Auckland Celebrates Seollal: Lunar New Year Festivities in Otara

Auckland’s Korean community will host a special Lunar New Year celebration, known as Seollal, tomorrow, Saturday, February 21st, in Otara. The event promises a vibrant display of Korean culture, traditions, and festivities.

What is Seollal?

Seollal is one of the most significant traditional holidays in Korea, a time deeply rooted in family, respect, and the anticipation of new beginnings. It marks the Lunar New Year and is a period for honoring ancestors and strengthening familial bonds.

Event Details

The 2026 Seollal Lunar New Year Celebration (Korean Day) will take place from 2-5pm at Te Puke Otara Community Centre, located at 20 Newbury Street, in Otara. Admission is free and open to all.

What to Expect

Attendees can look forward to a range of cultural activities and experiences, including:

• Children’s Sebae Ceremony: A traditional Korean New Year’s bow to elders, expressing respect and wishing them good fortune.
• Samulnori Performance: A captivating live performance of Samulnori drumming and percussion by the New Korean Symphony Orchestra.
• Traditional Korean Dancing: Enjoy the beauty and grace of traditional Korean dance.
• Korean Food Tasting: Sample a variety of authentic Korean cuisine.
• Games and Hanbok Experience: Participate in traditional Korean games and try on a Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress.

About the Organizer

The event is organized by the Korean Positive Ageing Charitable Trust (KPACT). YongRahn Park, a representative of KPACT, extended an invitation to everyone to join in the fun and experience the richness of Korean culture.

“This event offers a wonderful opportunity to explore Korea’s rich culture, people, and traditions through cultural activities, traditional customs, and a vibrant festive atmosphere marking the Lunar New Year,” says Park.