Lunar New Year in Korea: Gifts and Greetings You Should Know

Lunar New Year, called Seollal (설날) in Korean, is one of the most important traditional holidays in Korea. It’s a time for family gatherings, showing respect to elders, and sharing warm wishes for the new year.

If you’re learning Korean, understanding what Koreans give as gifts and what they say to each other during Seollal will help you understand Korean culture much better.

🎁 Top 5 Lunar New Year Gifts in Korea

1. Cash (세뱃돈, sebaetdon)

This is the most common gift for children and young adults. After performing a traditional bow (sebae) to elders, kids receive money in a special envelope.

➡️ It symbolizes good luck and blessings for the new year.

2. Health Gift Sets

Popular gift sets include:

Red ginseng

Vitamins

Herbal tonics

Health is considered the greatest wealth, especially for parents and grandparents.

3. Fruit Gift Boxes

Beautifully packaged apples, pears, or mixed fruits are very popular.

➡️ Fruit represents abundance and prosperity.

4. Spam / Cooking Oil Gift Sets

This may surprise foreigners! Spam and cooking oil sets are practical, long-lasting, and widely used in Korean households.

5. Premium Food Items

Examples include:

Korean beef (hanwoo)

Dried fish

Rice cakes (tteok)

These are thoughtful gifts for close family members.

🧧 Top 5 Lunar New Year Greetings (덕담)

Here are common phrases Koreans say during Seollal. You don’t need to use all of them—just one is enough!

1. 새해 복 많이 받으세요

Saehae bok mani badeuseyo

“Receive lots of good luck in the new year.”

➡️ The most common and safest greeting.

2. 건강하세요

Geonganghaseyo

“Stay healthy.”

➡️ Often said to elders.

3. 올해도 좋은 일만 가득하세요

Olhaedo joeun ilman gadeuk haseyo

“May this year be full of good things.”

4. 대박나세요.

Daebak nasaeyo

“I hope you are successful."

5. 부자 되세요

Buja doeseyo

“Become rich!”

➡️ Casual and friendly, often said with a smile 😄

🌸 Final Tip for Korean Learners

You don’t need perfect pronunciation—what matters most is sincerity and respect. Even saying just “새해 복 많이 받으세요” will make people smile.

Learning these traditions helps you understand not just the language, but the heart of Korean culture 💙

Happy Lunar New Year, and

새해 복 많이 받으세요! 🎉