Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, is one of South Korea’s most treasured holidays.
Families gather to honour their ancestors, share festive meals, and welcome the new year with hope and warmth. For travellers, it’s a time when the country takes on a special charm: quieter streets, colourful hanbok-clad locals, and traditional games and culture events bringing life to the city squares.
In recent years, Japanese travellers have grown fond of visiting Korea during Seollal, drawn by the shared love for New Year traditions. Plus, a Korea trip is only two hours away from Tokyo or Osaka, making Korea an easy, rewarding holiday choice.
This guide introduces you to the best places to experience Seollal. You’ll also find travel tips and recommended Seoul hotels with great locations, ensuring your journey is smooth and meaningful.
Key Takeaways
🎑 Seollal 2026 offers Japanese travellers a unique chance to experience Korea’s warmth, heritage, and festive traditions up close.
👨🏻👩🏻👦🏻👦🏻 Before Seollal, locals will be going home to their families. So, expect mass transportation to be packed. Plan around this surge of commuters.
🍡 Expect delicious Seollal dishes like tteokguk و jeon, along with family rituals, folk games, and temple visits across the country.
📋 Plan ahead. Some shops and restaurants close during the holiday, but major attractions stay open for visitors.
🏨 For comfort, accessibility, and a perfect location at the heart of the excitement, stay at Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro أو Travelodge Dongdaemun hotel. They are both ideal bases for exploring Seoul during Seollal.
What Is Seollal and How Is It Celebrated in Korea
Seollal marks the first day of the Korean lunar calendar, usually falling in late January or early February.
🎏 It’s a three-day holiday filled with family reunions, ancestral rites (charye), traditional games like yutnori, and cultural displays and events.
🍲 Food plays a central role during Seollal. Families eat tteokguk (rice cake soup), a warm, comforting dish believed to grant good luck and mark another year of age.
🥟 You’ll also find jeon (savoury pancakes), dumplings, and sweet rice cakes at markets and restaurants across the country.
🏯 Visitors can observe Seollal customs at heritage spots like قصر جيونج بوكجيونج و ال Korean Folk Village, among many other traditional places.
🛖 Travelers may also join hands-on experiences at قرية نامسانجول هانوك in Seoul. Even small towns host community games, folk performances, and calligraphy events.
Seollal isn’t just a public holiday. It’s a window into the heart of Korean family life and tradition.
Why Visit Korea During Seollal 2026
For Japanese travellers, Seollal offers an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly different. Like Japan’s Shogatsu, a Gregorian New Year’s event centred on family and reflection, Seollal in Korea observes a similar practice.
Both of these events are family-rooted, welcome the New Year’s fortune, and take place over a span of three days.
In addition, Seollal appeals to both Japanese and international travelers through:
🍃 During Seollal, the streets are calm, the air crisp, and the people warm and welcoming. Seoul’s winter in February is mild enough for city walks yet cool enough for cosy indoor dining.
🌆 Cities are more peaceful and open during Seollal, ideal for strolls and sightseeing. Seollal is a time when Korean locals go home to their families. As such, Japanese travelers may want to take advantage of the lower foot traffic.
🪅 Seollal is an excellent way to experience Korean culture. It renders a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich heritage through experiences and displays.
Also, Korea’s cities are very accessible. Each destination and attraction is just a few paces from a subway station. You’ll be sure to find a 韓国ホテル (Korean Hotel) located near subway stations, such as Myeongdong or Dongdaemun, offering easy access to landmarks, restaurants, and shopping.
Top Destinations to Experience Seollal in 2026
Seoul: Tradition Meets Modern Festivities
Seoul is the centre of Seollal celebrations, where ancient customs meet modern city life.
When the locals depart the country’s metro to visit their families, Seoul becomes more open and peaceful. You can observe Seollal in Seoul by:
🏯 Start your visit at قصر جيونج بوكجيونج, where you’ll see locals dressed in hanbok performing ancestral ceremonies.
🏯 Also, be sure to stop by Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace، و ال Jongmyo Shrine. These cultural landmarks will have their own share of festivities as well.
👘 Admission to the palaces and shrines mentioned above is free for those who wear Hanbok (traditional Korean wear). This ensures the lively, cultural, Korean atmosphere that keeps these events rooted and sacred.
🛖 Stroll through قرية بوكتشون هانوك و Insadong, where traditional crafts and tea houses capture Korea’s timeless charm.
🎏 Visit the Korean Folk Village for a heartwarming glimpse into how Koreans once celebrated Seollal, with farmers, artisans, and families gathering for folk music, tightrope performances, and communal games.
🛍️ Visit ميونغ دونغ, a short walk from Myeongdong subway station, and plunge yourself into the heart of Korea’s shopping district.
🎎 Don’t miss the National Folk Museum of Korea, which hosts Seollal games and folk performances each year. Its interactive exhibits also make for cultural and enriching experiences.
Staying at Dongdaemun throws you right in the center of the action, with immediate access to everything Seoul has to offer. During Seollal, you can easily find a トンデムン ホテル (Dongdaemun Hotel) with vacant rooms.
For accommodation, Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro و ترافيلودج دونجدايمون are excellent choices. Both hotels are within walking distance of major attractions and subway lines, making Seoul easy to explore.
The private rooms, modern interior design, and helpful staff ensure a great stay. Guests appreciate the hotels’ fitness centers, free WiFi, and luxurious accommodations. All at a reasonable price.
Busan: Coastal Views and Local Customs
If you prefer the ocean breeze, head south to Busan. This coastal city offers a serene atmosphere for celebrating Seollal.
