Many Korean families are celebrating Seollal, also known as Lunar New Year! An important Korean holiday, during this time of the year, families gather together not just to spend quality time but also to eat some delicious foods! If you want to celebrate the Lunar New Year (February 10 in 2024 and January 29 in 2025), here are five Korean Lunar New Year specialty dishes to try!

1. Rice Cake Soup: Rice cake soup, better known as Tteokguk are chewy pieces of rice cake in a yummy warm anchovy broth, topped with sliced egg, minced beef, dried seaweed, green onions, and sometimes Mandoo (Korean dumplings). This is a must-have dish on New Year's day or Korean New Year. Signifying that you're one year older, this dish can be found on the tables of all families during this holiday!

2. Japchae: Japchae is a popular Korean glass noodle dish that is often served as a side dish during ancestral rites. This dish is normally pan-fried made with sweet potato noodles stir-fried with various vegetables, and beef that is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. It's a colorful and flavorful dish that will leave you wanting more!

3. Hobak Jeon: Also known as pan-fried zucchini, this dish is very simple to make! Cut the zucchini into thin slices, coat them in some flour, and then dredge them into an egg wash, then pan fry with some oil. This is another dish that you'll get addicted to!

4. Mung Bean Pancake: Everyone has heard of kimchi pancakes, but if you've never tried mung bean pancakes, you're missing out! With bits of pork and bean sprouts sprinkled all throughout the pancake, this dish has all sorts of textures!

5. Sanjeok: Pretty sure many have seen these funky tri-colored skewers, but did you know that these are a staple Lunar New Year dish? Made with thinly sliced meat and various vegetables and then also pan-fried in egg batter, this dish can also make for a fun appetizer not just on Lunar New Year!

If you're looking to immerse yourself in Korean culture, trying out these dishes is an excellent place to start! Don't forget to bow to your elders as a sign of respect and gratitude during this holiday.

Have you ever tried these special Lunar New Year dishes? If so, which one is your favorite?