Happy Korean New Year!

[Sanko]

Oriental countries traditionally followed the lunar calendar.
According to the lunar calendar, New Year's Day for 2011 is tomorrow,
3 February. The Korean New Year is in sync with the Chinese New Year
with which Korean shares many traditions. According to the Chinese
Zodiac, which concists of twelve animals, 2011 is the year of the
Golden Rabbit. The rabbit is considered a lucky animal in the Orient.

The Lunar New Year is called Seolnal in Korean. The celebrations
requires families to gather together at their ancestral "home town".
Because of all the traveling involved, both the day before and after
the actual holiday are also public holidays.

During the holiday children will make a deep traditional bow to their
parents, grandparents and other elders. In return, the children are
often given money as a new year's gift. The festivities also include
lots of eating, particularly "rice cakes" -- known as ddeok, and the
playing of folk games. Traditional dress -- hanbok -- is often
commonly worn during the holiday.

To say "Happy New Year!" in Korean, one could say: "Saehae bok manhi
badeuseyo!" -- pronounce: seh-heh bock mahn-hee bah-duh-se-yoh. It
basically means: "May you have many blessings in the New Year!"