25+ Traditional New Year’s Korean Recipes for Every Course

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New Year’s is a time of renewal, reflection, and celebration—and in Korea, food plays an essential role in these festivities.

With its rich history of symbolic dishes, Korean cuisine offers a variety of flavors, textures, and ingredients that make the New Year’s celebration both meaningful and delicious.

From comforting soups that represent health and longevity to savory pancakes symbolizing prosperity, there’s a perfect dish for every occasion.

In this collection of 25+ New Year’s Korean recipes, we invite you to explore traditional Korean dishes that bring joy, good fortune, and harmony into your life for the upcoming year.

Whether you’re looking to serve a full, multi-course feast or a few signature dishes, these recipes will help you ring in the New Year in true Korean style!

25+ Traditional New Year’s Korean Recipes for Every Course

new years korean recipes

Korean New Year’s dishes are rich in meaning, offering not only incredible flavors but also symbolic significance for a prosperous, healthy year ahead.

Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting a festive gathering, these 25+ New Year’s Korean recipes provide the perfect combination of traditional ingredients and modern techniques to make your celebration memorable.

From the iconic tteokguk to comforting stews and delectable banchan, each dish reflects the spirit of renewal and good fortune that comes with the new year.

So, gather your ingredients, bring out the spirit of joy, and create a delicious, meaningful spread that will bring happiness into your home for the year to come.

1. Tteokguk (Korean Rice Cake Soup)

Tteokguk is a traditional Korean dish often eaten on New Year’s Day to symbolize gaining a year of life and good fortune.

This comforting soup is made with chewy, thinly sliced rice cakes (tteok) served in a clear, flavorful broth, typically made from beef or anchovy stock.

The soup is garnished with sautéed eggs, julienned seaweed, and a sprinkling of sesame oil for extra depth.

The dish not only carries deep cultural significance but also tastes deliciously warm and satisfying, with its tender rice cakes absorbing the delicate broth.

Whether you’re celebrating New Year’s or craving a taste of Korean tradition, this dish is sure to fill you up with happiness and good vibes.

[Full Recipe]

2. Galbi (Korean BBQ Short Ribs)

Galbi is one of the most beloved dishes for celebrations in Korea, and New Year’s Day is no exception.

These marinated beef short ribs are grilled to perfection, delivering a smoky, sweet, and savory flavor that is nothing short of irresistible.

The marinade consists of a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sugar, giving the meat a deep umami flavor and a glossy finish once cooked.

Serve with a side of fresh vegetables or pickled radishes, and you have a festive meal that’s sure to impress.

This dish brings the family together around the grill and creates an atmosphere of warmth and joy, making it perfect for any holiday gathering.

[Full Recipe]

3. Kimchi Jeon (Kimchi Pancakes)

Kimchi Jeon, or kimchi pancakes, are a fantastic savory dish to enjoy for New Year’s in Korea, especially for those who want a quick, easy, and satisfying meal.

Made with a batter of flour, egg, and chopped kimchi, these crispy pancakes are pan-fried to a golden perfection, offering a savory, spicy flavor.

They can be served as a side dish or even as a snack during celebrations.

The tangy kimchi’s fermented flavors combine beautifully with the crispy edges of the pancake, while the soft, tender interior melts in your mouth.

Perfect with a dipping sauce of soy sauce and vinegar, this dish brings both comfort and joy, adding a bit of spice to your holiday.

[Full Recipe]

4. Japchae (Korean Stir-Fried Glass Noodles)

Japchae is a colorful and flavorful stir-fried noodle dish that’s a favorite during Korean New Year’s celebrations.

Made with chewy sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon) and a variety of vegetables like spinach, carrots, mushrooms, and onions, japchae is a dish that combines texture, taste, and nutrition in one bite.

The noodles are tossed in a savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar, giving them a glossy sheen and a balanced flavor.

With the option to add beef, pork, or even tofu, this dish is a beautiful centerpiece for your New Year’s table, representing abundance and harmony.

The combination of textures from the crunchy vegetables and tender noodles makes this dish utterly irresistible.

[Full Recipe]

5. Banchan (Korean Side Dishes)

No New Year’s celebration in Korea is complete without a spread of banchan—small, flavorful side dishes that accompany the main meal.

A typical banchan platter for New Year’s might include kimchi, seasoned spinach (sigeumchi namul), pickled radish (kkakdugi), and stir-fried fish cakes (eomuk bokkeum), among others.

Each dish offers a distinct flavor, from tangy and spicy to savory and umami, creating a perfect balance of tastes.

These side dishes, though small in portion, pack a punch with their depth of flavor and provide a delightful complement to any main course, such as tteokguk or galbi.

Banchan symbolizes the importance of variety and harmony in life, making them a must-have during the New Year’s feast.

[Full Recipe]

6. Mandu (Korean Dumplings)

Mandu, Korean dumplings, are a delicious and versatile treat enjoyed during New Year’s celebrations in Korea.

They can be steamed, boiled, or pan-fried, with fillings that range from ground pork, beef, or chicken, to tofu and vegetables.

The filling is typically seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, making each bite flavorful and savory.

