Happy lunar new year greetings in korean 2025

Lunar New Year, or 설날 (Seollal) in Korean, is one of the most significant holidays in South Korea. It marks the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar, and in 2025, it falls on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake. This holiday is a time for honoring ancestors, reuniting with family, and sharing well-wishes for prosperity, health, and happiness in the coming year.

Learning and sharing traditional Korean New Year greetings is a meaningful way to join in the celebration, whether you’re celebrating in Korea or connecting with Korean friends and colleagues. Here’s a guide to understanding and using Korean Lunar New Year greetings in 2025, along with their cultural significance.

The Importance of Greetings During Seollal

Seollal is more than just a day off; it’s a time to reconnect with family and embrace cultural traditions. Exchanging warm greetings is an essential part of Seollal. These expressions of goodwill reflect the values of respect, gratitude, and hope for the future. Whether spoken in person, shared over the phone, or written in a card, these greetings carry heartfelt blessings that resonate with the spirit of the holiday.

Common Lunar New Year Greetings in Korean

Here are some of the most popular and meaningful Korean greetings for Seollal:

1. 새해 복 많이 받으세요 (Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo)

• Translation: “Please receive lots of blessings in the new year.”
• This is one of the most widely used New Year’s greetings in Korea. It’s a polite and formal way to wish someone prosperity and happiness for the coming year.

How to use it:

• When visiting family or friends during Seollal.
• In written cards, emails, or text messages.
• As a greeting when meeting colleagues or acquaintances.

2. 복 많이 받으세요 (Bok Mani Badeuseyo)

• Translation: “Receive lots of blessings.”
• A slightly shorter version of the first phrase, this greeting is also popular and conveys the same warm wishes for blessings and prosperity.

How to use it:

• When you want to keep your greeting casual yet meaningful.
• Perfect for social media posts or brief conversations.

3. 새해 복 많이 받으십시오 (Saehae Bok Mani Badeusipsio)

• Translation: “Please receive many blessings in the new year.”
• This is a more formal version of the greeting. It’s often used in professional or respectful contexts, such as with elders, teachers, or business associates.

How to use it:

• In formal situations where you need to show respect.
• When addressing someone older or in a higher social position.

4. 건강하시고 행복하세요 (Geonganghasigo Haengbokhaseyo)

• Translation: “Stay healthy and happy.”
• This phrase focuses on health and happiness, two of the most cherished wishes for the new year.

How to use it:

• As an addition to other greetings, such as 새해 복 많이 받으세요.
• When emphasizing your hope for the recipient’s well-being.

5. 올 한 해도 잘 부탁드립니다 (Ol Han Haedo Jal Butak Deurimnida)

• Translation: “Please take good care of me this year as well.”
• This is a humble and gracious phrase often used in professional settings. It expresses appreciation and a wish for continued good relationships.

How to use it:

• With colleagues, bosses, or business partners.
• When expressing gratitude and hope for mutual support.

6. 풍요롭고 행복한 한 해 되세요 (Pungyoropgo Haengbokhan Han Hae Doeseyo)

• Translation: “May you have a prosperous and happy year.”
• This greeting emphasizes both prosperity and joy, making it ideal for formal and casual contexts alike.

How to use it:

• In cards or messages to friends, family, or coworkers.
• As a heartfelt wish for the new year.

7. 설날 잘 보내세요 (Seollal Jal Bonaeseyo)

• Translation: “Have a great Seollal.”
• A simple yet meaningful phrase to wish someone a happy and enjoyable holiday.

How to use it:

• In casual settings with friends and peers.
• When saying goodbye to someone before the holiday.

Tips for Using Korean Lunar New Year Greetings

1. Add a Bow: When greeting elders or family members in person, pair your words with a respectful bow. This gesture shows humility and respect, which are essential during Seollal.
2. Use Appropriate Levels of Formality: In Korean culture, the level of politeness you use depends on the relationship between you and the person you’re addressing. Err on the side of being formal, especially with elders or superiors.
3. Personalize Your Greetings: If you’re writing a card or message, consider adding a personal touch. For example:
   • “새해 복 많이 받으세요! 올해도 건강하고 행복하세요!” (“Please receive lots of blessings in the new year! Stay healthy and happy this year as well!”)

How to Share Greetings Digitally

In today’s connected world, many Lunar New Year greetings are exchanged via text messages, social media, or digital cards. You can use apps like KakaoTalk or Line to send creative messages, emojis, and festive stickers that incorporate these phrases.

For 2025, consider sharing greetings like:

• “ 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Happy Year of the Snake!)”
• “건강과 행복이 가득한 한 해 되세요! (Wishing you a year full of health and happiness!)”