As we get ready to welcome 2026, many are looking for ways to make their New Year celebrations more special and global. One way to add a touch of cultural diversity is by learning how to say “Happy New Year” in different languages. In Korean, the phrase “Happy New Year” is expressed as 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo), which translates to “Receive a lot of blessings in the New Year.” This greeting not only conveys best wishes for the coming year but also reflects the deep-rooted cultural value of blessing others for prosperity and happiness.
Korean New Year’s greetings can vary depending on the level of formality and the person you’re addressing, making it important to know the right way to express this phrase in different contexts.Whether you’re wishing a friend, family member, or colleague, learning these key phrases will help you celebrate the New Year in a truly authentic Korean style. In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to say Happy New Year in Korean, along with insights into Korean traditions and celebrations that will make your 2026 New Year unforgettable.
Key Korean Phrases to Say Happy New Year
If you’re just getting started with learning Korean, saying “Happy New Year” is a great introduction to the language. Below are some of the most common ways to wish someone a Happy New Year in Korean.
1. 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo!)
This is the most common and traditional way to say Happy New Year in Korean. It means, “Receive a lot of blessings in the New Year.” The phrase is polite and can be used with people of all ages, making it a versatile greeting.
- 새해 (saehae): New Year
- 복 (bok): Blessing
- 많이 (mani): A lot
- 받으세요 (badeuseyo): Please receive
2. 새해 복 많이 받으십시오! (Saehae Bok Mani Badesipsio!)
This phrase is a more formal version of the one above. It is used in very polite or professional settings, such as when speaking to someone older or in business contexts. It’s always good to use the formal form with your boss or colleagues to show respect.
3. 해피 뉴 이어! (Happy New Year!)
This is a Konglish phrase (Korean + English), where English words are adapted into Korean pronunciation. “해피 뉴 이어” is a common phrase used among younger people and in casual conversations. Many Koreans, especially the younger generation, are familiar with English, and it has become trendy to blend languages in everyday conversation.
4. 새해 소원 이루세요! (Saehae Sowon Iruseyo!)
This phrase means “May your New Year’s wishes come true.” It’s a thoughtful phrase, perfect for close friends and family members. You can use this alongside the traditional “새해 복 많이 받으세요” for a more personalized touch.
Understanding Seollal: The Korean Lunar New Year
What is Seollal?
While January 1st marks the Solar New Year in Korea, Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, holds even more significance in Korean culture. Seollal usually occurs in late January or early February, based on the lunar calendar. It is a time for families to gather, pay respect to their ancestors, and share a special meal.
Traditional Celebrations
Seollal is not just a one-day event; it spans several days of preparation and celebration. Families travel from all parts of Korea to gather at the eldest family member’s house. The celebration starts with an important ancestral rite known as Charye, where families offer food to their ancestors, thanking them for their blessings and asking for protection in the coming year.
Seollal Greetings
When visiting relatives or elders during Seollal, it’s customary to bow deeply, known as Sebae, and say “새해 복 많이 받으세요” or a similar formal greeting. In return, elders often give younger family members Sebae don (New Year’s money), symbolizing their blessings for the year.
Cultural Etiquette
Koreans place a strong emphasis on respect, particularly during Seollal. Using the right level of politeness in language is important. For example, “새해 복 많이 받으십시오” would be more appropriate when speaking to elders or in formal settings, whereas “새해 복 많이 받아” would be fine among close friends.
Different Ways to Greet in Korean (Based on Relationship)
For Friends
Among friends, especially those close to your age or younger, you can use casual language. “해피 뉴 이어!” or “새해 복 많이 받아” would be appropriate in these situations. Remember that using informal speech (반말) is acceptable among peers but should be avoided in formal situations.
For Family
When wishing family members a Happy New Year, politeness is still key, especially when addressing elders. “새해 복 많이 받으세요!” is a standard phrase used with parents, grandparents, or older relatives. For younger family members, you can use a more casual tone, such as “새해 복 많이 받아.”
