29.01.2026
Traditional Korean Foods to Enjoy During Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal)
Lunar New Year is just around the corner. Have you ever wondered what Koreans traditionally eat during Lunar New Year, also known as Seollal? ✨
In Korea, food is never just about eating. Especially during Seollal, every dish carries wishes for health, prosperity, and a fresh beginning. From warm soups to festive side dishes and traditional sweets, each food reflects Korea’s deep-rooted culture and the importance of family togetherness.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most iconic Korean Lunar New Year dishes you should know, and definitely try.
🍚 Tteokguk (떡국) – Rice Cake Soup
Tteokguk is a MUST for every Korean Lunar New Year.
This comforting soup features thin, oval-shaped rice cakes simmered in a clear, savory beef-based broth. Traditionally, eating Tteokguk symbolizes growing one year older and welcoming a clean slate for the year ahead. The coin-shaped rice cakes also represent good fortune, prosperity, and wealth.
During Seollal, Tteokguk can be found at nearly every Korean restaurant. Many Hanok villages, museums, and local communities even serve it for free, inviting everyone to share in the tradition and good luck.
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🥞 Jeon (전) – Savory Korean Pancakes
After a warm bowl of Tteokguk, the table fills with Jeon, crispy savory pancakes enjoyed as classic holiday side dishes.
Jeon are made by coating ingredients in egg batter and lightly pan-frying them to golden perfection. Popular Seollal varieties include:
- 동태전 (pollock),
- 애호박전 (zucchini),
- 꼬치전 (skewered meat and vegetables)
Rich, satisfying, and full of flavor, Jeon pairs beautifully with rice cake soup. For something lighter and slightly sweet, Hwajeon – flower pancakes made with edible blossoms and a touch of honey, offering a delicate seasonal twist.
🍜 Japchae (잡채) – Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Noodles
Colorful, flavorful, and universally loved, Japchae is a must-have at Korean celebrations.
Made with chewy sweet potato glass noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and often pork or beef, Japchae is lightly sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a staple at festive gatherings and potluck meals, and tastes just as good warm or cold.
Its vibrant colors symbolize abundance, harmony, and happiness, making Japchae especially fitting for Lunar New Year celebrations.
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🌿 Doraji Namul (도라지나물) – Seasoned Bellflower Root
To balance richer dishes, Korean New Year meals often include simple vegetable sides like Doraji Namul.
Made from bellflower root, this dish has a slightly bitter yet refreshing taste. Lightly seasoned and stir-fried or blanched, it’s traditionally believed to support lung health and overall well-being, making it a meaningful addition to the Seollal table.
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🍯 Yaksik (약식 / 약밥) – Nutritious Sweet Glutinous Rice
Chewy, sticky, and deeply comforting, Yaksik is a traditional Korean sweet dish often enjoyed on special occasions.
It’s made by steaming glutinous rice and mixing it with chestnuts, jujubes, pine nuts, then seasoning it with honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sometimes cinnamon. The result is rich, fragrant, and satisfying.
In Korean, “yak” means medicine, reflecting the belief that honey and natural ingredients help nourish the body. Yaksik is therefore seen as both a sweet treat and a symbol of good health – perfect for starting the year on a positive note.
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🍪 Yakgwa (약과) – Traditional Honey Cookie
A classic Korean dessert, Yakgwa is a deep-fried, layered cookie soaked in fragrant honey syrup.
Made with honey, sesame oil, ginger, cinnamon, and a splash of soju, Yakgwa has a crisp exterior and a soft, syrupy center. Each bite releases rich sweetness and warm spice. Made with honey, sesame oil, ginger, cinnamon, and a splash of soju, Yakgwa has a crisp exterior and a soft, syrupy center. Each bite releases rich sweetness and warm spice.
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Enjoy Seollal Traditional Food with Delivery K
Whether you’re celebrating Seollal with loved ones, exploring Korean culture, or simply craving authentic flavors, these traditional dishes offer the perfect way to experience the spirit of the holiday.
👉 Celebrate Seollal with authentic Korean flavors on Delivery K.
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SEE ALSO:
Most Popular and Must-try Korean Snacks
