Seollal for foreigners living in Korea can be relaxing or lonely… For those who want to use this time to do something different and take advantage of the quiet city sometimes is difficult to find what is open to go, here there are some things that can be done during Seollal holidays:
GO TO GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE & OTHER HISTORICAL SITES
Major royal palaces like Gyeongbokgung and traditional tombs like Jongmyo Shrine will stay open for Lunar New Year in Seoul. Best of all, admission into all sites is free!
There are many activities during Seollal in that Palace in Seoul. Is the perfect time to go to experience cultural performances, traditional folk games, and other fun activities.
VISIT NAMSANGOL HANOK VILLAGE | 남산골한옥마을
During Seollal in Seoul, crowds descend upon its beautiful grounds to watch outdoor performances, play traditional games and try out different activities.
NATIONAL FOLK MUSEUM OF KOREA | 국립민속박물관
With a historically valuable and massive collection of over 310,000 relics and art pieces, you could easily spend hours and hours there. Be sure to stop into the excellent interactive Children’s Museum while there.
For Seollal in Seoul, check out their special exhibitions, or venture outside for Lunar New Year events and activities.
CHEONG WA DAE | 청와대
Cheong Wa Dae is worth a visit under any circumstances, but during Seollal in Seoul, head there around 3PM for a free 40 minute performance of samulnori and lion dance.
There are 1,000 tickets available daily for foreign passport holders at Cheong Wa Dae, without reservation – 500 in the morning, and 500 in the afternoon. Make sure you bring ID.
KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE | 한국민속촌
During Seollal in Seoul, there are traditional art performances, and a wide variety of special activities to take part in.
You could easily spend an entire day at the Korean Folk Village, exploring its multiple museums, watching folk performances, seeing K-drama shooting sites, and even riding amusement park rides.
NATIONAL GUGAK CENTER
The National Gugak Center is one of those places in Seoul that’s vastly under-visited by international travelers to South Korea. From dance to music to singing, this gorgeous space showcases the best of Korean folk arts in all its forms… at a ridiculously low price.
If you want to check out the Saturday Gugak Concert for Seollal in Seoul, be sure to reserve tickets far in advance. Regardless, there’s sure to be lots going on in the area.
NAMSAN TOWER AND N SEOUL TOWER
A lot of places are closed during Korean Lunar New Year, but not Namsan and N Seoul Tower.
During Seollal in Seoul, look out for outdoor performances and activities, hang a love lock as a souvenir, or watch the sunset.
Hope you have a good holiday and 새해 복 많이 받으세요!
For more Culture and activities information in Korea go to Experiences.