설날 & 추석 visit rules
Korea has two big holidays. 설날 (Lunar New Year) in late Jan / Feb: bowing, money, ancestral rites. 추석 (Chuseok) in Sep / early Oct: ancestral rites, gift-giving, harvest thanks. Both trigger a mass migration (대이동) of millions heading to 고향 (hometown) — book KTX 30+ days ahead. The 세배 (sebae) is the formal bow to receive New Year's money (세배돈). Most guides tell you about the day; this tool tells you what to wear, what to bring, and what NOT to bring.
Holiday visit planner
What this solves
Foreigners who get invited to a Korean holiday gathering often don't know: when to bow, how much money to give the kids, what NOT to wear (red-soled shoes, sharp objects). The "do I bow?" anxiety is real. This tool gives a per-holiday checklist.
설날 vs 추석 differences
설날: bowing + money + 떡국 (rice cake soup). 추석: 송편 (half-moon rice cake) + gift-giving. 설날 is more about family hierarchy and money; 추석 is about harvest and ancestral rites. Dates move on the lunar calendar each year.
Transport chaos
Book KTX/SRT 30+ days ahead for the days immediately before the holiday. Roads are jammed 06:00–14:00 on the day before. Rental cars get booked out. Many shops close for the duration.
세배 sequence
Bow to the eldest first. 큰절 (deep bow) or 막무릎 꿇고 절 (kneeling bow). 손 below 손 (손의 큰손). Receive 세배돈 with two hands, say "감사합니다" or "새해 복 많이 받으세요." Children: usually ₩10,000–₩50,000 per elder.
What NOT to bring
Sharp objects (knives, scissors) — cutting severance. Shoes with red soles — symbolizes bad luck. White wrapping — for mourning. 4 of anything. Stick to: fruit (apple/pear), high-grade meat, premium rice cake.
How to read the result
- 세배돈 guide = expected amount for children or elders.
- Gift suggestion = safe holiday gift.
- Day-by-day = what happens on each of the 3 days.
Limitations
- Lunar dates shift yearly; verify before planning.
- Family customs vary; this is general Korean mainstream.
- For foreign guests, many hosts will not require 세배.
- Some workplaces send holiday gift sets (선물세트) ₩30,000–₩100,000.
FAQ
As a foreigner, do I have to bow?
A small bow (가벼운 절) is fine. Don't over-formal; hosts understand.
What if I can't travel during these?
Many shops close, but tourist areas and convenience stores stay open. Museums often close.
How much money for one child?
₩10,000–₩50,000 in a crisp 새돈 envelope; gifts also appropriate.
Are 설날 and 추석 the same as Lunar New Year elsewhere?
Similar timing, but Korean customs (세배, 송편, 떡국, ancestor rites) are distinct from Chinese/Vietnamese.