The Korean New Year marks the beginning of a new year in Korea. The first day of the lunar calendar is called the Lunar New Year, while the solar New Year is called the New Year. The first day of the solar calendar, January 1, used to be called the New Year. However, since 1989, January 1 of the lunar calendar has been established as Lunar New Year, and a three-day holiday has been designated. Of course, depending on convenience, some people celebrate New Year's Day on the first day of the year, while others celebrate both New Year's Day and Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year is officially celebrated on the 1st day of the lunar calendar. However, among the younger generation, especially those in their 20s and younger, interest in and expectations of the Korean National New Year, Korea's most important holiday, are declining significantly.

According to the results of a survey on the Korean New Year, respondents in their teens and 20s primarily associated the occasion with "honey holidays," while those in their 30s and older thought first of tteokguk. Surprisingly, 31% of the respondents said their families did not gather for the holiday. Only 29% gathered with 5 to 9 people, and only 4% had parents and siblings gather with 20 or more people. The most popular gathering places were parents' or own homes (49%), followed by grandparents' homes (30%). Only 1% of respondents reported gathering at a special place. The predominant mode of transportation used during the holiday was the private car, accounting for 82%.

The most common activity families do together is "sharing delicious food" (75%). The most desired good news they would like to hear on Korean New Year's Day was a "wish for the fulfillment of their wishes" (51%). Surprisingly, 23% of respondents did not express a preference for kind words. While 81% of people still give and receive New Year's money, 19% said they do not participate in giving or receiving money. Stress about "family gatherings themselves" was reported by 28% of respondents. In terms of preferred holiday activities, watching videos such as "TV, movies and YouTube" emerged as the top choice, with 42% of respondents expressing interest.

The responses indicate that people in their teens and 20s view the Korean New Year as a "happy holiday." The traditional way of gathering dozens of people from three generations in one house for several days and feasting on all kinds of food is fading. However, 60-70% of Koreans still gather with their families for the Korean New Year. People gather at their homes or at their parents' or grandparents' homes to share delicious food and exchange New Year's money and good wishes. The careful preparation of rice cake soup symbolizes the sharing of pious thoughts as they welcome the New Year. Early in the morning, ancestral rites are performed to honor the ancestors.

In this way, a table is set for ancestral rites, and various foods are prepared to entertain family members and neighbors. This is known as sechan. A variety of dishes are prepared, including tteokguk, seju, jokpyeon (pressed ox feet), fish pancake, sikhye (sweet rice punch), sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch), fresh kimchi, and japchae. Depending on the region, dumplings may be made and served as dumpling soup or rice cake dumpling soup. Although the number and type of dishes may vary, the common feature in every home is the preparation of tteokguk. White rice cake, beef, and pheasant meat are commonly used. Chicken may be used as a substitute if pheasant is difficult to find. The tradition of making white rice cake soup also has religious significance, symbolizing the start of the new year with white food.

On the other hand, as the number of single-person households has grown, so has the number of small food products designed for these "singles". GS25, for example, has introduced a holiday lunch box for people to enjoy festive meals on their own. The lunch box includes assorted bulgogi, assorted pancakes, and burdock japchae. Families preparing for the holidays are also turning to local side dish restaurants and ceremonial table service companies to prepare foods traditionally made at home. Convenience foods such as HMR and Korean New Year products are readily available in supermarkets. The trend among young people to celebrate the Korean New Year more easily and conveniently is gradually gaining popularity.