A Taste of Seollal: 5 Foods to Know for Korea’s Lunar New Year

Seollal marks the first day of the lunar new year in Korea. Families gather to share greetings, remember older generations, and welcome the year together. Food is part of the occasion, though the dishes and recipes on the table can vary from home to home.

Tteokguk, a clear soup with thinly sliced rice cakes, is the dish most closely linked with Seollal. It is traditionally eaten on New Year’s morning, often with beef or anchovy broth, egg, and other garnishes. A familiar saying holds that eating a bowl marks becoming a year older. Jeon brings a savory contrast: fish, meat, or vegetables are coated in flour and egg, then pan-fried. Families prepare many kinds, and jeon is also enjoyed at Chuseok.

For a celebratory main, some families serve galbijjim, beef short ribs slowly braised with vegetables and seasonings. Japchae adds a different texture, combining glass noodles with vegetables and, depending on the recipe, meat. These dishes are common at gatherings and festive meals, but no single menu defines every Seollal table.

Yakgwa and hangwa bring a sweet finish. Yakgwa is a honey cookie; hangwa is a broad name for traditional Korean confections, including rice-based sweets. Families may serve them with tea or share them among relatives. The exact selection reflects household and regional preferences.

If you are in Korea around Seollal, look for these foods at family-style restaurants and seasonal markets, and check opening hours before you go because holiday schedules can differ. Trying even one bowl of tteokguk is a warm way to taste a tradition that welcomes the new year.