2026 Seollal Guide: From Holiday Schedules to Expat Festivals
The vibrant start of 2026 is approaching with Korea’s premier festival, Seollal (설날). Contrary to the old prejudice that the city center becomes a ghost town, modern Seollal is a time of energy, with families exploring famous restaurants and traveling together. To ensure our international residents feel included and enjoy the holiday like a local, Enkostay presents this complete guide.
[Quick Summary: 2026 Seollal Highlights]
Schedule: Seollal day falls on February 17, 2026. The golden holiday runs from February 15 to 18.
Activities: Experience Korean traditions by eating Tteokguk and joining free admission events at royal palaces.
Tips: Greet others with "Saehae bok manhi badeuseyo" and pre-check large mart holiday hours.
When is Seollal 2026 and how do Koreans celebrate it?
Seollal (설날, seollal) day in 2026 is Tuesday, February 17, and Koreans enjoy a golden holiday from Sunday, February 15, to Wednesday, February 18, which is an Alternative Holiday.
Traditionally, Koreans eat Sliced Rice Cake Soup (떡국, tteokguk) on Seollal morning, believing it signifies growing one year older. The core culture involves families gathering for a memorial service for ancestors, performing a New Year's Bow (세배, sebae) to elders, and exchanging Words of Blessing. Recently, while maintaining these traditions, many families spend the latter half of the holiday (연휴, yeonhyu) visiting famous city restaurants or going on outings to suburban cafes for a lively break.
What can foreigners do during the Seollal holiday in Seoul?
During the Seollal holiday, the four major palaces in Seoul, including Gyeongbokgung, and the National Museum of Korea are open for free, offering various Traditional Folk Games such as Jegichagi and Yutnori for everyone to enjoy.
Wearing Traditional Korean Clothing (한복, hanbok) to visit the palaces is particularly popular among expats for capturing special photos against the backdrop of traditional Korean aesthetics. At Namsangol Hanok Village, you can enjoy traditional dance performances, and theme parks like Lotte World or Everland hold special Seollal parades. Large shopping malls are also bustling with families, making them ideal places to feel the dynamic spirit of the Korean holiday.
Are shops and restaurants open during Seollal in Korea?
It is essential to greet Korean acquaintances or neighbors with Saehae bok manhi badeuseyo (새해 복 많이 받으세요) and pre-verify the holiday hours of large marts and department stores through Naver Map.
This greeting, meaning "Please receive a lot of luck in the New Year," is the most polite and warm expression used around Seollal. Additionally, since most large marts and department stores are closed on Seollal day, February 17, we recommend preparing necessary groceries or daily supplies before the holiday begins. Regarding transport, while booking intercity train tickets is extremely difficult, subways and buses within the city operate normally, allowing for convenient travel within Seoul.
Quick Korean Dictionary
설날 (Seollal): Lunar New Year
떡국 (Tteokguk): Sliced Rice Cake Soup
세배 (Sebae): New Year's Bow
연휴 (Yeonhyu): Long Holiday
Wishing You a Prosperous Seollal with Enkostay
Seollal in Korea is more than just a public holiday; it is a special time where the warmth of tradition and modern energy coexist. While it may feel like a family-oriented holiday where expats might feel left out, with the tips provided by Enkostay today, you can enjoy a vibrant and pleasant break just like a local.
Enkostay is always here to support your safe and comfortable living environment in Korea, even during the holiday season. This Seollal 2026, we hope you exchange warm greetings with your neighbors and have a happy, prosperous holiday. Enkostay is always rooting for your successful settlement and joyful daily life in Korea. 🏠