It’s true that the new year is the most widely celebrated holiday around the globe but you’ll hear happy new year in Korean twice a year in Korea.

Confused? Here’s what I mean

Koreans celebrate the solar new year (1st January) and lunar new year (selloal) every year. Korean happy new year date varies depending on solar or lunar calender.

If you have Korean friends and family whom you want to wish for? Or simply want to learn how to say happy new year in Korean like a native.

It’s time to brush up on your Korean New Year greetings!

The common way to say happy new year in Korean language is 새해 복 많이 받으세요 (saehae bok mani badeuseyo) means "I hope you receive a lot of luck in the New Year".

An causal way of happy new year in korean translation is (Saehae Bok Mani Bada). Simply say the words (saehae bok mani badeusipsio) to make it more formal.

But is it enough. Not exactly

Here’s a complete guide to for “Korean Happy New Year” and New Year’s resolutions and all about happy new year in korea like natives.

Alright world, let’s dig in.

how to say happy new year in korean 

Happy New Year is a phrase that is universally recognized and celebrated around the world, and in Korea, it is no different. The phrase "Happy New Year" in Korean is "새해 복 많이 받으세요," which is pronounced as "seh-hae bok man-ee badeu-seh-yo." This phrase is often used as a traditional greeting during the Korean New Year, which is also known as "Seollal."

Seollal is one of the most important traditional holidays in Korea, and it is a time for families to come together and celebrate the start of a new year. The holiday typically falls on the first day of the lunar calendar, which means it can fall anywhere between late January and early February. During Seollal, it is common for people to exchange gifts and well-wishes with their loved ones, and saying "Happy New Year" in Korean is an important part of this tradition.

Here are a few different ways you can say "Happy New Year" in Korean, along with some examples of how you might use them:

"새해 복 많이 받으세요" - This is the most common and traditional way to say "Happy New Year" in Korean. You can use this phrase to greet anyone, regardless of their age or relationship to you. For example:

"새해 복 많이 받으세요, 어머니!" (Happy New Year, Mom!)

"새해 복 많이 받으세요, 친구야!" (Happy New Year, friend!)

"새해 복 많이 입게요" - This phrase is similar to the first one, but it is more casual and friendly. It is often used between close friends and family members. For example:

"새해 복 많이 입게요, 오빠!" (Happy New Year, big brother!)

"새해 복 많이 입게요, 언니!" (Happy New Year, big sister!)

"새해에도 잘 지내길 바래요" - This phrase is a more formal way to say "Happy New Year" in Korean, and it is often used when greeting someone older or more senior than you. It literally translates to "I hope you have a good year in the new year." For example:

"새해에도 잘 지내길 바래요, 선생님!" (Happy New Year, teacher!)

"새해에도 잘 지내길 바래요, 상사님!" (Happy New Year, boss!)

korean words related to happy new year in korea

Here is a list of words that are commonly associated with Korean New Year (also known as Seollal):

Seollal: Korean New Year

Charye: Ancestor memorial service

Sebe: Traditional Korean New Year's food

Doljabi: A traditional game where babies or children choose objects that will predict their future

Beopju: Rice wine

Bosal: Ancestor altar

Seba: New Year's gift

Hwabyeong: Korean traditional mask dance

Daegeum: Korean traditional bamboo flute

Samulnori: Korean traditional percussion music

Chuseok: Korean Thanksgiving Day

Korean New Year is a traditional holiday that is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar and is a time for families to come together and pay respect to their ancestors. It is a time of celebration and renewal, and many traditional activities and customs are observed during this holiday.

how korean celebate lunar new year

Korean people celebrate the lunar New Year, or Seollal, with a variety of traditional customs and activities. Some common ways in which Korean people celebrate Seollal include:

Charye: Ancestor memorial service – On the morning of Seollal, many Korean people visit the graves of their ancestors and pay respects through a ritual known as Charye. This involves offering food, drink, and other gifts to the ancestors and praying for their blessings.

Sebe: Traditional Korean New Year's food – Sebe is a traditional Korean New Year's feast that includes a variety of dishes, such as rice cake soup (tteokguk), dumplings (mandu), and other foods that are believed to bring good luck in the new year.

Doljabi: A traditional game where babies or children choose objects that will predict their future – In this game, babies or children are presented with a selection of objects, each of which is believed to represent a different aspect of their future, such as wealth, success, or happiness.

Beopju: Rice wine – Beopju is a traditional Korean rice wine that is often consumed during Seollal as a way to celebrate the new year and to honor the ancestors.

Bosal: Ancestor altar – Many Korean families set up an ancestor altar in their home during Seollal as a way to pay respects to their ancestors and to ask for their blessings in the new year.

Seba: New Year's gift – Seba is a traditional New Year's gift that is given to family members and friends during Seollal. These gifts can be small tokens or more substantial items, such as food or clothing.

Hwabyeong: Korean traditional mask dance – Hwabyeong is a traditional Korean mask dance that is often performed during Seollal as a way to celebrate the new year and to bring good luck.

Daegeum: Korean traditional bamboo flute – The daegeum is a traditional Korean bamboo flute that is often played during Seollal as a way to celebrate the new year and to honor the ancestors.

Samulnori: Korean traditional percussion music – Samulnori is a traditional Korean percussion music that is often played during Seollal as a way to celebrate the new year and to bring good luck.

Chuseok: Korean Thanksgiving Day – Chuseok is a Korean holiday that is similar to Thanksgiving in the United States. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month and is a time for families to come together, give thanks, and pay respects to their ancestors.