What is Seollal?
Performers from the Seoul Metropolitan Government visited Norway and showed the audience how to do a proper bow for Seollal.
Seollal (설날) is one of the most important holidays in The Republic of Korea that is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar. According to the solar calendar, this year it falls on February 10th and lasts for 3 days. Since Seollal falls on a Saturday, Monday the 12th is added as a make-up day for celebrations. This holiday is the time when families pay their respects to their ancestors by performing memorial rites (charye/차례), and when special food is prepared and served at certain times. It is also a time to honor the elderly who are still living, such as parents or grandparents by doing sebae (세배). This is when the younger generation kneel and bow deeply to their elders to show their respect towards them. Traditional Korean games are played and stories are exchanged among family members for long hours into the night.
How we Celebrate Seollal with Hansik
In our home in Norway, we celebrate Seollal by making hansik, traditional Korean foods during the three days of Seollal. This is a time for us to spend time together as a family and to make everlasting memories. We get to learn about our Korean roots and the traditions our ancestors have honored for many generations. I would like to tell you about some of the foods we make for Seollal.
Tteokguk (떡국) is a traditional soup made with sliced rice cakes, beef, egg, vegetables, seaweed and other ingredients. It is the belief that the clear broth symbolizes the new beginning of the coming year with a clean mind and body. This soup is a comfort food and can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Japchae (잡채) has potato starch noodles mixed with a variety of vegetables and is garnished with egg whites and yokes separately. This is popular to make around the holiday season but can be enjoyed on most other occasions.
Kimbap (김밥) is seaweed roasted sheets wrapped around rice and a variety of vegetables, meats and seafood. This is a common picnic food and is usually packed in children’s lunch boxes.
Jeon (전) is a miniature seafood or vegetable pancake and usually served as a side dish.
Kimchi (김치) is made of fermented Korean cabbage and several vegetables in a ground red pepper sauce.
Hotteok (호떡) is a sweet pancake with a sugar and nut filling on the inside. This is a common street food usually served during the winter months.
Etiquette and Table Manners While Dining in The Republic of Korea.
All this talk about food reminds me of the table manners that we should be respectful of when we eat out with friends, family or colleagues in The Republic of Korea. Which ones do you already know about?
1. When dining out, be the first one to set out everyone’s napkin and utensils and pour water into their glasses.
2. It is polite to let the oldest begin to eat first and let them finish eating before you.
3. The youngest pours the drink for their elders first.
4. When drinking with an elderly person, turn your face away and cover your mouth while taking a drink.
5. Hold chopsticks in one hand and spoon in the other hand. Use your spoon to eat rice and soup.
6. It is common to share your food during a meal.
7. Do not stick chopsticks straight up into your bowl.
8. No lifting up your bowls/plates while eating.
9. Take food within your reach without overstretching your arm.
10. Use both hands when giving and receiving something.
11. Pace yourself so you finish eating when others do.
12. When you are finished eating, nicely fold your used napkin and place it on the table.
13. When at a restaurant in The Republic of Korea, it is not necessary to give tips as this can mean the opposite of good service.
14. Remember to thank your host for the delicious meal.
2024 is The Year of the Dragon (용)
Chiljoryong (칠조룡) - A pair of golden dragons with seven claws on the ceiling at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.
This is the year of the blue wood dragon, which is known as the gabjinnyeon (갑진년) year. It is the fifth of the 12 animals in the Korean zodiac and is the 41st year in the 60-year cycle. Wood symbolizes growth, renewal, warmth, generosity and a sense of nurturing. Of the 12 animals, the dragon is the only mythical creature and represents courage, wisdom and hope. I was born in the year of the dragon and looking forward to a magical year! What is your ddi/띠, zodiac animal?
I wish everyone a Happy Seollal 2024! May you have good health and prosperity filled with joy!
SOURCES:
https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=245075
https://bestofkorea.com/guide-to-the-korean-zodiac/
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/culture/2024/01/135_365901.html
https://www.90daykorean.com/korean-table-manners/
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