Mandu are often served as a snack or appetizer, and are symbolic of wealth, as their shape resembles a pouch or money bag.

Enjoy them with a side of dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar, or add them to a warm bowl of soup like tteokguk for an extra comforting touch.

Whether you’re making them from scratch or enjoying them at a gathering, mandu always adds a festive touch to the celebration.

[Full Recipe]

7. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)

Kimchi Jjigae is a hearty, spicy stew made with fermented kimchi as the star ingredient, perfect for ringing in the New Year with bold flavors. This dish uses mature, sour kimchi as the base, simmered with tofu, pork (or beef), onions, and garlic in a savory broth. The flavors meld together over time, creating a comforting, warming stew that packs a punch of umami and spice. It’s a dish that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying, often served with a bowl of steamed rice to balance the heat. The tanginess of the kimchi deepens with each simmer, while the tofu and pork add richness and texture. Kimchi jjigae is an essential comfort food in Korea and a great way to embrace the New Year with warmth and vigor.
[Full Recipe]

8. Jjinppang (Steamed Buns)

Jjinppang, or steamed buns, are a popular New Year’s dish in Korea.

These fluffy, soft buns are filled with sweet red bean paste or savory ingredients like minced pork or vegetables, making them a versatile and satisfying treat.

The dough is steamed to perfection, creating a pillowy texture that pairs beautifully with the filling.

Traditionally, they are served as a snack or part of a larger feast, and their round shape symbolizes good fortune and prosperity.

Whether enjoyed as part of a New Year’s brunch or handed around to guests during family gatherings, jjinppang is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face and add a cozy, festive touch to the celebration.

[Full Recipe]

9. Bukeoguk (Fish Soup)

Bukeoguk is a traditional Korean fish soup made with dried pollock, typically enjoyed on New Year’s Day to celebrate longevity and good health.

The dish has a light, savory broth with a subtle, oceanic flavor that is both soothing and refreshing.

The dried pollock is rehydrated, simmered with garlic, onions, and soy sauce, and served with a dash of sesame oil for added richness.

The broth is mildly seasoned, allowing the natural flavors of the fish to shine.

Traditionally, it’s accompanied by a bowl of rice and is considered a dish that brings clarity and good fortune in the New Year.

The simplicity and purity of this dish make it the perfect way to start off the year on a light, healthy note.

[Full Recipe]

10. Banchan: Kimchi & Spicy Sautéed Dishes

Banchan, the collection of small side dishes served with every Korean meal, takes center stage during New Year’s celebrations.

These dishes bring together a balance of flavors—from spicy and savory to tangy and sweet.

For the New Year’s table, you might find a variety of banchan like spicy sautéed chili peppers, garlic-sauteed spinach, savory soy sauce-glazed potatoes (gamja jorim), and crunchy, pickled vegetables.

Kimchi is often the star of the spread, with different varieties like napa cabbage kimchi or radish kimchi.

These small side dishes embody abundance and harmony, as they reflect the many facets of life.

They’re easy to prepare, and when served alongside main dishes like galbi or tteokguk, they elevate the whole meal, making it a festive and flavorful celebration.

[Full Recipe]

11. Dubu Jorim (Braised Tofu)

Dubu Jorim is a simple but flavorful braised tofu dish that’s perfect for a New Year’s feast, especially for those looking for a healthy and vegetarian option.

The tofu is simmered in a savory soy sauce-based marinade with garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar.

As the tofu cooks, it absorbs the rich, umami flavors of the sauce, while retaining its delicate texture.

This dish is often garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding a fresh crunch and nutty flavor.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a great addition to any banchan spread, offering a lighter alternative to meat-heavy dishes, while still maintaining the bold and comforting flavors that define Korean cuisine.

[Full Recipe]

12. Seolleongtang (Korean Beef Bone Soup)

Seolleongtang is a rich, nourishing Korean beef bone soup, perfect for starting the New Year with a meal full of comfort and warmth.

The soup is made by simmering beef bones for hours until the broth turns a milky white color, a sign that all the marrow and nutrients have been released into the soup. Tender slices of beef are added, along with garlic, salt, and pepper to season the broth.

Often served with a bowl of steamed rice and kimchi on the side, seolleongtang is a dish that’s both filling and restorative.

In Korea, it’s believed that the long simmering process brings good luck for the year ahead, making this soup not just a meal, but a symbol of health and prosperity for the New Year.

[Full Recipe]

13. Hanjeongsik (Korean Royal Feast)

Hanjeongsik is a traditional Korean royal feast, often served on special occasions like New Year’s.

This elaborate multi-course meal is an extravagant spread of small, beautifully prepared dishes, showcasing the depth and variety of Korean flavors. The meal typically includes a mix of banchan (side dishes), soups, grilled or braised meats, and rice.

A typical hanjeongsik might feature dishes like galbi (grilled short ribs), kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), and japchae (stir-fried glass noodles). Every dish is thoughtfully presented, with an emphasis on balancing textures, colors, and flavors.

The idea behind hanjeongsik is to provide a feast for the senses, symbolizing abundance, harmony, and prosperity for the New Year.

