Korean New Year, also known as Seollal, is one of the most celebrated traditional holidays in North Korea. The holiday generally falls on the second new moon after winter solstice, often between late January and early February, and lasts for three days. This holiday is significant in Korean culture and is a time for North Koreans to honor their ancestors and celebrate the coming of the New Year.
The celebrations of Seollal are rich with time-honored traditions. North Koreans typically wear Hanbok, their traditional clothing, and perform ancestral rites known as Charye. They prepare a ceremonial table of food offerings for their ancestors, as a sign of respect and gratitude. It's also a time for families to come together, share meals, play traditional games, and tell Korean folklore stories.
Aside from the significant traditions, Seollal is viewed as a time of rejuvenation with the start of a new year. It's a chance for North Koreans to deep clean their houses and settle all their debts—a philosophical gesture to start the New Year fresh with no burdens. New Year's Day is also accompanied by a special dish called Tteokguk, a soup with sliced rice cakes symbolizing purity and longevity.