Republic of Korea December 28th: Seollal Preparations, Year-End Sales, and Family Traditions

Republic of Korea December 28th is a day that falls just a few days before the Lunar New Year (Seollal), one of the most important holidays in South Korea. While December 28th itself does not mark any major national holiday or public event, it holds cultural, commercial, and social significance as part of the final preparations for the New Year. This day is often a blend of holiday preparations, economic activity, and family traditions as people in South Korea prepare to usher in the new year.

Here’s a detailed explanation of December 28th in the Republic of Korea:

1. Cultural and Family Significance

December 28th is seen as a time to wrap up year-end activities and prepare for the Lunar New Year (Seollal), which is celebrated at the beginning of the Lunar calendar. While it may not be a national holiday itself, it is part of the traditional lead-up to Seollal, a holiday deeply rooted in Korean culture.

a. Family Traditions and Preparations for Seollal

• Preparing for Ancestor Rites (Jesa):
  Seollal involves the jesa ceremony, where families honor their ancestors with rituals involving food offerings and prayers. On December 28th, families start preparing for this important event. Homes are cleaned, and special foods like tteok (rice cakes), jeon (pancakes), baechu kimchi (kimchi made from napa cabbage), and other traditional dishes are prepared. People also shop for hanbok (traditional clothing), which is worn during Seollal for the ceremony and family gatherings.
• Gift Giving:
  Another key tradition during Seollal is gift-giving. On December 28th, many South Koreans begin purchasing Seollal gifts for their family members, especially for elders. These gifts typically include health products like ginseng, fruit baskets, or special food items that will be used in the New Year celebrations.
• Family Gatherings:
  Families start to come together during this period in anticipation of Seollal. December 28th often marks the beginning of the family reunions that will continue through Seollal. It’s a time for families to reconnect, plan the New Year’s celebrations, and continue family traditions passed down from previous generations.

2. Economic and Commercial Activities

As South Korea enters the final days of the year, December 28th is a day for intense economic activity. Retailers, both online and offline, are in full swing as people rush to complete their Seollal shopping.

a. Shopping and Year-End Sales

• Retail and E-Commerce:
  Shopping malls, department stores, and online retailers continue to offer year-end discounts and Seollal promotions. On December 28th, many stores still have significant sales on everything from food to clothes to electronics. E-commerce platforms such as Coupang, Gmarket, and 11st see an influx of orders for products that will be used for the upcoming Lunar New Year.
• Seollal Shopping Rush:
  People are busy purchasing gift sets and food items to celebrate Seollal. The rush for Seollal gifts can include special packaged foods, cosmetics, and premium goods that are traditionally given to elders and parents. The Seollal gift sets market sees a surge in demand, with ginseng, health supplements, and high-quality meat being common items in these gift baskets.

b. Corporate Year-End Bonuses and Activity

• Corporate Activity:
  Large corporations and companies in South Korea are closing out their financial year, and December 28th marks the finalization of annual reports, employee bonuses, and performance evaluations. Corporate offices may hold internal year-end parties, where employees gather for a final celebration of the year before taking time off for Seollal.
• Year-End Business Deals:
  Companies might also engage in final business transactions for the year, as well as prepare for the new fiscal year that starts after Seollal. This is a time when business leaders may reflect on the past year’s achievements and set their goals for the future, especially in preparation for new projects or corporate restructuring in the new year.

3. Social and Government Activities

On December 28th, the government and political landscape in South Korea are largely focused on year-end reports and preparation for the New Year.

a. Government and Legislative Activities

• National Assembly:
  The National Assembly may still be holding final discussions on legislative matters before the end of the year. Bills or budget approvals might be finalized as lawmakers work to wrap up their legislative year. This period also sees the beginning of preparations for the New Year’s session where new laws may be introduced or debated.
• Government Services:
  Government offices and services typically operate at reduced capacity as many government workers start taking time off to celebrate Seollal with their families. However, the government's economic departments continue to plan for the upcoming year’s national agenda, particularly concerning budget allocation and policy development for the new year.

4. Entertainment and Media

• Television Specials and Programs:
  As the year comes to a close, South Korean television begins airing year-end specials. On December 28th, TV stations start rolling out entertainment programs that recap the year’s best moments, including popular dramas, variety shows, and K-pop music specials. K-pop artists prepare for New Year’s concerts, and television broadcasts may also feature countdowns or special performances.
• K-pop Concerts:
  Although major end-of-year K-pop concerts are more common in late December and early January, December 28th sees the final preparations for these concerts. Some of the most popular annual events, like the MAMA Awards (Mnet Asian Music Awards) and Golden Disc Awards, will be taking place in the coming days, and K-pop idols will be rehearsing and performing to end the year on a high note.

5. Social Reflections and Preparations for the New Year

• Personal Reflections and Goal Setting:
  December 28th is a time when many South Koreans begin to reflect on their achievements from the past year and begin setting New Year’s resolutions. For many people, this period is a time for personal growth, setting career goals, and reflecting on family and relationship priorities.
• Preparations for Seollal:
  As Seollal approaches, many South Koreans are mentally preparing for the traditional rites and family reunions. The preparations involve both practical tasks, such as purchasing gifts and cooking special dishes, as well as spiritual preparations for the ancestral rites that will be observed by families.

Conclusion

In the Republic of Korea, December 28th marks the final stretch of the year, where family preparations for Seollal (Lunar New Year) are in full swing. People focus on year-end shopping, corporate activities, entertainment programs, and personal reflections. While it is not a national holiday, it is an important day for people to prepare for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations, spend time with family, and reflect on the year gone by. It’s a day that signifies the transition from the old year to the new, filled with both festivities and quiet preparations for the celebrations ahead.

The above content is provided as general reference material. If you need accurate analysis and professional advice for a specific situation, please consult with an expert in the relevant field.