Knowing how to offer new-year wishes is part of celebrating Seollal. This guide covers Seollal greetings and phrases, including the classic “Saehae bok mani badeuseyo,” how to say Happy Korean New Year, and the etiquette of new-year blessings. What Is Seollal and Why Is Korean Lunar New Year So Important? […]
Eastern Asia
Top Seollal Foods You Must Try: Tteokguk and More
Food is at the center of Seollal, above all tteokguk, the rice-cake soup eaten to mark another year of age. This guide covers the top Seollal foods: tteokguk, jeon, galbijjim, and the other dishes that fill the Korean new-year table, along with the meaning behind them. What is Seollal and […]
What is Seollal? Exploring Korean Lunar New Year Customs
Seollal is the first day of the Korean lunar calendar and one of the country’s biggest holidays, centered on family, respect for elders, and ancestral tradition. This guide explains what Seollal is: its history, key customs such as charye and sebae, the hanbok, and what the day means to Koreans. […]
Ultimate Guide to Seollal 2026: Traditions, Food, and Celebrations
Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, is one of Korea’s most important holidays, a time for family, ancestral rites, and traditional food. In 2026 it falls on February 17, with a three-day national holiday around it. This guide covers everything about Seollal: its meaning and customs, the foods, the greetings, […]
Tokyo One-Day Itinerary: Combining Emperor’s Birthday Events & Palace Sightsy
A Complete Guide to Experiencing Japan’s Most Exclusive Royal Celebration and Historic Imperial Palace Introduction: Why the Emperor’s Birthday Is Japan’s Most Unique Cultural Experience There are moments in travel that transcend ordinary sightseeing. Standing in the Totei (East Court) of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, surrounded by thousands of well-wishers […]
Understanding the Reiwa Era: Emperor Naruhito and This Key National Holiday
An in-depth exploration of Japan’s modern imperial age, the beloved 126th Emperor, and how to celebrate the Emperor’s Birthday holiday in Japan The cherry blossoms fall gently across the grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Thousands of visitors wave miniature Japanese flags. A hush falls over the crowd. Then, Emperor […]
From December to February: Why Did the Date of the Emperor’s Birthday Change?
A deep dive into Japan’s most significant imperial holiday, the historic 2019 abdication, and how travelers can experience this once-in-a-lifetime celebration Introduction: Understanding Japan’s Changing National Holiday Calendar Every nation has holidays that define its cultural identity, but few are as intimately connected to a living symbol of continuity as […]
Photographer’s View: 5 Best Locations to Capture Japanese Tradition on Feb 11
Your Ultimate Guide to Photographing National Foundation Day Celebrations Across Japan February 11th marks one of Japan’s most significant national holidays: National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi, 建国記念の日). For photographers seeking to capture the essence of Japanese tradition, culture, and ceremonial splendor, this day offers extraordinary opportunities that are […]
Japan in February: National Foundation Day, Plum Blossoms, and Skiing Guide
Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Experiencing Winter Magic, Cultural Celebrations, and Natural Beauty in Japan February in Japan offers travelers a unique blend of ancient traditions, natural beauty, and world-class winter sports. While most tourists flock to Japan during cherry blossom season in spring, savvy travelers know that February presents […]
National Foundation Day vs. Emperor’s Birthday: Understanding Japan’s February Holidays
A Deep Dive into Japan’s Most Significant February Celebrations, Their History, Cultural Significance, and How to Experience Them Like a Local February in Japan offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience two of the country’s most culturally significant national holidays within just 12 days of each other. National Foundation Day […]