How to Enjoy Seollal Feasts Without Upsetting Your Digestive System

Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, is one of the country's most important holidays. Families gather to honour traditions, share meals, and reconnect with relatives. Yet the festive feasts—often rich and heavy—can pose challenges for those with dietary concerns or chronic illnesses in their digestive system.

Each year, around 30 to 40 million South Koreans travel to celebrate Seollal with loved ones. In 2023, nearly 39 million journeys were recorded during the holiday. Central to the festivities are traditional dishes like tteokguk (rice cake soup), galbijjim (braised short ribs), and jeon (savoury pancakes). A single 700g bowl of tteokguk contains 588 calories, while 300g of galbijjim has 256 calories, and 200g of jeon packs 323 calories.

The rich, often greasy meals can cause stomach discomfort, bloating, and sluggish digestion for days. Overeating is common, but small adjustments can help. Starting with fibre-rich vegetables or namul (seasoned greens) slows digestion and reduces blood sugar spikes. Eating protein next helps sustain fullness, while saving carbohydrates for last minimises their impact on glucose levels.

Modifying ingredients and cooking techniques can also make dishes healthier. Lighter oils, leaner cuts of meat, or steaming instead of frying can retain flavour while easing digestion.

Seollal remains a time for family, tradition, and indulgence. But with mindful eating habits, the holiday's beloved dishes can still be enjoyed without the usual discomfort. Simple changes to meal order and preparation may help many celebrate more comfortably.