설

Seollal (Korean: 설날; RR: Seollal; MR: Sŏllal) is a Korean traditional festival and national holiday commemorating the first day of the lunisolar calendar. It is one of the most important traditional holidays.

Shinjeong’ refers to January 1st in the solar calendar, marking the beginning of the new year. The solar calendar, also known as the Gregorian calendar, is a system that counts days based on the time it takes for the Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun, defining a year

The fourth week of January brings 'Seol,' a traditional Korean holiday also known as 'Gujeong.' Seol (Gujeong) refers to the first day of the lunar calendar. The lunar calendar counts days based on the cycles of the moon's phases

Gujeong" was a name created during the Japanese colonial period. In 1989, it was officially renamed "Seol" and designated as a national holiday. Since the beautiful name "Seol" was introduced, the term "Gujeong" has rarely been used.

In 2025, Seollal (the Lunar New Year) falls on January 29.

So, what do we eat during Seollal?

A Traditional Korean Dish, Rice Cake Soup

We call it Tteokguk. Let’s learn how to make it!

Ingredients:

• Sliced rice cakes (tteok)

• Beef (for broth or garnish)

• Egg

• Green onion

• Soy sauce

• Sesame oil

• Salt and pepper

• Dried seaweed (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice Cakes Soak the sliced rice cakes in water for about 30 minutes if they are hard or frozen. If fresh, a quick rinse will do.

2. Make the Broth

   • In a pot, boil water and add beef bones or a small portion of beef to create a rich broth. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes to an hour.

   • Season the broth with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.

3. Cook the Rice Cakes

   • Add the soaked rice cakes to the boiling broth. Cook until they become soft and start floating, about 5–10 minutes.

4. Prepare the Egg Garnish

   • Separate the egg yolk and white. Cook the yolk in a thin layer on a non-stick pan, then slice it into thin strips for garnish.

   • You can also lightly beat the remaining egg white and yolk together and drizzle it into the soup for texture.

5. Assemble and Garnish

   • Once the rice cakes are soft, ladle the soup into a bowl.

   • Top with shredded beef, sliced egg yolk, and chopped green onions.

   • Add strips of dried seaweed for extra flavor, if desired.

6. Serve

   Enjoy your warm, delicious Tteokguk(떡국)! It’s not just a meal but a tradition symbolizing a fresh start to the New Year.

On the upcoming Lunar New Year, dress beautifully in Hanbok, give respectful New Year’s bows to your elders, enjoy delicious rice cake soup, and have a warm and happy day!