6 activities to do during Seollal in Seoul
Is your trip to Seoul coming up, but you weren’t aware of the upcoming holidays? KoreaTravelEasy has the perfect suggestions for you!
What is Seollal?
Seollal (설날), or Korean Lunar New Year is a holiday and celebration which marks the first day of the Korean Lunar calender.
In 2025 is celebrated on January 29th, but is usually celebrated for a three day period (27th-30th). Seollal is a time for family gatherings, honoring ancestors with the charye ritual, playing games like Jegichagi and Yunnori, and exchanging gifts through Sebae. Families enjoy foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup), marking Lunar birthdays. Overall, the holiday is filled with fun but can leave you exhausted from the food and festivities.
Due to this holiday, many family-owned businesses and shops may be closed. In this blog post, we will give you some ideas on how to put Seollal on your itinerary in Seoul!
1. The Namsangol Hanok Village│남산골한옥마을
Visitors to Namsangol Hanok Village can take part in activities including making kites, spinning tops, and masks and eating rice cakes. There will be traditional performances and the traditional ancestral rites are demonstrated as well.
2. Seoul N Tower (Namsan Tower)│서울 N 타워 (남산타워)
During Seollal in Seoul, outdoor performances and activities are a must-do. Immortalize your love with a lock, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the city. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch a breathtaking sunset from Namsan, as the sky transforms into a beautiful canvas over Seoul’s skyline, adding a special touch to your Seollal celebration.
3. National Folk Museum of Korea│국립민속박물관
Situated on the historic grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea is holding an exhibit centered on the Year of the Snake. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of Koreans from the Paleolithic period to the 20th century.
4. The Korean Folk Village│한국민속촌
The Korean Folk Village offers a wide range of exciting activities, with winter bringing the thrill of sledding. Visitors can enjoy face painting, horse petting, kite flying, rice cake pounding, and fortune telling, along with traditional performances, tightrope acrobatics, dancing, and horse shows scheduled throughout the day.
5. The Five Grand Palaces in Seoul│서울 5대 궁궐
- Free Entry to Palaces and Royal Tombs (January 25–30, 6 Days):
During the Seollal solstice, visitors are granted free access to the Four Grand Palaces (except Changdeokgung Rear Garden), Jongmyo Shrine, and Joseon Royal Tombs (including Won and Myo sites) Jongmyo Shrine, which is typically reservation-only, will also be open for free exploration during this period.Note: All sites will be closed on January 31 following the free entry period.
- Sehwa Sharing Event at Gyeongbokgung Palace (January 28–30):
Gyeongbukgung is the hotspot for Seollal activities. Held at Heungnyemun Square in Gyeongbokgung Palace, in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Promotion Agency, Sehwa events will take place. To make it even more festive, you can rent a Hanbok before entering the palace!
- 2025 New Year’s painting (Sehwa) Theme: A collaboration with artist Son Yoo-young featuring a “Blue Snake and Gatekeepers with Cats” design.
- New Year’s painting (Sehwa) Distribution:
- After the Royal Guard Ceremony (10:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily).
- 6,000 copies distributed (1,000 copies per session at 10:20 AM and 2:20 PM).
- Available digitally via QR codes on-site or the Cultural Heritage Promotion Agency website
6. Visit Theme parks such as Lotte World or Everland
- Lotte World (롯데월드)
Prepare yourself for exciting celebrations with the folk Performance Parades, daily until February 16 at 5:00 PM. A vibrant folk performance presented in a parade format, featuring various traditional acts awaits the visitors to create a festive atmosphere during Seollal. This popular annual event is cherished by visitors for its cultural richness and entertainment.
Purchase your tickets to Lotte World with a discount through our website here.
- Everland (에버랜드)
Everland offers a wide variety of fun activities during Seollal.
Traditional Game Experiences at Carnival Plaza (Daily from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM)
Visitors can enjoy five traditional games featured in dramas, including Ttakji Chigi, Biseok Chigi, Gonggi Nori, Top Spinning, and Jegichagi. It’s open for all, with activities conducted along a track drawn on the ground. A Mini Board Game Zone is also available, where players compete to reach the top first through Rock-Paper-Scissors, evoking childhood memories.
Hanbok Photo Time
Carnival Plaza hosts four daily sessions where characters Reni and Lala in hanbok take photos with visitors.
Welcoming Visitors in Hanbok
Staff dressed in hanbok greet guests at the Everland main entrance, adding a festive touch to the experience.
Hopefully you now have the perfect ideas for your Seollal itinerary and spend it well! KoreaTravelEasy wishes you a happy New Year.
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