Lunar New Year (Seollal, 설날) is one of the biggest holidays that Koreans celebrate during the year. During this holiday all family members gather around and mind their p’s and q’s as they wish for a New Year full of good fortune.
As KOCONUTS know, Koreans are very well-known for “mukbang” (먹방) and the variety of food that they eat. Traditionally, during this holiday, Koreans eat “tteokguk,” which some may have seen on K-Dramas or K-Variety shows.
“Tteokguk,” a traditional dish enjoyed by many during the Lunar New Year holiday, is made differently depending on the region. But normally, it is a sliced rice cake soup with various toppings such as egg, beef, dumplings, etc.
The rice cake used to make this dish is initially made from “garaetteok,” which is a long form of rice cake. Its shape is symbolic, wishing for longevity in life. The oval shape of the rice cakes resembles coins, another expression of wishing for wealth and prosperity. Then it is cut into bite sizes before it is put into a soup.
When people are eating “tteokguk,” there is a fun myth that says eating this dish will give you hope for a better year, and by eating it, you are adding one more year to the current age. Some silly kids eat more than one dish of “tteokguk” in the hope of becoming an adult sooner. (I ate so much “tteokguk” when I was a kid wishing to grow up faster, but I regret that now!!! LOL, now I wish there was a dish to do the opposite)
Due to the prolonged pandemic, it is very difficult for many families to gather and enjoy this traditional holiday where we all gather to make and eat traditional Korean food. However, even if we are all apart, the meaning of the Lunar New Year still remains the same – wishing everyone a healthy, safe, and better year ahead.
Happy Lunar New Year and happy Seollal! KOCOWA wishes everyone the best year this year! (Of course, with tons and tons of K-Dramas.)