🏖️ Locals welcome the new year by watching the sunrise over شاطئ هايونداي. Visitors join early-morning gatherings, making wishes for good fortune as the first light hits the waves.
🔥 Haeundae Beach also hosts Jeongwol Daeboruem, a daljib (wooden pillar) burning ritual that wards off bad luck and invites prosperity.
⛩️ Explore معبد بيوميوسا, a peaceful retreat nestled in the mountains. Its tranquil atmosphere, colourful wooden halls, and intricate carvings reflect the artistry of ancient Korea.
⛩️ Visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. This temple is nestled along the rocky cliffs overlooking the sea. This seaside sanctuary offers a breathtaking view of the ocean, especially beautiful at sunrise.
🏖️ Take a scenic walk along Gwangalli Beach. Here, the sandy shore contrasts with the urban architecture, making for a picturesque getaway. During Seollal, the beach holds captivating drone shows to ring in the new Lunar year.
You’ll find plenty of guesthouses and hotels near the coast, many with spacious rooms, private bathrooms, and decent breakfast options.
We recommend staying at the ترافيلودج سويتس بوسان سينتوم, an accommodating hotel within walking distance from Haeundae Beach and lively restaurants.
Jeonju: The Heart of Korean Tradition
Once the capital of the Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Bulguksa Temple و Seokguram Grotto.
During Seollal, these sites become even more peaceful, the ideal setting for reflection and quiet walks.
Across Gyeongju are ancient royal tombs, pagodas, and palace ruins that tell the story of Korea’s golden age. Visitors can stroll through tranquil parks, such as Tumuli Park, and admire the reflections of Anapji Pond.
History lovers will enjoy exploring ancient tombs, pagodas, and museums. It’s a city giving tourists a glimpse of centuries past.
Travel Tips for Seollal Visitors
Plan ahead
The Korean locals come home to their families for Seollal, so expect mass transportation to be packed. But once the traffic jams finally calm down, the cities of Korea become calm and quiet.
Plan your travel in advance to avoid transport hassle.
For easy access to attractions, stay in ميونغ دونغ, Jung-gu، أو Dongdaemun, where most hotels are within short walking distance of major stations.
Also, be sure to book in advance. Avoid accommodation surcharges by booking hotels 2-3 months in advance.
Use public transport
A T-money card works for subway, bus, and airport transfers, making travel around the city convenient.
Korea’s subway lines make the entire country surprisingly accessible. Lots of commercial centres and tourist attractions are within an accessible distance from a subway station.
Make the most out of Korea’s public transport. Getting lost in the urban caverns also makes for quite the overseas experience.
Learn simple greetings
Saying “Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!” (Happy New Year!) will earn you a smile. Though, as a visitor, the locals won’t expect you to bow your head to the floor, unless you’re a member of the family.
Dress warmly
Temperatures drop at night, so be sure to pack coats, scarves, and comfortable walking shoes.
Also, be culturally appropriate, especially during a time like Seollal. NEVER wear Hanbok with jeans, as this could appear disrespectful to the locals.
Mind your manners
Be a respectful tourist. Temples are not just tourist attractions; they are an enduring cultural and historical memento of the Korean people.
To toy around in these temples and heritage areas means trampling on the warm welcome Korea has offered.
Where to Stay: Comfortable Bases for Your Seollal Trip
If you’re looking for reliable, comfortable accommodation in Seoul, فنادق ترافيلودج آسيا offers great value. With convenient locations, modern facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere, they’re perfect for Japanese travellers exploring during Seollal.
🏨 Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro – A short walk from Myeongdong Station, surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. The rooms are cosy yet spacious, featuring private bathrooms, a business centre, and good breakfast options.
🏨 ترافيلودج ميونج دونج نامسان – This cosy hotel is located within walking distance from both Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palace, as well as the serene Cheonggyecheon stream.
🏨 ترافيلودج دونجدايمون – Located near Jongno-gu and Dongdaemun Design Plaza, this hotel suits those interested in culture, design, and shopping. Guests appreciate the friendly staff, clean rooms, and easy check-in process.
Both hotels are accessible via Incheon Airport bus routes and close to subway lines, making them a perfect location to enjoy Seoul’s attractions and heritage.
Start the Lunar New Year the Korean Way
Seollal 2026 (February 16 to 18) is your chance to begin the year immersed in Korea’s warmth and culture. From temple visits in Gyeongju to festive performances in Seoul, every corner of the country tells a story of family, gratitude, and new beginnings.
With short flights from Japan and accommodating Seoul hotels, your trip can be as seamless as it is culturally enriching.
Check in early, enjoy a good breakfast, and set out to explore Korea’s most meaningful celebration.
أسئلة مكررة
Are tourist attractions open during Seollal?
Most major attractions like palaces, museums, and parks stay open, though some small shops may close for one or two days.
What traditional foods should I try during Seollal?
Try tteokguk (rice cake soup), jeon (pancakes), and galbijjim (braised short ribs). Many restaurants in Seoul and Jeonju offer holiday menus.
Is it easy to find Seoul hotels during Seollal?
Yes, since Korean locals would be with their families during this season. Nonetheless, we’d still recommend booking 2-3 months in advance for the best rooms and prices.
Which area is better to stay in, Dongdaemun or Myeongdong?
Both are excellent. Myeongdong offers shopping and dining, while Dongdaemun is great for night markets and cultural sites.
Do Travelodge Hotels Asia have Japanese-language support?
Yes, many hotel staff can assist Japanese travellers, and Travelodge Hotels Asia provides user-friendly services to make your stay comfortable and convenient.
