As the new year approaches, many of us focus on moving forward—making resolutions, buying new clothes, and trying new experiences. Yet, sometimes, the most meaningful way to embrace a new chapter is by reconnecting with the past, cherishing the memories and bonds that shaped us today. In South Korea, the New Year is deeply tied to this tradition of revisiting family and friends, a culture known as "homecoming." During Seollal (설날), the Korean term for the New Year, young adults journey back to their childhood homes, reuniting with loved ones and looking back at the long path that shaped their history. This homecoming tradition is a cornerstone of Korean New Year celebrations, blending nostalgia with renewal.
The significance of this homecoming is deeply rooted in South Korea's history and tradition. During the 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by rapid urbanization and the expansion of cities, many young adults migrated to urban centers like Seoul for jobs and opportunities. Despite their relocation, the younger generation would always attempt to return home for major holidays, such as the New Year. This transformed into a tradition and remained a vital part of Korean culture. During Seollal, workplaces would shut down for a few days, giving workers the chance to reunite with their families in their rural hometowns. This massive movement of people participating in homecoming was often referred to as a “national movement.”
In 1976, this phenomenon became particularly notable during ticket reservations at Seoul Station. The overwhelming demand for train tickets led to what became known as "ticket wars." Before and after the Chuseok (추석) holiday, people camped overnight in inns or waited in station lobbies to secure their reservations. With only 24 ticket counters available, lines of over 5,000 people stretched as far as 200 meters toward the station. Police were deployed to maintain order, seating reservation holders on the ground to prevent line-cutting, while waving poles to deter scalpers and interveners. This chaotic yet determined effort to return home highlights the cultural importance of homecoming in South Korea, a collective experience and an essential way to start the beginning of the New Year.
Homecoming itself is a unique and significant tradition in Korea’s New Year. It serves as a time for families and generations to reunite, strengthening family bonds and providing an opportunity for younger members to show respect to their elders and ancestors, a core aspect of Confucian ideals in Korean culture. Through Charye (차례), or ancestral rites, individuals connect with their heritage and show gratitude to past generations, reminding them of the values that define Korean society.
Beyond the cultural significance, homecoming offers emotional and psychological benefits. For many who live in the fast-paced urban environment, returning to their hometowns provides a necessary break from the stress and pressures of city life. Provoking nostalgia, comfort, and warmth, homecoming fosters a sense of belonging and encourages reflection and celebration as a family.
As a nation, homecoming plays a crucial role in passing down traditions, customs, stories, and wisdom from older generations, preserving cultural practices even in a modernized world. A shared national tradition, homecoming reinforces identity and pride in Korea’s rich culture.
However, in recent years, the cherished tradition of homecoming in South Korea has waned due to numerous obstacles, resulting in a rising trend of traveling abroad or spending time alone during the New Year. With over 80% of South Koreans now living in urban areas, rural regions have experienced significant depopulation, leaving fewer family members to visit. Additionally, younger generations, born and raised in cities, often feel less connected to their ancestral roots and may not see the necessity of returning home for the New Year.
For instance, work and lifestyle pressures also contribute to the decline of homecoming. South Korea’s demanding work ethic discourages family visits, even during holidays. Many workplaces offer limited time off during Seollal, and some continue to operate full time throughout the holidays.
Traffic congestion adds another severe obstacle. During the holiday period, major highways and roads become extremely overcrowded, with travel times often doubling or tripling. Public transportation, such as KTX trains, faces overwhelming demand, leading to “ticket wars,” as described earlier. As effortless transportation became increasingly scarce, many refused to go through the tedious matter of getting onto the road for hours.
The lasting impact of COVID-19 has further disrupted this tradition. Health concerns and restrictions during the pandemic halted homecoming practices, and some families have yet to restart the homecoming tradition. Together, these challenges have diminished the homecoming tradition, causing individuals to spend less time with their families and deterring the true spirit of the New Year.
Even in the face of obstacles that challenge the preservation of homecoming, it is essential to uphold the cultural values and traditions that shape our identity and heritage. For those unable to visit their families in person, alternatives have been introduced like video calls and virtual rites. Yet, regardless of the method, the core values of homecoming should continue to be cherished and preserved, even in today’s rapidly modernizing world. For this New Year, take a moment to give a big warm hug to your family, delving into the memories and love that have shaped who you are today.
Work Cited
Nam, Sang-Hyun. “Homecoming for Lunar New Year.” Yonhap News Agency, Sang-Hyun Nam, 8 Feb. 2024, en.yna.co.kr/view/PYH20240208038600315.
“‘귀성길 줄고 해외여행 늘고’...변화된 명절문화.” 스마트에프엔, 스마트에프엔, 30 Sept. 2023, www.smartfn.co.kr/article/view/sfn202309260088.
“명절(설, 추석).” 기록으로 만나는 대한민국 > 생활 > 명절(설, 추석), 행정안전부 국가기록원, theme.archives.go.kr/next/koreaOfRecord/holiday.do#:~:text=%EC%84%A4%20%EC%B0%A8%EB%A1%80%EC%97%90%EB%8A%94%20%EB%96%A1%EA%B5%AD%EC%9D%84,%EC%97%B0%EB%82%A0%EB%A6%AC%EA%B8%B0%20%EB%93%B1%EC%9D%B4%20%EC%9E%88%EB%8B%A4. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.