March 07, 2026Mar 07, 2026
KCNA Naenara (En)

Lunar New Year’s Day Customs in Korea

Date: 22/01/2023 | Source: Naenara (En) | Read original version at source

From olden times, the Korean people joyfully celebrated the first day of the first month by the lunar calendar.

They kept their houses clean inside and outside, decorating walls with paintings, and prepared new clothes and special dishes on the eve of the lunar New Year’s Day.

When the day dawned, people were busy with different things.

First, they paid homage to their deceased ancestors and then made deep bows to seniors of their families in the order of age.

Young people went to make a deep bow to seniors in the village, and elder relatives and teachers.

Such manners originated from the fact that the Koreans have respected their seniors and valued etiquette since ancient times.

That day, all the family members gathered in the house of the eldest to enjoy holiday dishes. They also served neighbours on a visit to their house with the dishes, deepening mutual harmony.

Typical dishes include ttokguk (rice-cake soup), chalttok (glutinous rice cake), solgittok (steamed rice cake in layers), pancakes, confectionery, sujonggwa (fruit punch) and others. In particular, ttokguk is a must on the table on this day.

Folk games make the atmosphere of the day more pleasant.

Typical games include yut (four-stick) game, Korean chess, kite-flying, sleighing, toy pinwheel turning and shuttlecock kicking.

Such customs reflect the ennobling manners and customs of the Korean people who aspire to purity, respect the elders, value etiquette and live optimistically.

This year, lunar New Year’s Day falls on January 22.

More From Naenara (En)

Military-Civilian Meetings Held in DPRK

Military-Civilian Meetings Held in DPRK

Military-civilian meetings took place in North Phyongan, South Hwanghae, Kangwon and North Hamgyong provinces and Nampho and

March 07, 2026

Military-civilian meetings took place in North Phyongan, South Hwanghae, Kangwon and North Hamgyong provinces and Nampho and

DPRK Boasts Long History of Porcelain Production

DPRK Boasts Long History of Porcelain Production

The Korean people have a long tradition of developing the ceramic industry. They began to make and use a wide selection of

March 07, 2026

The Korean people have a long tradition of developing the ceramic industry. They began to make and use a wide selection of

Military-Civilian Meetings Held in DPRK

Military-Civilian Meetings Held in DPRK

Military-civilian meetings took place in South Phyongan, North Hwanghae, Jagang, South Hamgyong and Ryanggang provinces and Rason

March 06, 2026

Military-civilian meetings took place in South Phyongan, North Hwanghae, Jagang, South Hamgyong and Ryanggang provinces and Rason

Natural Monument–Tal Gate in Sea Chilbo

Natural Monument–Tal Gate in Sea Chilbo

There is a scenic spot called Tal Gate in Sea Chilbo, part of Mt Chilbo, which boasts a spectacular seaside landscape.One of the b

March 06, 2026

There is a scenic spot called Tal Gate in Sea Chilbo, part of Mt Chilbo, which boasts a spectacular seaside landscape.One of the b

Enlarged Plenary Meeting of Cabinet Party Committee Held

Enlarged Plenary Meeting of Cabinet Party Committee Held

An enlarged plenary meeting of the Cabinet Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea was held on March 4 to implement the

March 06, 2026

An enlarged plenary meeting of the Cabinet Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea was held on March 4 to implement the

Nation Abounds with Tourism Resources

Nation Abounds with Tourism Resources

In the DPRK tourism industry helps promote cultural efflorescence and development in relevant regions. It is of long-term

March 06, 2026

In the DPRK tourism industry helps promote cultural efflorescence and development in relevant regions. It is of long-term

Decision of SPA Standing Committee of DPRK

Decision of SPA Standing Committee of DPRK

The Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced its decision on

March 05, 2026

The Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced its decision on

Decision of Standing Committee of DPRK SPA

Decision of Standing Committee of DPRK SPA

The central election committee was organized for the election of deputies to the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly of the

March 05, 2026

The central election committee was organized for the election of deputies to the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly of the

Peasants Are Masters of Land

Peasants Are Masters of Land

Korea was liberated from the Japanese imperialists’ military occupation on August 15, 1945. One day in October that year the

March 05, 2026

Korea was liberated from the Japanese imperialists’ military occupation on August 15, 1945. One day in October that year the

Centuries-old Desire Comes True

Centuries-old Desire Comes True

On March 5, 1946, the Law on Agrarian Reform was adopted in Korea. The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung saw the agrarian reform as

March 05, 2026

On March 5, 1946, the Law on Agrarian Reform was adopted in Korea. The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung saw the agrarian reform as

First Full Moon Day Observed in DPRK

First Full Moon Day Observed in DPRK

The first full moon day (January 15th by the lunar calendar) came around, adding pleasure and optimism to the DPRK people. The

March 05, 2026

The first full moon day (January 15th by the lunar calendar) came around, adding pleasure and optimism to the DPRK people. The

Recycling Drive Revved Up to Bring Much Benefit

Recycling Drive Revved Up to Bring Much Benefit

Greater efforts are being made in the DPRK to rev up the recycling drive. A wide range of research projects is under way for

March 04, 2026

Greater efforts are being made in the DPRK to rev up the recycling drive. A wide range of research projects is under way for

Grand Artistic Performance Continues in DPRK

Grand Artistic Performance Continues in DPRK

A grand artistic performance “Song to the Motherly Party”, which significantly commemorated the Ninth Congress of the

March 04, 2026

A grand artistic performance “Song to the Motherly Party”, which significantly commemorated the Ninth Congress of the

Seasonal Subdivisions and Folk Customs in March

Seasonal Subdivisions and Folk Customs in March

In March the air of spring is distinctly felt all over in the DPRK. The month has Kyongchip and Chunbun , two of the 24 seasonal

March 04, 2026

In March the air of spring is distinctly felt all over in the DPRK. The month has Kyongchip and Chunbun , two of the 24 seasonal

Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods

Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods

March 3 is World Wildlife Day (WWD). In December 2013 at the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, March 3 was

March 03, 2026

March 3 is World Wildlife Day (WWD). In December 2013 at the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, March 3 was

More Articles