Happy Lunar New Year

Last weekend I was invited to celebrate Lunar New Year (Sol Nal) with Pak Jin Kyu's older brother's family in Yongin (near Seoul). The train station was busy with people travelling to their hometowns for the holiday. Unlike Chuseok (like Thanksgiving) and thanks to Pak Jin Kyu, I had a reserved seat on the train so I didn't have to bargain for a seat.


After arriving at the family's home, we enjoyed a delicious meal of Kalbi (Marinated Beef Ribs), Salad, Chapchae (Glass Noodles with Vegetables), and other dishes. Then we played Yut Nori, a game that families traditionally play with each other at New Year's. We then made Mandu (dumplings) together.



The next morning, we wore Han Bok (traditional Korean clothing) and I watched the family participate in char'ye--a ceremony in which they commemorate their ancestors. Food was prepared for the ancestors and the family did bows in their honour. (You can see the altar in the picture below. The food is placed in a special order and cut so that it is easier for the ancestors to eat it.)

After that the children in the family did "Saebae" bowing to the adults and the adults gave them wishes for the year and envelopes with money.




Then, we enjoyed Mandu Dukgeuk (Dumpling Ricecake Soup) and many other delicious dishes.

Sol Nal (the first day of the Lunar Calendar year) is a special family holiday in Korea so I was thankful to have the opportunity to meet and celebrate with this family.

Sae Hae Bok Mani Padusayo! (Many New Year's Blessings to You!)