What To Do If You’re Staying In Seoul For Seollal 2024
This year, 2024, Seollal, or the Lunar New Year, falls on February 10th.
Seollal is a big family holiday here in Korea so it’s important to know what to expect, what is open and what is closed. Most Koreans head back to their hometowns to see family and if they celebrate in the traditional fashion will wake very early in the morning and hold a ceremony to pay respects to their ancestors in which they will dress in traditional Korean clothing, or Hanbok, and bow to an altar table set with all kinds of food including meat, fish, vegetables and fruit.
My Korean family will partake in this very tradition adorned in Hanbok and all. To learn more about the Jesa ceremony I’ll be partaking in, you can read about that here. After the ceremony, families will sit down to enjoy a hearty rice cake soup, or tteokguk, which signifies the addition of one more year to their age and luck for the new year.
In Korea, the Lunar New Year is the date on which everyone’s age increases by one year… traditionally, though from 2023, the traditional Korean age is set to go away. (That will only be on paperwork though if you ask me. Conversationally, the Korean age will still be used in my opinion.)
For what to do this Seollal in Seoul, keep reading.
- When is Seollal?
- How do Koreans celebrate the Lunar New Year?
- Celebrate the Year Of the Blue Dragon in Seoul
- 10 Things To Do In Seoul Over Seollal
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When is Seollal?
In 2024, Seollal falls on on February 10th but the Korean holiday includes the day before and after as well. Because Seollal is on a Saturday this year, there will be a make-up holiday on Monday, so the official public holiday for Lunar New Year in Korea spans February 9 until February 12 in 2024.
How do Koreans celebrate the Lunar New Year?
Not all families celebrate traditionally and now more and more people are heading to the ski resorts and spas to enjoy some relaxation time rather than stress over perfectly set jesa tables. No matter what the people do, the city of Seoul ends up much quieter than normal and the busy fast paced city comes to a bit of a wanderer’s pace.
Restaurants that are usually open 24 hours a day may not open at all so if you’re staying in the city, plan ahead, stock up on food and drink and enjoy some quiet time in the city and maybe make plans to head out to one of these places that WILL be open. Some places will even have discounts if you were born in a Year Of The Tiger.
Celebrate the Year Of the Blue Dragon in Seoul
2024 is the Year of the Dragon, the blue dragon or wood dragon to be precise. The only mythical creature in the zodiac, this year is considered a lucky year and if you want to learn more about the dragon in Korean mythology or just celebrate the Year of the Dragon, there are a number of ways to do it.
The National Folk Museum of Korea is hosting an entire exhibit centered on the Year of the Dragon and showcasing some great Korean artwork and relics. The National Theater of Korea is also hosting a special performance that signifies the meanings of welcoming spirits, entertaining spirits, and bidding farewell to spirits, while wishing for the dispelling of misfortune through dignified traditional dances. Click the link above to learn more about these and other ways to celebrate the Year of the Dragon in Seoul.
10 Things To Do In Seoul Over Seollal
I think it’s great to stay in Seoul for Seollal. It’s fairly quiet and that can be a very fun way to experience Seoul, Korea. I absolutely don’t recommend taking a drive on the first or last day of the holiday because the roads will be insanely busy and you WILL be stuck in traffic. Enjoy the holiday by staying put if at all possible.
1. The Namsangol Hanok Village (남산골한옥마을)
The Namsangol Hanok Village opens its doors on Seollal to provide a great place to take part in some traditional Korean activities and fun. The Namsangol Hanok Village that sits at the foot of Namsan Mountain is easy to get to for many as its centrally located right downtown near Myeongdong. After a visit, take a walk in nearby Pil-dong to see the street art and then just up from there is the quirky street art of Ani Town.
Visitors to Namsangol Hanok Village can take part in activities including making kites, spinning tops, masks and eat up a helping of rice cake. There will be traditional performances and the traditional ancestral rites are demonstrated as well.
- Address: 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu (서울 중구 퇴계로34길 28)
- Directions: Take a u-turn from either exit 3 or 4 from Chungmuro Subway Station and then turn onto the street between the two exits to find the entrance to the Hanok village.
- Hours: 11:00AM – 5:00PM
- Admission: Free
2. The Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)
The Korean Folk Village has all sorts of fun things to partake in and in the winter there’s even sledding. Visitors can take part in face painting, horse petting, kite flying, rice cake pounding and fortune telling among other things. There will also be traditional performances, dancing, acrobats on tightropes, and horse shows at different times throughout the daily schedule.
- Address: 90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si (경기 용인시 기흥구 민속촌로 90)
- Directions:
- Shuttle Bus: There is a free shuttle bus from Suwon Subway Station. Go out of exit 4 to find the Folk Village Shuttle Bus Platform. Buses depart at 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm
- Hours: 9:30AM – 5:30PM
- Admission: W20,000
- Book Online: You can book a transportation and ticket package on Klook or on kkday which is a great option so you don’t have to worry about anything on the day.
