Three tourist attractions that you must visit when SEOLLAL in South Korea

 

Seollal (Chinese New Year; first day of the lunar calendar) is one of the most famous national holidays in Korea. Although many celebrate Sinjeong (Solar New Year; January 1 of the Gregorian / Western calendar), Koreans also celebrate Seollal, which usually lasts three days (D day, the day before, and the next day).

More than just a holiday to mark the start of the new year, Seollal is truly a special occasion for Koreans. Today is not only a day to pay homage to ancestors, but also an opportunity to chat with family members. During Seollal, Koreans usually perform ancestral rituals, play traditional games, eat traditional food, listen to stories and talk into the night. Read on to find out how Koreans celebrate Seollal.

What tours should you visit? Three of them are ...

1.     Namsangol Hanok Village (남산골한옥마을)

 

Namsangol Hanok Village opened in 1998 on the northern side of Namsan Mountain in the center of the capital. This village has five restored hanok (traditional Korean house) premises, a pavilion, traditional garden, performance arts stage and a time capsule plaza, making it a perfect spot for both locals and tourists to take a leisure walk. Upon entering from the front gate, visitors will get a taste of Korea's traditional life while escaping from the bustling city life. The traditional garden with its pavilion and old houses creates a peaceful ambiance before the forested Namsan Mountain. A time capsule commemorating Seoul’s 600th anniversary was buried in 1994 at the highest point of the village and is scheduled to be reopened 400 years later in 2394.

 

The five hanok premises at Namsangol Hanok Village once belonged to aristocrats and government officials of the Joseon dynasty. Each house was originally located in different neighborhoods, but they were all moved to this area and restored to their original form. The houses were rebuilt using their original materials, except for one house, where the materials were too old and deteriorated to be reused. The premises were carefully restored and replicated according to their original form to depict the owners’ social class and personality. These buildings are now used as an exhibit to portray the living environment during the Joseon dynasty as well as a venue for educational and cultural programs for children and tourists.

 

Address                : 28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

서울특별시 중구 퇴계로34길 28 (필동2가)

 

2.     Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)

 

Seoul Museum of History opened on May 21, 2002 within the Gyeonghuigung Palace site. The three-story building covers everything about Seoul's history and culture from the prehistoric era to modern times, focusing especially on the Joseon era. The museum aims to raise cultural awareness and build a strong bond within the community by collecting, preserving, researching, and displaying artifacts and materials related to Seoul as well as promoting the city's history and culture to an international audience.

 

Address                : 55, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

서울특별시 종로구 새문안로 55 (신문로2가)

 

3.     Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)

 

Korean Folk Village introduces traditional culture from the late Joseon period to both local and international visitors through cultural classes experience, shaman faith, seasonal customs and others. It recreated the past through the restoration of houses from the Joseon dynasty.

 

Performances including nongak (farmer’s music), martial arts on horseback, traditional wedding ceremony, and other special events are available by season. In particular, "Welcome to Joseon," an event held every May, takes visitors back to the past. In addition, a family-friendly theme park equipped with 15 exciting attractions is also available. Visitors can also try various Korean foods at the market street.

 

Address                : 90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

경기도 용인시 기흥구 민속촌로 90 (보라동)

 

 

Source : https://www.visitkorea.or.id/article/perayaan-seollal-di-korea-sekilas-tentang-budaya-lokal