Seollal, along with Chuseok, is one of Korea's representative traditional holidays, celebrated on the 1st day of the lunar calendar. It is also known simply as "Seol." In modern Korea, the start of the new year is often celebrated on January 1st according to the solar calendar, while traditional family gatherings and customs are observed during Lunar New Year.
On Seollal, it is customary for Koreans to hold ancestral rituals (charye) to honor their ancestors and perform bows of respect (sebae) to their elders, including relatives and neighbors. There is a traditional belief that staying awake on New Year's Eve will prevent one's eyebrows from turning white, leading some to stay up all night.
After performing the rituals and giving sebae, families traditionally enjoy the holiday by engaging in folk games such as yutnori (a board game), neolttwigi (a type of seesaw game), and kite flying. These activities add to the joy of this special day.
