Shifting Traditions: A New Look at Lunar New Year Culture

It’s time to explore trends in Korean culture! Joining us today is our trend reporter Yoon Seyoung! Hello, Seyoung!

Hello! Korea’s biggest holiday, Lunar New Year, is just around the corner. Starting next week, we’ll enjoy a four-day holiday, as Monday has also been made a substitute public holiday.

Right, can't wait for that although of course I'll be missing the Kulture Wave during that period.

It's actually going to be a six-day holiday if you count the weekend.

And even up to nine days for those who are able to take another day off (25th -2nd)

When we think of Lunar New Year, the classic scene of families gathering comes to mind: preparing traditional foods, eating rice cake soup , and children bowing to elders to receive "New Year’s money” called 'saebaedon' . But, surprisingly, these traditional Lunar New Year customs have been changing recently. Today, I’ll introduce some of these changes.

I see! Lunar New Year is such a culturally rich holiday with many traditions. What changes are we seeing?

Let’s start with changes in the tradition of "New Year’s money." For those unfamiliar, after performing a respectful bow to elders, children or younger family members traditionally receive money in return. Speaking of which, you two are probably now more likely to be giving than receiving and I want to ask you two this question: "Until what age do you think people should receive New Year’s money?"

Interestingly, the convenience store chain CU conducted a survey through its app, asking 800 people in their 20s to 40s the same question. The most popular answer, at 34.7%, was “until they start working.” Following this in second and third place were “all minors should receive it” and “anyone who bows should receive it.” This shows that New Year’s money is not just about rewarding polite children; it’s also a warm gesture from adults who want to support family members who may still be financially dependent.

Along with the age the amount to give is always tricky, too.

Actually there is also a research on that. According to a survey by KB Card last year, among 409 respondest, 46% said they’d give preschoolers less than 10-thousand Korean won (about $7), while elementary school children often received 30-thousand to 50-thousand won (about $23–$38). Of course, this becomes a significant expense if you have a large extended family!

And fewer people carry cash these days, which makes it even harder to prepare. I’ve heard some people now give New Year’s money in non-traditional forms?

That’s right! Some give stocks or mutual funds instead of cash, or parents invest the money their children receive in stocks for them. The idea is to teach kids about saving and investing early rather than spending it all at once.

Adults usually accompany New Year’s money with words of encouragement . Have these changed too?

Absolutely. Sometimes well-meaning advice about marriage, jobs, or salaries can feel like nagging. This has even led some younger people to avoid family gatherings during the holidays.

In response, Kakao Pay launched a playful campaign called the "Nagging T-shirt." Popular nagging phrases like “When are you getting married?” or “Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?” are printed on the back of shirts with QR codes. Scanning the code leads to a payment link, humorously suggesting, “Pay up if you’re going to nag!” For example, “When are you getting married?” is priced at 300-thousand Korean won (around $230). It’s a fun way for younger generations to make light of these situations. Honestly. I think it also can be a very clever way to satisfy their financial needs for those who need extra money.

How funny! That really shows how much people want to avoid nagging. Speaking of traditions, rice cake soup is a must for Lunar New Year. But I heard even this has seen some changes?

Yes! In Korea, it’s said, “You gain a year by eating rice cake soup.” Its white color symbolizes new beginnings, and the long cylinder-shaped rice cakes called "garaetteok" that people use when making tteokguk represent prosperity. However, a bowl can have 600 to 700 calories, which can be a concern, especially if you’re visiting several relatives' homes and eating multiple servings!

Now, people are making healthier versions using brown rice or konjac (a low-calorie alternative). Some even opt for vegan versions, replacing beef broth with vegetable stock and using only plant-based toppings.

They all still sound delicious! Seyoung, you mentioned earlier about visiting the homes of several relatives and eating multiple bowls of tteokguk but it seems like not as many people visit their relatives' homes as they used to.

That’s true. More people are traveling abroad, staying in hotels, or even hosting parties with friends during the holidays. Some take advantage of the holiday to earn extra money by working, as holiday pay rates are higher. while others simply choose to spend the time completely alone. And for those spending the holiday alone, there’s even an AI “virtual relative” chatbot offering a fun way to feel connected and some events even let you win New Year’s money through these chatbots!

While the changes are understandable, it’s a little sad to lose the warmth of big family gatherings and shared meals.

I agree. Some traditions, like the immense pressure on women to continuously cook and host or the uncomfortable “advice,” could change, but the joy of spending time together shouldn’t disappear.

No matter how or where we spend it, I hope everyone has a wonderful Lunar New Year.

Happy Lunar New Year!