Happy Korean Lunar New Year !! 

The year 2020 is the Year of the Rat 🐭, and Koreans celebrate the Lunar New Year, one of the biggest holidays in Korea. This year’s Korean Lunar New Year’s Day is on Jan. 24-26.

Jan.24~26 2020

During the holidays, many Koreans return to their hometowns to see their families and pay homage to their ancestors. As most people leave Seoul during this time to see their families, the normally crowded city becomes even more peaceful and quiet. In addition, many companies, including major department stores and small local shops, will be closed during the holiday.Don’t be worry! I’m gonna introduce for foreign travelers about some good tips to celebrate the holiday together. You can also participate in Lunar New Year’s Day events in and around Seoul.

Korean Royal Palaces

If you are looking forward to visiting Korean Royal Palaces, Seollal is the best time to visit them all ! 

Four of the Royal palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung) will be open during this period, you can also participate in some Korean traditional programs there. Visit Korea’s representative cultural heritage and enjoy traditional cultural experiences.

Gyeongbokgung

Changdeokgung

Changgyeonggung

Deoksugung

Theme Parks

South Korea’s best theme parks Everland and Lotte World are open during the Korean Lunar New Year. Take some memorable pictures with the Seollal-themed events like light shows, and parades.
 
Everland Discounted tickets: 

📌 Everland One Day Ticket & Shuttle Bus Package

📌 Fast Pass+ Everland 1 Day pass

📌 Discount Ticket to Everland (+ FREE Headband)

 
Lotte World Discounted Ticket:
📌 50% off 1 Day Pass 

📌 50% off Lotte World & Lotte World Aquarium 

Everland 

Lotte World 

Buk-chon Cultural Center

The Bukchon Cultural Center will hold an event called “Gyedongma’s House New Year’s Eve” with residents and visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan.26. The event will offer a variety of entertainment for residents and visitors celebrate the Korean Lunar New Year. The festival will hold some special events such as making a kite, making a rice cake, and sharing an Ipchuncheop to wish for good luck.

• Decorating Kites: 10AM ~ 4PM  3,000 won
• Making a rice cake: 1PM, 2PM, 3PM (50 people for each time)
• Write a year-start wishes: 10AM ~ 4PM  FREE 
• Art Market: 10AM ~ 4PM  
• Making a Golden Bedge: 10AM ~ 4PM  FREE 

Unhyeongung Palace

You can enjoy performances, folk games, and experience yards where you can have a meaningful and rewarding time with your friends and family!  

• Janurary 24, 2020(Fri) ~ 27(Mon) for 4 days 11:00 ~ 17:00
• Address: 464 Samil-daero, Unni-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Timetable of events

Korean Folk Village

The Korean Folk Village introduces traditional culture from the late Joseon Dynasty to both domestic and foreign visitors through cultural water service experience, shamanistic beliefs and seasonal customs. The village also shows a number of places with unique characteristics, such as rural areas, folk houses, government districts and Confucian academies. It is also hosting Seollal events such as folk games and traditional Korean music performances.

• Address: 90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
• Admission Fee:
  Individuals: Adults (ages 19 and up) 18,000 won / Teenagers (ages 13-18): 15,000 won / Children 13,000 won
  Groups: Adults 15,000 won / Teensagers 13,000 won / Children 11,000 won
• Open hours:  Weekdays 09:30-18:00 / Weekends 09:30-18:30

National Gugak Center

The National Gugak Center is an organization to promote and develop traditional Korean dance and music. The center has several concert halls and also runs educational programs. Among their acclaimed education programs, their Gugak classes for foreigners are especially popular. The class is best for visitors who will be in Korea for several weeks. Gugak classes run for 12 weeks, and the program ends around student performances.

• Address: 2364, Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul  
• Click here !!! Website for National Gugak Center 

Nami Island

Nami Island is another good place to visit on Seollal ! The island is unique and beautiful nature makes it one of the most visited weekend getaways in Korea. The tree-lined roads called “Metasequoia Road” are especially known as the filming spot of Winter Sonata. Inside the island, you will find all kinds of nice restaurants including Halal, cafes, museums, and artworks. You can also see some animals like squirrels jumping around from trees to trees!

 
📌 Nami Island & Railbike & Garden of Morning Calm Shuttle Package
📌 Nami Island & Petite France & Railbike Shuttle Package
📌 Winter Nami Island & Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort Shuttle Bus Package
📌 Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm One Day Shuttle Bus Tour
📌 Nami Island & Petite France & Strawberry Picking Shuttle Package