Today marks the last day of 2024. Doesn’t it feel like time has flown by this year?
For me, 2024 was a year of exciting milestones. I developed the Podo Korean app, launched the Podo Korean website and blog, and even restarted the Podo Korean Instagram. Since I managed everything by myself, it took a lot of time and effort, but I feel incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished. As we step into 2025, I hope to upgrade and improve my Podo Korean projects even further. 😊
In today’s post, I’d like to share a comprehensive guide to common Korean New Year greetings. Understanding these phrases is key to connecting with Korean culture as the year turns.
The Ultimate Korean New Year Greeting: “새해 복 많이 받으세요”
You have almost certainly heard this phrase before! “새해 복 많이 받으세요” (Saehae bok mani badeuseyo) is the most traditional and important of all Korean New Year greetings.
It’s famously exchanged during Seollal (설날), the Korean Lunar New Year, when people bow to elders in a ceremony called saebae (새배). However, this greeting isn’t limited to Seollal. It’s also widely used between the end of December and early January for the solar New Year.
What Does It Mean?
Breaking it down word by word:
- 새 (Sae): new
- 해 (Hae): year
- 복 (Bok): luck
- 많이 (Mani): many / a lot
- 받으세요 (Badeuseyo): receive (polite)
So, “새해 복 많이 받으세요” literally means, “May you receive lots of luck in the new year!”
It’s a heartfelt way of wishing others health, happiness, and success—an integral part of Korean culture’s emphasis on sharing good wishes at the start of a new year.
Pronunciation and Politeness Levels
How you say it can change depending on who you’re talking to.
- Standard Polite (Most Common):
- 새해 복 많이 받으세요 (Sae-hae bok man-i ba-deu-se-yo)
- Use this with most people, including colleagues, older acquaintances, and shopkeepers. This is the version you’ll hear most often.
- Formal / Honorific:
- 새해 복 많이 받으십시오 (Sae-hae bok man-i ba-deu-sip-si-o)
- This is a very formal version used in public announcements, official speeches, or when showing immense respect to elders (like grandparents or a company CEO).
- Casual (Banmal):
- 새해 복 많이 받아 (Sae-hae bok man-i ba-da)
- Use this only with close friends, siblings, or people significantly younger than you.
When to Use Korean New Year Greetings
The timing for Korean New Year greetings can be split into two main periods: the end of the solar year (Dec 31/Jan 1) and the Lunar New Year (Seollal).
End-of-Year Parties (송년회) and New Year Parties (신년회)
In Korea, it’s common to attend gatherings called 송년회 (Songnyeonhoe) or 신년회 (Sinnyeonhoe) with colleagues and friends during this time of year.
- 송년회 (Songnyeonhoe): A “year-end party” to reflect on and wrap up the year.
- 신년회 (Sinnyeonhoe): A “new year party” to celebrate and welcome the new year.
While these sound formal, they’re often just casual dinners or drinking parties. These events are a cornerstone of Korean social and work life, and they are a prime time to practice your greetings.
When meeting or parting at these events, people often say, “새해 복 많이 받으세요” instead of the usual “안녕하세요” (hello) or “안녕히 계세요” (goodbye). This special phrase carries extra warmth and meaning, making it perfect for the occasion. Using the right Korean New Year greetings here is important.
The Two New Years: January 1st vs. Seollal
Lunar New Year (Seollal) usually falls in February, though it can vary. In 2025, Seollal is slightly earlier, on January 29.
This is the “real” New Year for many Koreans and is the most traditional time for Korean New Year greetings, especially during the saebae ceremonies with elders while wearing hanbok (traditional clothing).
I’ll write a separate post about Seollal, Korea’s biggest holiday, in the future—stay tuned!
[Image: A Korean family in colorful hanbok performing ‘saebae’ (a deep bow) as part of Seollal and Korean New Year greetings culture.]
Other Common Korean End-of-Year Phrases
While “Saehae bok mani badeuseyo” is the main event, you’ll hear other phrases in the last weeks of December. These are perfect “Korean end-of-year phrases” to use before January 1st.
- “한 해 마무리 잘 하세요” (Han hae mamuri jal haseyo)
- Meaning: “Wrap up the year well.”
- This is a very common and warm greeting you can use with colleagues or friends in late December, wishing them a good end to their year’s work and activities.
- “연말 잘 보내세요” (Yeonmal jal bonaeseyo)
- Meaning: “Have a good end of the year.”
- This is another simple and effective phrase, similar to saying “Happy holidays” in English.
These phrases are great compliments to the main Korean New Year greetings and show a deeper understanding of the culture.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
What memorable moments did you have this year? What are your goals for the next year?
I hope Korean language learning becomes a part of your wonderful memories and aspirations. And I also hope my Podo Korean app can help you along the way.
As you meet Korean friends or colleagues, I hope you can confidently try practicing your Korean New Year greetings.
🎉 Wishing you all lots of luck and happiness in the new year! 새해 복 많이 받으세요! 🎉
