Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

No long holiday, no travel, no 'tteokguk': North Korea's very different Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year holiday in North Korea is observed differently than in the South, with fewer days off, economic hardships affecting traditions, and limitations on mobility impacting family gatherings.

2026-02-18

5 million vehicles expected to hit the road on last day of Lunar New Year holiday

Traffic congestion continued on highways heading toward Seoul on Wednesday, the final day of the holiday, as large numbers of vehicles returned to the capital. Traffic is expected to peak between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. before easing late at night.

2026-02-18

Arboretums offer free Lunar New Year admission, tiger habitat among highlights

Three arboretums across Korea will offer free admission and a series of special events from Feb. 14 to 18 to celebrate Seollal Lunar New Year.

2026-02-14

President calls for inclusive growth, national unity in New Year's greeting

President Lee Jae Myung emphasized inclusive growth and national unity as essential to Korea’s future in his New Year’s greeting on Friday, held at the state guesthouse of the Blue House.

2026-01-02

Lotte chairman calls for sweeping reforms, proactive response to change in New Year's message

Lotte Chairman Shin Dong-bin urged sweeping reforms and stronger execution in key business sectors during his New Year’s message on Friday.

2026-01-02

Track star Joel Jin Nwamadi named a bell ringer for Seoul’s 2026 New Year’s Eve ceremony

Joel Jin Nwamadi, a 19-year-old rising star in track and field relay events, has been selected as one of the bell ringers for Seoul’s 2026 New Year’s Eve ceremony.

2025-12-19

Le Sserafim to appear on U.S. show 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve'

Girl group Le Sserafim is set to appear on ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026” on Dec. 31, agency Source Music said Wednesday.

2025-12-03

Gov’t urges vaccinations before Lunar New Year as immunity wanes and variants emerge

The government is urging the public to get vaccinated against influenza and Covid-19 before the Lunar New Year holiday, which begins on Jan. 25, citing a higher risk of infection due to large-scale travel and frequent gatherings.

2025-01-16

Seeing in the New Year: Great spots to watch the first sunrise of 2025

The Korea JoongAng Daily compiles a list of spots to the first sunrise of the New Year.

2024-12-31

Any-fin is possible

A lady holds a dish of tuna sashimi and a girl holds a plate filled with chicken gangjeong which is a fried chicken marinated in a spicy and sweet sauce at E-mart’s Yonsan branch in central Seoul.

2024-02-07