How To Celebrate The Year of The Horse In Korea
Last Updated on January 2, 2026
Happy New Year! 2026 is the Year of the Horse, the red horse to be precise. In the 60-year zodiac cycle, this combination carries some of the strongest energy possible. The horse is the seventh animal of the zodiac and has long symbolized strength, freedom, movement, and vitality in Korean culture.
In Korean, this year is called “Byeongo” (병오) and if you want to celebrate the Year of the Horse in Korea, there are a number of things you can do. Get ready to learn about the horse in Korean culture and see what 2026 will bring.
So, what does the Year of the Horse mean? And, how can you celebrate the Year of the Horse in Korea? Here’s what you need to know…
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The Horse in Korean Folk Tales
Horses have held a special place in Korean folklore for centuries, far beyond their role as animals of labor or transportation. In ancient myths and historical records like Samguk Yusa and Samguk Sagi, horses often appear as sacred beings, omens, or divine messengers. They bridge worlds, carrying souls between life and the afterlife, guiding kings, and signaling the rise or fall of kingdoms.
One of the most famous mythical horses is the Cheollima (천리마), the winged horse said to travel a thousand li in a single day. Cheollima symbolizes supernatural speed, brilliance, and exceptional talent, and even today, the image appears in art, literature, and modern branding.
From Goguryeo (37 BCE – 668 CE) tomb murals to Joseon (1392 – 1910) paintings, horses consistently appear as guardians, guides, and symbols of destiny.
In Seoul Now? You’ll notice depictions of the Fire Horse all around, represented in the Seoul Lantern Festival as well as the Seoul Light media art show on Gwanghwamun Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace until January 4, 2026.
What Will The Year of the Horse Bring
The Fire Horse year is known as a year of intensity. In Korean astrology, the horse already carries a strong yang anergy. Combined with the fire element, 2026 is expected to be fast-moving, dynamic, and extremely transformative.
This is not a year for hesitation. The Horse favors bold decisions and taking initiative. Traditionally associated with expansion and ambition, Fire Horse years are often linked to major developments in technology, medicine, and creative fields.
As horses are social animals, expect more collaboration, group travel, and a desire to “find your herd,” oth personally and professionally. But remember that strong fire energy can also lead to burnout, conflict, and chaos if it’s not channeled thoughtfully.
What does it all mean? Following the reflective shedding of the Year of the Snake, the Horse urges you to move forward, reins in hand, toward the life you’re meant to live.
How To Celebrate
There are a lot of great exhibitions in Korea to learn more about the animal of the year and how Koreans celebrate. Get ready to learn about the year of the horse through folktales, art, and performance.
The National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관)
The museum which sits on the grounds of Gyeongbukgung Palace is holding an exhibit titled “There Are Many Horses” centered on the Year of the Horse appropriately from December 16, 2025 until March 2, 2026.
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
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.
In 2026, the Year of the Horse, the National Dance Company of Korea will present a grand celebration of Korean dance. The performance features both traditional dance repertoires embodying elegance and formality, as well as creative dances, adding splendor and excitement to the holiday season for the whole family.
- Address: Haeoreum Theater, 59 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 장충단로 59)
- When: January 9, 2026
- Book tickets on their website: https://notok.go.kr
The Korean Cartoon Museum (한국만화박물관)
Hosting an exhibition titled “My Way” from December 11, 2025 to February 28, 2026, The Korean Manhwa Museum will have an exhibition to hope that people powerfully pursue their own paths in the coming new year.
- Address: 1 Gilju-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 부천시 원미구 길주로 1)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Website: https://www.komacon.kr/
The National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)
The National Museum of Korea is fantastic and FREE! If you want to have a fun scavenger-hunt like experience finding horses in historical paintings and prints, head here. The collection is not only amazing and would take days to see thoroughly, but there is plenty of opportunity to learn and really see how horses were represented in historical works.
- Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea (서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가))
- By Subway: Ichon Subway Station exit 2 OR bus #502
- Admission: Free, special exhibits are charged separately
- Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm; Wednesday, Saturday: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm; Sunday, National Holidays: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
- Closed: New Year’s Day (January 1), Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) / Permanent Exhibition Hall closed: First Monday of every April and November annually
Red and Powerful Horses at Lush Korea
Lush Korea is hosting a special exhibition featuring artists with developmental disabilities from January 2, 2026 to February 20, 2026 that will include 128 works including paintings and videos themed around the red horse. Hosted at Lush Korea’s Dumulmeori branch which shares the ethos of the brand’s focus on environment, coexistence, and human rights, it’s an ideal time to head out for a visit.
- Address: 103-10 Dumulmeori-gil, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 양평군 양서면 두물머리길 103-10)
- By Subway: Go to Ungilsan Station and take bus 58-3 a short distance to Yangsu Police Box stop and walk south for 15 minutes.
- Pro tip: There are strawberry picking farms nearby and winter in strawberry season in Korea, so plan the day and enjoy everything in the area.
Play Yutnori
Another way to tell your future is to play the traditional Korean game known as yutnori. The game actually started out as a form of fortune telling to see whether the new year would bring about a good harvest or not. Each space on the board has a different name and symbolizes going through the seasons.
See What Awaits You In 2026 With A Saju Reading
Fortune telling is a pretty popular pastime for many in Korea. A form of entertainment, but also a guide for many life choices, having a Saju reading is an especially popular experience between December and February as people look to the new year.
Saju is a practice that analyzes the cosmic energy at the hour, day, and year of a person’s death. You’ll want to go with someone who can help translate if you don’t speak Korean and want to understand fully, though there is a saju cafe in Hongdae that offers English translation services.
Jaeminan Jogakga (재미난조각가 타로&사주출장소)
- Address: 26 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 와우산로21길 26 1층)
- Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 1:00pm ~ 10:00pm
- Make a reservation: Reserve a time on Creatrip
Are you ready to celebrate the Year of the Horse in Korea? Now you are! Have fun!
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