Music kicks things off on Jan. 25, offering traditional games, live gugak performances and calligraphy workshops through Jan. 30.

For a one-day-only celebration on Jan. 30, the Seoul Museum of History is transforming its plaza into a hub of traditional performances, games, and craft stations — perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike.

A child and his father enjoys ice sledding at the Pyeongchang Trout Festival held along Odae Stream in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, Jan. 19. Yonhap

Frozen festivities

If a trip to Seoul feels too far or traditional culture doesn't spark much interest, this holiday offers a frosty lineup of festivals making the most of Korea's icy rivers and chilly weather.

In Gangwon Province's Hwacheon County, the celebrated Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is underway, running through Feb. 2. Dubbed one of CNN's "7 Wonders of Winter" in 2011, this unique festival draws over a million visitors each January. Its centerpiece? Fishing for sancheoneo, the Korean term for masu salmon.

The thrill doesn't end with the catch. Festivalgoers can savor their fresh fish as sashimi or grilled right on-site. Beyond fishing, the festival offers an array of winter fun, including ice skating and snow sledding.

Tourists flock to the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, Jan. 18. The county government reported that the festival attracted over 500,000 visitors within a week of its opening. Yonhap

Nearby in Gangwon Province, the Pyeongchang Trout Festival offers another chance to cast a line this winter. Held at Odae Stream, the festival promises not just trout fishing but a full slate of winter activities for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Yangpyeong and Anseong of Gyeonggi Province, locations closer to Seoul, are also hosting ice fishing festivals where visitors can reel in smelt upon frozen rivers while soaking up the winter vibes.

For those not into fishing, a southern trip to warmer destinations offer equally magical experiences. Busan's Haeundae Light Festival, running through Feb. 2, dazzles with vibrant illuminations that transform the beach into a dreamlike wonderland.

Meanwhile, Jeju Island is celebrating the season with the Camellia Festival at Hueree Natural Living Park, open until Jan. 31. Wander among blooming camellias — one of winter's rare floral gems — and let the beauty of nature melt away the cold.

Fruit gift sets are displayed at a local supermarket, Jan. 13, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. Yonhap

Feeling lazy?

Not everyone is eager to brave the cold or hit the road this Lunar New Year. For those planning to stay home, there's good news: retailers are rolling out big discounts on festive food essentials to make holiday meals stress-free.

E-Mart is offering discounts on a range of ready-made holiday dishes under its Peacock private brand through Jan. 29. Shoppers can stock up on essentials like sliced rice cakes, beef bone broth, brisket soup stock and festive classics like assorted pancakes and japchae (stir-fried glass noodles). The lineup includes over 50 items, including newly introduced offerings like squid tempura, seaweed rolls, shiitake mushroom fritters and shrimp tempura.

At Homeplus, Lunar New Year deals meet cutting-edge technology. Until Jan. 29, the retailer is hosting an AI-powered event, using machine learning and customer purchase data to highlight must-have items offered at steep discounts. Shoppers can score deals on pork shoulder, frozen shrimp, peeled chestnuts and more.

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Home shopping platforms are also stepping up. Hyundai Home Shopping, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, is offering up to 20 percent off popular holiday produce, livestock and seafood via Hmall through Jan. 29.

NS Home Shopping has also curated a special selection of festive food items, including marinated short ribs and seasoned meats, ensuring customers can set a delicious table without a hassle. The promotion runs until Jan. 24.