Seollal, the Lunar New Year, is Korea's most important traditional holiday. Families gather, travel home and celebrate together for several days, which changes how the whole country works for a while. If your trip overlaps with it, you will see a special side of Korea, but you need to plan a little. Here is what Seollal is, when it falls in 2027, and how it affects your trip.
When is Seollal in 2027?
Seollal falls on Sunday 7 February 2027. The official holiday covers the day before, the day itself and the day after, and because one of those days falls on a Sunday, a substitute holiday is added. The holiday runs from Saturday 6 to Tuesday 9 February 2027.
Seollal follows the lunar calendar, so its date changes every year, usually between late January and mid-February.
What happens at Seollal
- Going home: millions of people travel to their hometowns, so trains, buses and roads are packed before and after the holiday.
- Family rituals: families hold memorial rites for their ancestors and younger people bow to their elders (sebae), receiving gifts of money in return.
- Tteokguk: a soup of sliced rice cakes, eaten on New Year's morning. Traditionally, eating it makes you a year older.
- Traditional games and hanbok: some people wear hanbok and play folk games such as yutnori.
How Seollal affects your trip
Transport
Intercity trains and express buses sell out well in advance for the days around Seollal. If you need to travel between cities, book as early as you can, or avoid travelling on the first and last days of the holiday. Incheon Airport is also very busy.
Shops and restaurants
Many small, family-run restaurants and shops close for some or all of the holiday, especially on Seollal day itself. Traditional markets are busy before the holiday and quiet during it. Big department stores often close on Seollal day, while convenience stores, chain restaurants, cafes and hotel restaurants usually stay open. Check opening hours on Naver Map.
Sights
Palaces, major museums and folk villages usually stay open during the holiday and often hold traditional events, such as folk games, performances and hanbok activities. Some close on Seollal day itself or on their regular closing day, so check before you go.
The upside: a quieter Seoul
With so many people out of town, Seoul can feel calm during Seollal, with empty roads and quieter subways. It is a good time to visit the palaces, the National Folk Museum or Namsangol Hanok Village, which often run special New Year programmes, and to eat tteokguk at a restaurant that stays open.
Tips for visiting during Seollal
- Book intercity trains and buses as early as possible, or stay in one city for the holiday.
- Book accommodation early if you plan to visit popular places during the long weekend.
- Keep some cash for small purchases and check which restaurants are open near your hotel.
- Say "Saehae bok mani badeuseyo" (새해 복 많이 받으세요), "Happy New Year", and you will make people smile.
- Dress warmly: Seollal falls in winter. See our winter travel guide.
Planning around other holidays? Chuseok, the autumn harvest holiday, has a similar effect on travel.
FAQ
When is Seollal 2027?
Seollal is on 7 February 2027. The holiday runs from 6 to 9 February, including a substitute holiday.
Is everything closed during Seollal?
No. Many small restaurants and shops close, and department stores often close on Seollal day, but convenience stores, many chains, cafes, hotels and most major sights stay open.
Is it a good idea to visit Korea during Seollal?
It can be, if you stay mostly in one city. Seoul is quieter and sights hold traditional events, but intercity travel is very busy.
