New Year's in South Korea
Like most Asian countries, South Korea has two different New Year's—one that follows the solar calendar and one that uses the lunar calendar. Traditionally the lunar New Year's, called So-nal, has greater cultural and familial significance (In 2005 it will be celebrated on February 9).
As for the solar New Year’s celebration, in 1896, as part of reforms instituted to Westernize and modernize Korea, the Gregorian calendar was adopted, along with some of the West’s holidays such as the January 1st New Year’s celebration.
Today I find Korea’s celebration of New Years similar to celebration in America. In fact, Koreans also make New Year’s resolutions where they promise to exercise regularly or eat fewer sweet things—such as chocolates and candy. A new resolution for many is to drink less coffee.
A popular resolution this year is to study harder to improve English language skills—a skill seen as crucial in the workplace.
It’s appropriate to wish your Korean colleages a seasonal greeting prior to the holiday, just as you will wish your non-Korean friends “Happy New Year’s.” The New Year’s greeting is “Sae hae bok mani bateu say oh.” It is a great phrase to learn because it will also be used again at the lunar New Years celebration in February.
As for the solar New Year’s celebration, in 1896, as part of reforms instituted to Westernize and modernize Korea, the Gregorian calendar was adopted, along with some of the West’s holidays such as the January 1st New Year’s celebration.
Today I find Korea’s celebration of New Years similar to celebration in America. In fact, Koreans also make New Year’s resolutions where they promise to exercise regularly or eat fewer sweet things—such as chocolates and candy. A new resolution for many is to drink less coffee.
A popular resolution this year is to study harder to improve English language skills—a skill seen as crucial in the workplace.
It’s appropriate to wish your Korean colleages a seasonal greeting prior to the holiday, just as you will wish your non-Korean friends “Happy New Year’s.” The New Year’s greeting is “Sae hae bok mani bateu say oh.” It is a great phrase to learn because it will also be used again at the lunar New Years celebration in February.
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