Living in Korea
Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal): Gift Giving Traditions & Ideas
Shuttle
January 17, 2025
Lunar New Year, known as Seollal (설날) in Korean, is one of the most important and cherished holidays in Korea. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year, and it's a time for families to come together, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the start of a fresh new year. The holiday typically spans three days, with the main day focused on family gatherings, traditional rituals, and festive meals. This year, Seollal will fall on Wednesday, January 29, and the public holiday will be observed from January 27 to January 30.
One of the most beloved aspects of Seollal is the tradition of gift giving, which brings people closer together and shows respect for family, friends, and colleagues. If you’re living in or visiting Korea, embracing this custom is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local culture and build meaningful connections within your community.
Gift giving during Seollal is deeply embedded in Korean culture, and it’s not just about exchanging presents—it’s a way to honor relationships and express gratitude. While the gifts can vary, there are some classic items that make their way into many households and workplaces during this time of year.
One of the most popular gift categories is food. Koreans exchange a variety of food-related gifts to show care and appreciation. This includes premium items such as fruit boxes, nut sets, and dried foods like seafood and meats. Traditional Korean alcohol is also a common gift for adults. These gifts often symbolize good health and prosperity for the upcoming year.
Before the holiday, it’s a common sight to see workers heading home from their offices, lugging large flat gift boxes from their employer. Typical gifts given at workplaces include non-perishable food items like tuna cans, spam, cooking oil, seasoned laver (gim), and various other packaged food products. These gifts are practical, long-lasting, and appreciated.
At Shuttle, we understand that whether you're living abroad and looking to send a gift to a family member or friend in Korea, or you're living in Korea and want to participate in Seollal traditions, it can be challenging to navigate the logistics of gift-giving. That's why we're here to help you send thoughtful gifts to your loved ones in Korea, no matter where you are.
Whether you want to surprise someone with a box of fruit, a set of nuts, or even traditional Korean snacks, our easy-to-use service lets you browse from a variety of options and order in English. With Shuttle’s nationwide delivery, you can send these meaningful gifts to your loved ones in time for Seollal celebrations, all while staying connected to your community in Korea.
Check out our Gift Shop on the Shuttle app for a range of thoughtfully curated gift options, perfect for Seollal and beyond.
This Premium Rice Cake Gift Set offers a delightful selection of traditional Korean rice cakes, known for their soft, chewy textures and subtle sweetness. With six different varieties, including mung bean and black sesame flavors, the set provides a diverse palate experience that embodies the essence of Korean culinary traditions. Made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, these rice cakes represent a rich cultural heritage and are perfect for gifting during Seollal. The gift set is an ideal choice to express gratitude or celebration, making it a thoughtful and authentic Seollal gift.
The Hallabong Fruit Box features 3kg of premium Hallabong mandarins, a unique citrus fruit from Jeju Island known for its sweet and tangy flavor. Hallabong is easily recognizable by its bump on top, reminiscent of the Hallasan Mountain, and is celebrated for its juiciness and balance of sweetness and tartness. These seedless mandarins are a popular gift during Seollal, symbolizing good health and prosperity. Offering a refreshing and delicious taste, this fruit set makes a great gift for those who appreciate high-quality, seasonal produce.
For a luxurious Seollal gift, the Premium Hanwoo Set features top-grade Korean beef, renowned for its rich flavor and tender texture. This set includes a variety of cuts, such as sirloin for grilling, chuck for stews, and rib meat for bulgogi, offering versatile options for a festive meal. The beef is sourced from trusted farms, ensuring the highest quality and care in every cut. Perfect for a special occasion, this premium meat set will delight any home cook and make a memorable gift for Seollal.
The Korean Red Ginseng Extract set offers a 30-day supply of liquid red ginseng, known for its exceptional health benefits. Made from 6-year-old ginseng roots, this extract is celebrated for boosting immune health, reducing fatigue, and enhancing memory. Each set includes 30 individual packets, each with 10ml of ginseng extract, providing a convenient and potent way to support overall well-being. This health-focused gift is perfect for those looking to improve their vitality and well-being during the new year.
Participating in Seollal’s gift-giving tradition is more than just following customs—it’s about building deeper connections with the people around you and showing respect for the local culture. By engaging in the practice of exchanging gifts, you show your willingness to connect, learn, and share in the collective experience of celebrating the holiday.
For foreigners living in Korea, taking part in Seollal traditions can help break down cultural barriers and foster a sense of belonging. Whether you’re gifting to friends or colleagues, this simple yet meaningful gesture can strengthen your relationships and help you feel more integrated in your community.
As Seollal approaches, don’t miss the chance to take part in the tradition of gift-giving. Shuttle makes it easier than ever to send gifts across Korea, ensuring your thoughtful presents arrive safely and on time. Whether you're surprising a colleague with the Korean Red Ginseng Extract or delighting a friend with a box of fresh seasonal Hallabong, we’re here to help you share the festive spirit with ease.
Be sure to place your order in advance, as demand increases leading up to the holiday!
From all of us at Shuttle, we wish you a joyful and prosperous Seollal. May your new year be filled with happiness, good health, and of course—delicious food. Happy Seollal and Lunar New Year!
