세배 (sebae) is the most important of all the Korean lunar new year traditions. This day children’s act of kneeling on the ground and bowing deeply and younger people must bow deeply Infront of their elders.
People usually wear hanbok this day and older people provide them gifts. And this day while bowing you can say “Saehae bok mani badeuseyo” which means have a lot of luck in the new year.
This day they made their traditional food which is “Charye”. This term is used to describe worshiping one’s ancestors during this day. Food is set out on the table as a symbol of gift, respect and love for one’s ancestors, behind which family ancestral tablets.
People perform deep bows on these tables to show them respect and gratitude. Even this day same people visit to the fortune-tellers to know their luck for the coming years. And this practice name is “Saju”. This is basically reading one’s destiny based on the date and time of birth.
And this day they also eat mandu which is Korean dumplings. They are filled with minced meat, vegetables and sometimes kimchi. And this day making mandu is a family activity where members come together and make mandu for there family and enjoy it together.
And even some people wake up early to watch the new year sun shine. Some believe that watching first sun will bring good luck and fulfil their wish. And even this things show that how beautifully they maintain their culture from the past time.
Written by: Ranu Sarkar
About the author: My name Is Ranu Sarkar and I am from West Bengal, India. I am currently a college student and I am studying computer science, Environmental science and Geography. I am learning Korean from King Sejong Institute and I am very much interest about increasing my knowledge in Korean culture, Korean environment and their tradition. And my passion is writing and I feel happy while knowing many different things. And as a I result I am writing this article.