Making 설날 Seollal Your Own (2023)

Celebrating Seollal always feels a bit awkward for me. Obviously, I didn’t grow up with these traditions. Everything I teach my son is something I learned about as an adult. And, I often feel like an outsider. I have a bit of uncertainty and a lot of insecurity. Over time, I’ve learned to push through the discomfort to feel like I rightfully own the customs of my heritage and the traditions my family is creating. And, thankfully, nowadays there are more resources available that are inclusive and inviting.

• Tomorrow is New Year’s Day, by Aram Kim
• 우리 옷 고운 옷 한복이 좋아요, by 김홍신, 임영주
• Korean Celebrations, by Tina Cho
• Tastes of Lunar New Year, by Cheryl Yau Chepusova

Books are one of my favorite ways to highlight the holiday. They are a great way to discover more about each custom especially since I’m learning about these customs along with my children. Over time, I’ve collected a nice mix of Korean and English books about 설날 Seollal. I’ve also found some really great books that talk about Lunar New Year across other cultures. Below are a few of our favorites.

We also LOVE this special episode about 설날 Seollal. If you haven’t seen it, Woori Show is an engaging show for Korean families of all types! I love the rich content and fun format which is inspired by Sesame Street. My son loves the silly songs and playful energy! It’s cute, educational, and a really wonderful way to learn about the holiday together.

We also have beautiful 한복 hanbok for the kids to wear. And, after reading books and watching Woori Show, my son has a little know-how on performing 세배 sebae – the New Year’s Bow. Admittedly, it feels a bit strange because we don’t really have any “elders” for our kids to really 절 jeol bow to. But, I really love that they can experience and take part in this part of their culture. I hope that in the future, they can feel a bit of ownership (and a little less impostor syndrome) over their own heritage.

One of the easiest ways we learn about and experience Seollal (or just, Korean culture) is through food! We love Korean food so much. And, cooking, serving, and eating customary meals together is so fun. My son really loves 떡국 tteokguk. So, he is very excited about our 설날 Seollal meal. Korean Bapsang is my favorite website for recipes, whether it's Seollal or not. They are really easy and she does such a wonderful job breaking down each step. If it’s a little intimidating or you’re short on time, you can splurge for DooFood meal kit delivery. They often offer have the meals you would expect during certain times of the year! I really love how easy they make it. And, the ingredients are always fresh.

Rice cake soup is key during Seollal. So, when I saw these pretend play 떡만두국 tteokmanduguk toys I had to have them. Like Tigerboom, Dumpling Mart was created by a mom who couldn’t find toy versions of her favorite Korean foods. Each set is crafted with care and any of the kids who visit our play kitchen love the toys we have from Dumpling Mart. My kiddos love the acrylic 떡 tteok and preparing their own soup.

As you know, Tigerboom started because I couldn’t find materials that worked with our whole family. So, of course I had to make coloring pages for 설날 Seollal too! Color and fold a greeting card that wishes the receiver a Happy Seollal. Or, color and cut out mini cards for classmates or family.

Approaching 설날 Seollal as an adoptee has been a journey. And, I'm sure I still have a lot to learn. But, we are enjoying the process together and I hope you will too!