Celebrating the Winter Solstice in Seoul
서울특별시 중구 퇴계로34길 28
To celebrate the Korean traditional holiday of the Winter Solstice,
Namsangol Hanok Village and Unhyeongung Palace will host
special events to shake off bad luck and wish for blessings in the new year.
Let's find out more!
On December 20, at Namsangol Hanok Village,
The Winter Solstice Program: Connecting the Year
A celebration for the Winter Solstice will take place on December 20 at Namsangol Hanok Village.
The city of Seoul will hold a special event to mark the Winter Solstice, a unique traditional holiday, at the urban cultural spaces of Namsangol Hanok Village and Unhyeongung Palace, to shake off the bad luck of the past year and pray for blessings in the new year.
The Winter Solstice is the day when the night is the longest and the days start to lengthen again. Historically referred to as a 'little Seollal' (Lunar New Year), it signifies the resurrection of the sun. Ancestors traditionally ate red bean porridge on this day to ward off misfortune and shared calendars to wish for safety and peace in the new year.
At Namsangol Hanok Village, the event titled 'Connecting the Year' will take place from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Exhibitions and experiences include:
- At the Lee Seung-eop House in Samgak-dong, a collaborative exhibition titled 'Words Crossing the Winter Solstice' with Cafe Hubble and Namsan Bookstore.
- At the Okindong House, activities such as making winter solstice talismans, creating protective cod, and a winter solstice photo zone will be available.
- In the traditional house courtyard, there will be offerings of glutinous rice cakes and red bean tea, along with the distribution of a desk calendar for 2026 based on the custom of sharing calendars during the winter solstice in the Joseon Dynasty.
Details for the event on December 20:
Date/Location: December 20 (Saturday) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Namsangol Hanok Village
Cost: Free
On December 22, at the front yard of Unhyeongung Palace,
Celebrating the Little Seollal, Winter Solstice
On December 22, Unhyeongung Palace will host events such as sharing red bean porridge and traditional experiences.
The event 'Celebrating the Little Seollal, Winter Solstice' will take place from 11 AM to 4 PM.
In the front yard, there will be a 'Winter Solstice Porridge Sharing' event and the distribution of a 2026 illustrated poster calendar reinterpreting the winter solstice calendar.
Traditional experiences include making a beoseon knot keyring, creating a lantern, and coloring a calendar poster, along with traditional games such as jegichagi, yutnori, and ttakji chigi.
This event is open to everyone and free to participate without prior reservation. Detailed information can be found on the respective facility's website and social media.
Seoul City stated, "The Winter Solstice is a meaningful seasonal period for wrapping up the year and wishing for blessings and health in the new year." They hope citizens can conclude the year well and welcome the new one with warm hearts.
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