How to Celebrate New Year Like a Local: Tteokguk, Bells, and Bows

In many countries, New Year's Eve is about champagne, fireworks, and parties. In Korea, it’s a little different. It’s about warmth, respect, and... eating your age? Korea uniquely celebrates two New Years: the solar New Year (Jan 1st) and the Lunar New Year (Seollal). While the dates differ, the spirit remains the same. If you want to experience a truly authentic Korean New Year, you need to know about three essential things: a soup that makes you older, a bell that rings 33 times, and a bow that brings you luck (and money!).

1. Tteokguk: The Soup That Adds a Year to Your Life "How many bowls of Tteokguk have you eaten?" In Korea, this question is a playful way of asking, "How old are you?" Legend says you don't turn a year older on your birthday, but only after you’ve finished a bowl of this hot rice cake soup on New Year's Day.

• The Meaning: The white rice cakes (Tteok) symbolize purity and a clean fresh start. Originally, the rice cakes were cut into round shapes to look like ancient coins (Yeopjeon), symbolizing a wish for wealth and prosperity in the coming year.

• The Taste: It’s a savory beef broth filled with chewy rice cakes, topped with eggs and roasted seaweed. It’s the ultimate comfort food to warm your body and soul in the freezing Korean winter.

2. The Bosingak Bell: The Sound of Beginning While New York has the ball drop, Seoul has the "Jeya-ui Jong" (Bell of New Year's Eve). Every December 31st at midnight, huge crowds gather at Bosingak Pavilion in Jongno, Seoul. They wait in the freezing cold for one thing: to hear the massive bronze bell ring exactly 33 times.

• Why 33 times? It comes from Buddhism, symbolizing the cleansing of the 33 heavens. Today, it represents a wish for peace and blessings for all citizens.

• The Vibe: It’s not just a ceremony; it’s a shared moment of hope. As the deep, resonant sound of the bell echoes, people close their eyes and make their first wish of the year. If you are in Seoul on NYE, skip the club and head to Jonggak Station to feel this electric energy.

3. Sebae: The Bow of Respect (and Money!) This is the most important etiquette during the Lunar New Year (Seollal). Sebae is a deep, formal traditional bow performed by younger people to their elders (parents, grandparents). It’s not just a greeting; it’s a physical expression of gratitude and respect for their guidance.

• The Phrase: As you bow, you say "Saehae bok mani badeuseyo" (Please receive many blessings in the New Year).

• The Reward: After receiving the bow, the elders offer words of wisdom (Deokdam) and... a white envelope containing money! This is called Sebaedon (New Year’s money). It’s the favorite moment for every Korean child (and broke university student).

Celebrating New Year in Korea is a beautiful blend of solemn reflection and joyful connection. It’s about washing away the past year with the sound of a bell, filling your stomach with pure white soup, and bowing low to lift your family high. This year, why not try making Tteokguk or learning the proper way to bow? You might just find yourself receiving a little extra Bok (Luck).