3. Treat Yourself To A Staycation
Tried to book a trip out of the city but couldn’t? Treat yourself to a stay away in Seoul. There are some beautiful and fun places to stay around the city and maybe it’ll give you more time to get to know another bit of the city. This city is massive, so why not stay on the OTHER side? Here are a few places I’d recommend looking into that still have rooms available over the holiday period.
- (Central Seoul)GLAD Hotel (Yeouido): One of only two Design Hotels in Korea, GLAD is located on Yeouido Island in the middle of town. Chic, urban and modern with all of the amenities and cool vibes. Stay here and you really won’t want to leave your room. But if you do, spend time in the Yeouido Han River Park, or walk up the street to find Sky Farm a hidden observatory cafe and garden in a high rise.
- Book a stay at Yeouido GLAD Hotel on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
- (Eastern Seoul)Lotte Hotel World: This spot is solo, couple, and family friendly and near so many cool things to check out like the Lotte World Amusement Park and Seoul Sky Observatory with its gorgeous views of the city from high high up . Stay here and get out and about to check out what the east side of Seoul is up to.
- Book a stay at Lotte Hotel on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
- (Western Seoul)Shilla Stay Mapo: The Gongdeok, Mapo area has some hidden gems if you’re on the hunt for something a bit more rustic and real. The hotel is comfortable and beautiful. After a nice rest, head out to enjoy some Pyeongyang style noodles at Eulmildae.
- Book a stay at Shilla Stay Mapo on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
4. Lotte World Folk Museum (롯데월드 민속박물관)
The Lotte World Folk Museum is a bit different from other historic and traditional museums in that is showcases history through innovative media technology. The Performance Hall and Market place are free for visitors while the History Exhibition Hall and Miniature Village require an admission fee. If you don’t want to brave the weather and stay outside of the Hanok Villages, but you want to partake in a cultural activity, this is a great option to check out.
- Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu
- Hours: 10:00am ~ 8:00pm
- Admission: Adults: W5,000; Teenagers: W3,000; Children: 2,000
5. The Palaces
If any of the palaces are still on your list of places to see, this would be a good weekend for one. Head to the Insadong area and visit a tea house or the Bukchon Hanok Village and then find a palace in the area like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, or my favorite, Changgyeonggung Palace.
All of the palaces will be open and they will also be showcasing different programs for guests to enjoy. Visitors that come dolled up in their Hanboks will also get free entry. Or rent one and strut your stuff. Programs will include traditional rituals, games and performances all with a Korean palace as a beautiful backdrop.
6. The National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관)
The museum which sits on the grounds of Gyeongbukgung Palace is holding an exhibit centered on the Year of the Dragon appropriately. The National Folk Museum of Korea hosts events and fun in the grounds out front every year and is a gorgeous place to learn about history and culture. After finishing up there, head across the street to the Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art.
- Address: 30 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu (서울 종로구 삼청로 37)
- Hours: 9:00AM – 5:00PM; events outside start from 11:00AM and run until 4:00PM* Note, the museum is closed on Seollal day, but open on the days surrounding it.
- Admission: Free; some events cost a small fee to partake
- Amenities: Strollers and wheelchairs are available free of charge, audio guides available for W1,000
7. See a Performance
Since you have some time off, plan to see a show. There are a number of non-verbal and traditional performances in Seoul that are great even if you don’t speak Korean.
National Theater of Korea (국립극장)
The National Theater of Korea opened in 1950 as the first national theater in Asia. It is the only theater that produces performances that integrate traditional and contemporary arts, and has four theater stages of varying size.
This year, the National Theater of Korea is hosting 《Festival》 from February 7th until the 11th, a special holiday production that signifies the meanings of welcoming spirits, entertaining spirits, and bidding farewell to spirits, while wishing for the dispelling of misfortune through dignified traditional dances. Particularly in celebration of the Year of the Blue Dragon, new works reimagined with more intense and powerful male and female group dances are expected to debut, creating anticipation among the audience.
- Address: 59 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 장충단로 59)
- Book tickets on their website: https://notok.go.kr
PAINTERS
PAINTERS has a unique blend of live drawing, 3D visual effects, exciting dance, and comedy. They’ve consistently been the best-selling show for audiences for three consecutive years, and they’re one of the top 5 most popular attractions in Korea over the last 5 years. We got to see a PAINTERS performance last year and it is very family-friendly and fun. Definitely check this one out if you have kids.
Myungbo Art Hall
- Buy Tickets: Tickets are available on Klook, or on KKday, or on Viator.
- Address: 3F, Myungbo Art Hall, 47 Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Directions: Out of Euljiro 3-ga Station, exit 8 or Chungmuro Station, exit 7 and walk straight to the art hall.
