Celebrate the Korean New Year

Why I'd love to come, but you're halfway around the world...

Since the Lunar New Year is not a holiday in the U.S., it’s usually difficult for out-of-town family members to get together. My kids, for example, haven’t been home for the Lunar New Year for many years.

While various Korean community associations and cultural centers hold festivals and events to celebrate the Lunar New Year, for most Korean-American families, it’s a day to spend quality family time. They most likely eat tteokguk as well as some other traditional dishes.

However, I don’t think gift giving is as prevalent as it is in Korea. Some older generations, like my parents, still continue the tradition of ancestral rites in the States. When they were still working, my parents used to observe the rituals the night before because they had work in the morning. My father thought it was OK because the night before is the morning of the new year in Korea due to the time difference, so the ancestors would understand.

 

Even the gifts revolve around food...

Traditionally, gifts include money and food items. Popular food gifts are meat (especially high quality cuts of beef such as short ribs), dried fish, fruits, rice cakes, ginseng, drinks, etc. These days, stores sell many different kinds of special gift sets that include various food items. 

 

Time to feast!

 

Tteokguk (Korean Rice Cake Soup)

This soup is a must for any Seollal celebration...

 

 

 

 

 

Mandu (Korean Dumplings)
Stuffed with cabbage, onions, and scallions, as well as pork and shrimp or beef, these traditional dumplings can be deep-fried, boiled, or pan-fried as shown here...

 

 

 

 

Rice Cake and Dumpling Soup

It’s easy to make, and an anchovy stock gives this soup a subtle richness and body...

 

 

 

 

 

Japchae (Korean Stir-Fried Starch Noodles with Vegetables)

A great dish to share at any large celebration or traditional holiday, especially Seollal...

 

 

 

 

 

Galbi Jjim (Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs)

Mouthwatering beef short ribs are marinated and cooked to perfection...

 

 

 

 

Mung Bean Pancakes

Mung beans, bean sprouts, and dried fiddlehead fern come together in this traditional Seollal dish...

 

 

 

 

 

Pine Nut Porridge

Four easy-to-find ingredients combine to make this unique and simple dish...