1. Seollal (설날) – Lunar New Year

Cultural Significance:

Seollal is one of the most important traditional holidays in South Korea. It marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year and is a time for family reunions, ancestral rituals, and wishing for good fortune in the coming year.

Historical Background:

Seollal has been celebrated for centuries, influenced by Confucianism and traditional agricultural practices. It is based on the lunar calendar, typically falling in late January or early February.

National Regulations:

• Public Holiday Status: Seollal is a three-day public holiday (the day before, the day of, and the day after).
• Closures: Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed. Public transportation may be crowded as people travel to their hometowns.

General Costs:

• Travel: Transportation costs (train, bus, or flights) can be high due to demand.
• Gifts: Families often exchange gifts such as fruit baskets, health supplements, or cash in envelopes. Costs vary but can range from ₩50,000 to ₩200,000 or more.
• Food: Preparing traditional dishes like tteokguk (rice cake soup) and jeon (savory pancakes) can cost ₩50,000–₩150,000 depending on the size of the family.

Customs and Procedures:

1. Charye (차례): Families perform ancestral rites by preparing a table of food offerings and bowing to honor their ancestors.
2. Sebae (세배): Younger family members bow to elders and receive blessings and money in return.
3. Traditional Games: Families play games like yutnori (윷놀이), a traditional board game.

Unique Considerations:

• Visitors should be aware that major cities like Seoul may feel quieter, while rural areas are bustling with activity.
• If invited to a Korean household, bringing a small gift (e.g., fruit or snacks) is appreciated.

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2. Chuseok (추석) – Korean Harvest Festival

Cultural Significance:

Chuseok, often referred to as "Korean Thanksgiving," is a celebration of the harvest and a time to express gratitude to ancestors for their blessings.

Historical Background:

Chuseok dates back to ancient agricultural societies and is tied to the full moon of the 8th lunar month (usually in September or October). It is a time to celebrate abundance and family.

National Regulations:

• Public Holiday Status: Chuseok is a three-day public holiday.
• Closures: Similar to Seollal, businesses and schools are closed, and transportation is heavily booked.

General Costs:

• Travel: High transportation costs due to the mass exodus to hometowns.
• Food: Preparing traditional dishes like songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes) and galbijjim (braised short ribs) can cost ₩50,000–₩200,000.
• Gifts: Common gifts include premium fruits, gift sets (e.g., cooking oil, spam, or toiletries), and cash. Costs range from ₩30,000 to ₩150,000.

Customs and Procedures:

1. Charye (차례): Similar to Seollal, families perform ancestral rites.
2. Seongmyo (성묘): Families visit ancestral graves to clean the site and pay respects.
3. Sharing Food: Songpyeon is made and shared among family members.

Unique Considerations:

• Traffic congestion is a major issue during Chuseok, so plan travel well in advance.
• Many cultural sites and attractions offer free or discounted entry during this time.

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3. Dano (단오) – Spring Festival

Cultural Significance:

Dano is a traditional holiday celebrating the end of the sowing season and the arrival of summer. It is associated with rituals for health, fertility, and protection from evil spirits.

Historical Background:

Dano originated from ancient shamanistic practices and is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (usually in May or June).

National Regulations:

• Public Holiday Status: Dano is not a public holiday, but it is celebrated in certain regions with festivals and events.

General Costs:

• Festival Participation: Costs for attending Dano festivals (e.g., Gangneung Danoje Festival) are minimal, with some activities being free or costing ₩5,000–₩20,000.
• Traditional Goods: Purchasing traditional items like herbal hair rinses or fans may cost ₩10,000–₩50,000.

Customs and Procedures:

1. Folk Games: Activities like ssireum (Korean wrestling) and swing riding are popular.
2. Herbal Rinses: Women wash their hair with water infused with sweet flag (창포) for health and beauty.
3. Traditional Food: Seasonal dishes like surichitteok (rice cake) are enjoyed.

Unique Considerations:

• The Gangneung Danoje Festival, recognized by UNESCO, is a must-visit for its cultural performances and rituals.

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4. Hansik (한식) – Cold Food Festival

Cultural Significance:

Hansik, meaning "cold food," is a day to honor ancestors by visiting their graves and eating cold dishes.

Historical Background:

Hansik is linked to Confucian traditions and falls 105 days after the winter solstice (usually in early April).

National Regulations:

• Public Holiday Status: Hansik is not a public holiday but is observed by some families.

General Costs:

• Grave Maintenance: Costs for cleaning graves and preparing offerings vary but are generally modest.
• Food: Simple cold dishes like rice cakes and fruits are prepared.

Customs and Procedures:

1. Seongmyo (성묘): Families visit graves to clean and pay respects.
2. Cold Food: Eating cold dishes symbolizes respect for tradition.

Unique Considerations:

• Hansik is less widely observed today but remains significant for families with strong Confucian ties.

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5. Buddha’s Birthday (석가탄신일)

Cultural Significance:

Buddha’s Birthday, also known as Seokga Tansinil, celebrates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.

Historical Background:

Introduced during the Three Kingdoms period, this holiday is celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month (usually in May).

National Regulations:

• Public Holiday Status: It is a public holiday.
• Closures: Some businesses and schools may close, but most remain open.

General Costs:

• Temple Visits: Donations at temples are optional but appreciated.
• Lantern Festivals: Participating in lantern-making or parades may cost ₩10,000–₩30,000.

Customs and Procedures:

1. Temple Visits: People visit temples to light lanterns and pray.
2. Lantern Parades: Colorful lantern parades are held, especially in Seoul and Busan.

Unique Considerations:

• Jogyesa Temple in Seoul is a popular spot for celebrations.
• Visitors are welcome to participate in temple activities.

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Final Considerations for Visitors and Immigrants:

1. Plan Ahead: Book transportation and accommodations early during Seollal and Chuseok.
2. Respect Traditions: If invited to participate in rituals, follow the host’s lead and show respect.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Dress modestly and behave respectfully, especially during ancestral rites.
4. Public Transport: Expect delays and crowded conditions during major holidays.
5. Holiday Foods: Try traditional dishes to fully experience the culture.

By understanding and participating in these holidays, visitors and immigrants can gain a deeper appreciation for South Korea’s rich cultural heritage.