- Showtimes: 5:00pm & 8:00pm
- Running Time: 70 minutes
Kyunghyang Art Hill
- Buy Tickets: Tickets are available on Klook, on KKday, or on Viator.
- Address: 1st floor, Kyunghyang Art Hill, 3 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Directions: Get there from Seodaemun Station, exit 5, Gwanghwamun Station, exit 6, or City Hall Station, exit 1.
- Showtimes: 5:00pm & 8:00pm
- Running Time: 70 minutes
Nanta
NANTA provides the unique and authentic experience of a non-verbal cooking performance that leans into using cooking utensils as instrument facsimiles. It took first place at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1997 and even debuted on Broadway in 2004. It’s built around its comedy and enjoyable atmosphere to the point where you can’t help but laugh at every skit they do with body language and movements alone.
- Get Tickets: Book your tickets on Klook, or on kkday for either their Myeongdong location or their Hongdae location.
- Address: 29 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 서교동 양화로16길 29)
- Hours: Tuesday ~ Friday 8:00pm/ 2:00pm & 5:00pm Saturday/ 2:00pm Sunday
- Duration: 90 minutes
8. Other Attractions
Many attractions around the city will be closed over the holiday weekend, but not all of them. Here are some more places that will be open. If there are any on your list to see still, then this is a great time to head out and enjoy them.
- N Seoul Tower
- Get your N Seoul Tower tickets online to get a discount.
- The War Memorial of Korea
- Seodaemun Prison History Museum
Visit a park in Seoul. For 2024, various parks around the city of Seoul are all hosting family-friendly games and events including yutnori and jegichagi. Some parks like World Cup Park, the Oil Tank Culture Park, and the Seoul Botanic Park will also be hosting art, history, and media exhibitions.
At Seoul Botanic Park, visitors can make an illustrated plant book with stamps.
Seoul Children’s Grand Park will serve free rice cake soup and blue dragon-shaped cookies to 500 older adults and foreign workers on a first-come, first-served basis to celebrate the Year of the Blue Dragon.
- Where: Seoul Forest Park, Maheon Citizen’s Forest, Gildong Ecological Park, Seoul Botanic Park
- When: Friday to Monday of the holiday period from 10:00am ~ 5:00pm
- Where: Namsan Park, Naksan Park, Yongsan Family Park
- When: Friday to Monday of the holiday period from 10:00am ~ 4:00pm
- Where: World Cup Park
- When: Friday to Sunday of the holiday period from 11:00am ~ 5:00pm
- Where: Oil Tank Culture Park
- When: Friday to Monday of the holiday period from 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
9. Amusement Parks
For something not so traditional but fun fun fun, head to any of the amusement parks in Seoul over the weekend. The parks will not only have their year round rides open, but they’ll also be offering up some winter themed events including sledding and other fun that you can have in the white powder that we love winter for bringing to us. Be sure to check out their websites and print out their coupons because you can get some great deals if you head in over the holiday weekend.
- Everland Amusement Park: One of he biggest theme parks in Korea, just south of Seoul, the easiest way to get back and forth to the fun if you don’t have a car is to take a shuttle. Enjoy rides, a zoo, and more.
- Lotte World Amusement Park:
- Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울 송파구 올림픽로 240)
- Directions: Take the subway to Jamsil Subway Station, exit 4 and walk straight.
- Hours: 9:30AM – 11:00PM
- Admission: Adults: W62,000; Youth: W54,000; Child: W47,000; Baby: W15,000; After 4:00pm: Adults: W50,000; Youth: W43,000; Child: W36,000; Baby: W15,000
- Book Tickets Online: Book your tickets on Klook or on kkday to get a discount.
10. ELand Han River Cruise
Do something special and head to the riverside and then hop on an ELand cruise. I’ve been on a cruise on the Han a few times and have always enjoyed it. It’s something special and a different way to see the city. Head to Yeouido Han River Park to find the dock to depart.
- Book Tickets Online: The ELand website itself isn’t so easy to book through since it’s all in Korean so I recommend purchasing tickets in advance on Klook or on kkday.
FYI: Don’t worry about not finding restaurants or places open over the holiday period. These days, often what you’ll find is that maybe spots are closed ON Seollal, but they’ll be open the other two days. Some shops will be closed just in the morning on Seollal but open at lunch or for dinner. So, take a walk and see what you can see. You could still stop by spots like Gwangjang Traditional Market for some eats. You will be able to find something. But you could also stay home and rest. There’s nothing wrong with that either.
The Lunar New Year, or Seollal, in Seoul, as quiet as it may be, can be a cultural treat with so many places to enjoy re-enactments, traditional dancing and hands on activities. Take advantage of these opportunities or stay home in your PJs over the long weekend, either way I hope everyone has a great Lunar New Year in Korea!
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