Seollal in Seoul: Where to Eat Korean BBQ During Lunar New Year
Seollal (설날), Korea’s Lunar New Year, is one of the most meaningful holidays of the year. Families gather, cities slow down, and traditions take center stage. But if you’re visiting Seoul during Seollal—or staying in the city while many locals travel—one question comes up every year:
“Where can I eat Korean BBQ that’s actually open during Seollal?”
At Mongvely, we hear this question constantly. And we get it. Seollal is beautiful, but it can also be confusing for visitors when restaurants close, hours change, and streets feel quieter than usual.
This guide is written from our perspective—to help you understand what Seollal is like in Seoul, what to expect as a traveler, and most importantly, how to enjoy Korean BBQ during Seollal without stress.
Read also :
➣ The Ultimate Guide to Korean BBQ in Seoul
➣ MONGVELY MENU
➣ MONGVELY LOCATION & CONTACT
What Is Seollal Like in Seoul?
Seollal usually falls between late January and mid-February, this year it falls on the 19th of February. It’s a three-day holiday centered around:
Family gatherings
Ancestral rites
Traditional food like tteokguk (rice cake soup)
Rest, reflection, and starting the year fresh
In Seoul, Seollal creates a unique atmosphere. Major tourist areas are still active, but many small neighborhood shops and family-run restaurants close—especially on Lunar New Year’s Day itself.
For visitors, this can feel surprising:
Streets are quieter
Some cafés and restaurants are closed
Popular shopping districts feel calmer
But this quieter Seoul is also part of the charm.
Is Seoul Worth Visiting During Seollal?
Yes—if you plan properly.
Seollal is actually a great time to experience:
Less crowded palaces and attractions
A slower pace of travel
A more traditional side of Korea
However, food planning is essential. This is where many travelers struggle.
The Big Question: Are Restaurants Open During Seollal?
The honest answer: many are not.
Especially closed during Seollal:
Small, family-run Korean restaurants
Neighborhood eateries
Shops outside tourist districts
More likely to be open:
Restaurants in tourist areas
Larger restaurants with multiple branches
Places used to serving international visitors
This is why areas like Myeongdong matter during Seollal.
Why Myeongdong Is One of the Best Areas During Seollal
Myeongdong doesn’t completely shut down during holidays. While some stores may close or shorten hours, the area remains one of the most reliable places to find food during Seollal.
You’ll find:
Hotels operating normally
Shops catering to travelers
Restaurants prepared for holiday traffic
That’s one of the reasons Mongvely continues operating during Seollal.
Korean BBQ During Seollal: A Local Comfort Food
While tteokguk is traditionally eaten at home with family, Korean BBQ has become a popular Seollal meal in the city—especially for:
People who stay in Seoul
Visitors without family in Korea
Friends meeting casually during the holiday
There’s a reason for this.
Korean BBQ in Winter Just Makes Sense
The heat from the grill warms you instantly
Grilled meat tastes richer in cold weather
It’s social, comforting, and satisfying
Even locals who don’t travel often choose BBQ during Seollal when dining out.
Why We Stay Open During Seollal at Mongvely
At Mongvely, we’ve chosen to remain open during Seollal because:
Visitors need reliable dining options
Korean BBQ is meant to be shared, even during holidays
Seollal shouldn’t mean skipping a proper meal
We understand that Seollal in Seoul can feel unfamiliar if you’re visiting from abroad. Our goal is to offer something warm, familiar, and easy to enjoy during the holiday.
What to Expect When Dining Out During Seollal
If you’re planning to eat Korean BBQ during Seollal, here’s what to know:
1. Expect Fewer Options
Not every restaurant will be open. When you find one that is, it’s worth sticking with it.
2. Expect a Calmer Atmosphere
Seollal is quieter. This often means a more relaxed dining experience.
3. Expect Winter Comfort Food
People gravitate toward warm, filling meals—and BBQ fits perfectly.
What Makes Mongvely a Good Seollal Option
From our perspective, dining during Seollal should be stress-free.
At Mongvely, we focus on:
All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with beef and pork
Clear menus and pricing
English-friendly service
Staff assistance with grilling when needed
You don’t need to understand Korean dining customs to enjoy your meal here.
Read also :
➣ Everything We Serve at Mongvely: What an All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ Meal in Myeongdong Really Looks Like
➣ Best All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ in Myeongdong: Where to Eat Like a Local
A Typical Seollal Day in Seoul (For Visitors)
Here’s how many of our guests spend Seollal:
Morning
Visit a palace or hanok village
Enjoy a quieter Seoul street scene
Afternoon
Shopping or walking around Myeongdong
Warming up in cafés that remain open
Evening
Sitting down for Korean BBQ
Taking time to enjoy a long, relaxed meal
Korean BBQ becomes the highlight of the day—not something rushed.
Is Korean BBQ “Appropriate” During Seollal?
Yes. While Seollal is traditionally family-centered, eating out is increasingly common, especially in Seoul.
For visitors, Korean BBQ is one of the most approachable and enjoyable ways to experience Korean food during the holiday—without needing cultural background or special knowledge.
Tips for Eating Out in Seoul During Seollal
From years of experience, here’s our honest advice:
Choose tourist-friendly areas
Don’t wait until late night on Lunar New Year’s Day
Stick to places that clearly state they are open
Avoid assuming everything will be available
Planning ahead makes all the difference.
Why Seollal Is Actually a Great Time for BBQ
Seollal changes how Seoul feels:
Slower pace
Less noise
More space
Sitting around a grill during Seollal feels different—calmer, more intimate, and more memorable. Many guests tell us their Seollal BBQ meal becomes one of the highlights of their trip.
Final Thoughts: Seollal in Seoul, Done Right
Seollal in Seoul doesn’t have to mean confusion or closed doors. With the right expectations, it can be one of the most comfortable and meaningful times to visit the city.
If you’re searching for:
Korean BBQ open in Seoul during Seollal
A warm place to eat in winter
A reliable dining option in Myeongdong
Mongvely is here to welcome you.
Seollal is about starting the year well. A warm grill, good food, and a relaxed meal are a pretty good way to do that.
Visit Us Now!
Mongvely Main Branch
Address: Myeongdong 8na-gil 9 3rd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Mongvely 2nd Branch
Address: Myeongdong 3-gil 44 2nd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Follow us on Instagram: @kbbqmongvely
