In January, South Korea primarily celebrates Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, which typically falls between late January and early February, depending on the lunar calendar.

Tteokguk, a traditional Korean rice cake soup, is an essential dish enjoyed during Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year. This simple yet meaningful dish is made with thinly sliced rice cakes, which symbolize the passage of time and the arrival of a new year. Eating tteokguk is believed to grant the eater an additional year of life, marking their transition into the new year. The white rice cakes in the soup also represent purity and the hope for a fresh start.

In addition to its symbolic importance, tteokguk is a beloved comfort food, often shared among family members during festive gatherings. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a cultural tradition that strengthens family bonds and reinforces the values of respect and renewal that are central to the Korean New Year celebration.