For Colleagues or Professional Acquaintances
In professional settings, formality is always preferred. A polite greeting like “새해 복 많이 받으십시오” shows respect and consideration for your colleagues or business partners. If you’re unsure of the level of formality, it’s always better to be more polite than too casual.
For Romantic Partners
For someone special, like a romantic partner, you might want to add a bit of warmth and affection to your greeting. A playful or heartfelt phrase like “내 사랑, 새해 복 많이 받아” (My love, receive a lot of blessings in the New Year) would be perfect.
Unique Ways to Celebrate New Year in Korea
Watching the Sunrise at Homigot and Jeongdongjin
In Korea, watching the first sunrise of the New Year is a popular tradition, especially at places like Homigot and Jeongdongjin. People gather at these coastal locations to watch the sun rise over the ocean, believing it brings good luck and blessings for the year ahead.
Korean New Year’s Foods
A New Year celebration in Korea isn’t complete without eating Tteokguk (rice cake soup). It is said that eating this dish on New Year’s Day adds a year to your life. The clear broth and chewy rice cakes symbolize cleanliness and purity for the year ahead.
New Year’s Resolutions and Customs
Much like in Western cultures, Koreans also make New Year’s resolutions, but they often revolve around family, health, and personal development. Embracing both modern and traditional values, Koreans combine personal resolutions with the deep-rooted practice of respecting elders and ancestors.
K-pop and Modern Celebrations
New Year’s Eve celebrations in Korea have a modern twist, too, with live K-pop concerts and countdown shows on television. These events, especially the annual MBC Gayo Daejejeon, are popular among the younger generation and offer a blend of music, culture, and excitement.
How to Write and Send a Korean New Year Card
Sample Phrases for Cards
Whether you’re sending a card to a friend, family member, or colleague, including a traditional New Year’s greeting can make it extra special. Here are a few examples:
- For Family: “사랑하는 가족에게, 새해 복 많이 받으세요!” (To my beloved family, Happy New Year!)
- For Friends: “친구야, 새해 복 많이 받아!” (Friend, Happy New Year!)
- For Colleagues: “새해 복 많이 받으십시오.” (Please receive many blessings in the New Year.)
Personal Touch
Add a personal message in Korean or English to make the card more meaningful. Mention specific hopes or wishes for the recipient’s health, happiness, or success in the coming year.
Sending Digital New Year Wishes
In Korea, it’s common to send New Year greetings via KakaoTalk, a popular messaging app. You can also send festive images or GIFs alongside your greeting to spread the joy digitally!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Saying Happy New Year in Korean
Incorrect Politeness Level
Using the wrong form of speech can make your greeting seem disrespectful or too casual. Always remember to match your language to the relationship. With elders or professionals, use formal speech like “새해 복 많이 받으십시오.” For close friends, casual speech like “새해 복 많이 받아” is fine.
Cultural Nuances
When greeting someone in person, don’t forget to bow, especially to elders. The physical gesture of respect is just as important as the verbal greeting.
Tips for Mastering Korean New Year Greetings
Practice Pronunciation
Korean pronunciation can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to practice out loud. Use online resources like YouTube or language-learning apps to perfect your pronunciation.
Immerse in Korean Culture
Watching Korean dramas, listening to K-pop, or joining Korean language groups can help you become more familiar with the cultural nuances behind the phrases you’re learning.
Use of Romanization
While learning Romanized Korean is a good start, consider learning Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Hangul is relatively easy to learn and will help you read and pronounce Korean more accurately.
Conclusion
Learning how to say Happy New Year in Korean is more than just memorizing a few phrases—it’s about understanding and appreciating Korean culture.Whether you’re sending a New Year’s greeting to a friend, family member, or colleague, using these phrases will help you connect more deeply with Korean traditions and customs.As you celebrate the start of 2026, take the opportunity to share these heartfelt wishes and embrace the joy of starting the year with style!