New Year’s Day in South Korea
New Year’s Day in South Korea falls on January 1, the first day of the Gregorian calendar. It is a public holiday for government offices, and many people mark the morning by watching the year’s first sunrise; Seollal, the lunar New Year, remains the country’s more important traditional holiday.[1][2]
A public holiday on the solar calendar
South Korea officially follows the Gregorian calendar, while traditional holidays such as Seollal follow the lunar calendar. The distinction gives January 1 and Seollal separate places in the calendar: one opens the Gregorian year, while the other is the lunar New Year and a major family holiday.[2]
The Presidential Decree on Public Holidays lists January 1 as a holiday for government offices. Its substitute-holiday provision does not include January 1, so when January 1 falls on a weekend, the decree does not create a substitute day for it.[1]
Sunrise and the start of the year
Watching the first sunrise is a familiar New Year’s activity in South Korea. The Korea Tourism Organization says people travel to coastal and mountain locations to see it. Visitors often make personal wishes as they welcome the year.[2]
In Seoul, the bell at Bosingak Belfry is rung at midnight on January 1. People gather nearby to welcome the new year and make wishes. The site was associated with a timekeeping bell during the Joseon period; the current New Year’s bell ceremony is a public gathering at the historic belfry.[3]
The east coast and Homigot in Pohang are among the places associated with sunrise viewing. A Korea Tourism Organization listing for Homigot describes New Year events there, including performances, fireworks and a sunrise concert. Specific programs can vary, so travelers should check local notices before making plans.[4]
How it differs from Seollal
January 1 is not the main occasion for traditional New Year customs in South Korea. The Korea Tourism Organization describes Seollal as more significant than January 1 and associates it with family visits, traditional games and foods including tteokguk, or rice cake soup. Those Seollal customs should not be assumed to be universal January 1 traditions.[2]
What to expect on the holiday
Government offices and banks close on official Korean public holidays, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. Palaces, museums, department stores and amusement facilities generally remain open, though opening hours may differ by venue. The public-holiday decree applies to government offices; private-sector holiday arrangements are governed by labor law and the applicable workplace rules.[1][2]
Sunrise destinations and ceremonies can draw crowds, so check transport schedules and local event information before travelling.[2][3]
Frequently asked questions
Is January 1 a public holiday in South Korea?
Does South Korea give a substitute day when January 1 falls on a weekend?
No substitute day is provided for January 1 under the decree’s substitute-holiday rule. The rule covers specified holidays, and January 1 is not among them.[1]
What do people do on New Year’s Day?
Are shops and attractions open?
Government offices and banks close, while palaces, museums, department stores and amusement facilities generally remain open on official public holidays. Check individual venues for their hours.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in South Korea:
- 관공서의 공휴일에 관한 규정- National Law Information Center, Ministry of Government Legislation
- Public Holidays- Korea Tourism Organization
- Bosingak Belfry (보신각 터)- Korea Tourism Organization
- Homigot Sunrise Festival (호미곶 한민족 해맞이축전)- Korea Tourism Organization