Seollal 2027 in Korea: Dates (Feb 6–9), What’s Open and Tips for Travelers

Seollal (설날), the Lunar New Year, is one of Korea’s two biggest holidays. Millions of people travel to their hometowns, families gather for ancestral rites and rice-cake soup, and cities like Seoul go unusually quiet. For visitors that means some closures and sold-out trains, but also empty streets, palace events and a rare look at Korean family traditions. Here’s how to plan around Seollal 2027.

Last checked: October 2026. Dates follow the 2027 public-holiday calendar reported in Korean media; confirm closer to the time. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).

First time in Korea? Start here: our step-by-step guide from landing to your first day.

When is Seollal 2027?

Seollal falls on the first day of the lunar calendar, which in 2027 is Sunday 7 February. The public holiday covers the day before, the day itself and the day after; because the holiday overlaps a Sunday, a substitute day is added. That gives a four-day break from Saturday 6 to Tuesday 9 February 2027. Korean media reporting the government’s 2027 calendar and travel sites agree on these dates.

What is open and closed during Seollal?

The day of Seollal itself (7 February) is the quietest. Check opening days on Naver Map, which usually shows holiday hours, and keep convenience stores in mind for simple meals.

How busy is transport over Seollal?

• Trains: KTX tickets for the holiday go on sale in advance and popular routes (Seoul–Busan, Seoul–Gwangju) sell out quickly. Book as early as possible, or travel on the days in between.
• Express buses: also very busy; book through the bus apps.
• Roads: expect heavy traffic leaving Seoul on 6 February and returning on 8–9 February.
• Inside Seoul: the subway runs normally and is quieter than usual.

Planning a trip to Busan? See Seoul to Busan by KTX and book early.

What do Koreans do at Seollal?

• Charye (차례): a morning ancestral rite with a table of prepared food.
• Sebae (세배): younger family members bow deeply to elders and receive New Year’s money (sebaetdon) and blessings.
• Tteokguk: rice-cake soup; eating a bowl means you’re a year older.
• Hanbok: some families wear traditional dress; you’ll see more hanbok than usual in palaces.
• Games: yutnori (a board game with sticks), kite flying and top spinning.

How can visitors enjoy Seollal?

• Palaces and folk villages often hold traditional games and performances over the holiday; check the palace and Korean Folk Village websites in January.
• Rent a hanbok for photos and free palace entry: hanbok rental at Gyeongbokgung.
• Enjoy empty streets: central Seoul and normally busy districts are calm, good for photos.
• Greet people with “새해 복 많이 받으세요” (saehae bok mani badeuseyo), “Happy New Year”.

Should I avoid Korea during Seollal?

Not necessarily. If you’re mainly in Seoul, the holiday is an interesting time to visit: just book long-distance trains early, plan meals around closures on the main day, and pick hotels near big stations or malls. If you want markets and small local restaurants at full speed, travel a week before or after.

Accessibility

Crowds are lighter in central Seoul during Seollal, which makes palaces and the subway easier with a stroller or wheelchair. Stations and trains are very crowded on the first and last days of the holiday, so avoid long-distance travel then if you need extra space.

Seollal 2027 runs from Saturday 6 to Tuesday 9 February, including a substitute holiday — the full list is on this South Korea public holidays 2027 calendar. Curious which zodiac animal you are? Try the zodiac calculator.

FAQ

Is Seollal the same as Chinese New Year?
Both celebrate the lunar new year on the same date, but Korean traditions, food and customs are different.

Are palaces open on Seollal?
The main palaces have usually stayed open over the holiday (closed on their regular weekly closing day), sometimes with free events. Check before you go.

When is Seollal in 2028?
In late January 2028; check the official holiday calendar when it’s published.

Sources: Korea Herald – 2027 public holiday calendar · Klook – South Korea public holidays · Seoulstart – Korean lunar holidays
Photos: soscs / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 · Sulkkun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Republic of Korea from Seoul, Republic of Korea / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0