Though it’s a bit more complex to prepare, this meal is perfect for impressing guests and bringing a taste of royal Korean cuisine into your home.

[Full Recipe]

14. Baechu Kimchi (Napa Cabbage Kimchi)

Baechu Kimchi, or napa cabbage kimchi, is the most iconic and widely enjoyed type of kimchi in Korean cuisine.

For the New Year, this fermented delicacy is not only a staple but also believed to bring good luck and health for the year ahead.

The cabbage is salted and then coated with a spicy paste made of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and fermented shrimp.

This mixture is massaged into each cabbage leaf, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply as it ferments.

Baechu kimchi is enjoyed with almost every Korean meal, and its crunchy texture, spicy heat, and tangy flavor make it a perfect complement to rich dishes like tteokguk and galbi.

Making your own kimchi at home is a rewarding experience, and the resulting batch will provide you with months of authentic, flavorful kimchi.
[Full Recipe]

15. Yaksik (Sweet Rice with Jujube)

Yaksik is a traditional Korean sweet rice dish made with glutinous rice, honey, jujube (dried red dates), pine nuts, and a hint of soy sauce.

Often served during festive occasions like New Year’s, yaksik is a dish that represents both sweetness and prosperity.

The glutinous rice is steamed with a mix of sweet ingredients, giving it a chewy, sticky texture with a sweet-savory flavor profile.

The jujube provides a chewy contrast, while pine nuts add a light crunch.

This dish is often enjoyed as a dessert or a special treat, offering a festive way to celebrate the New Year with flavors that symbolize good fortune and happiness.

It’s simple to make but incredibly satisfying, offering a sweet end to any meal.
[Full Recipe]

16. Galbitang (Beef Short Rib Soup)

Galbitang is a soothing, clear broth soup made with beef short ribs, perfect for warming you up on New Year’s Day.

The dish is created by simmering beef ribs for hours to extract the deep flavors from the meat and bones, resulting in a clear, mildly seasoned broth that’s both nourishing and delicious.

The beef is tender and easily falls off the bone, while the broth itself is lightly seasoned with garlic, sesame oil, and salt, making it a comforting dish without being overwhelming.

Often served with a bowl of rice and kimchi, galbitang is a classic choice for the New Year, symbolizing health, strength, and good fortune for the year ahead.

This hearty yet light soup is not only perfect for New Year’s but also an ideal dish for any time you want to feel nourished and rejuvenated.

[Full Recipe]

17. Kimchi Bokkeumbap (Kimchi Fried Rice)

Kimchi Bokkeumbap is a flavorful, quick-to-make fried rice dish that makes use of leftover kimchi. It’s a fantastic option for a simple yet satisfying New Year’s meal or side dish.

The base of this dish is, of course, kimchi, which is stir-fried with rice, onions, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce or gochujang (Korean chili paste) for an extra kick.

You can also add a fried egg on top, which is a common addition, as it adds richness and balance to the spicy and tangy flavors of the kimchi.

The crispy bits of rice at the bottom of the pan, known as “nurungji,” are a prized treat for many! Kimchi bokkeumbap is often served as a side dish during New Year’s feasts or as a quick comfort meal.

It’s a vibrant and comforting dish that’s sure to spice up your New Year’s celebration.

[Full Recipe]

18. Jeon (Korean Pancakes)

Jeon are savory Korean pancakes that are often enjoyed during New Year’s celebrations as a snack or appetizer.

The batter is typically made from flour, egg, and water, with various fillings added depending on the type of jeon you’re making.

For a traditional New Year’s feast, you might find seafood jeon (haemul jeon) made with shrimp, squid, and fish, or vegetable jeon (yachae jeon) made with zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots.

The pancakes are fried until crispy on the outside, while the inside remains tender and flavorful.

Jeon is often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar, which complements the savory flavors of the pancakes.

This dish symbolizes the hope for a bountiful harvest in the coming year and is a must-have on the New Year’s table.

[Full Recipe]

19. Juk (Korean Porridge)

Juk, a Korean porridge, is a warm, comforting dish often enjoyed on New Year’s Day for its symbolism of good health and prosperity.

There are many variations of juk, but one of the most common is muguk (rice porridge), which is made by simmering rice with water or broth until it softens into a creamy, smooth texture.

For New Year’s, baeksuk juk (white porridge) is a popular choice, flavored with a pinch of salt and sometimes a drizzle of sesame oil.

Juk is traditionally believed to be easy on the stomach and perfect for those recovering from a busy holiday season, offering a peaceful and rejuvenating start to the year.

Serve it with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a side of kimchi to balance the soft, mild flavor.

This dish represents health and simplicity, making it an ideal dish for a New Year’s celebration focused on well-being and fresh beginnings.

[Full Recipe]

20. Gyeongdan (Sweet Rice Cakes)

Gyeongdan are chewy, sweet rice cakes often served as a treat during the New Year, symbolizing luck and the sweetness of life.

Made with sweet rice flour (tteok), these bite-sized treats are rolled into small balls and stuffed with a sweetened red bean paste, then coated in powdered soybean flour (kinako) or sweetened sesame seeds for an added texture and flavor.

The dough is slightly sticky, giving these rice cakes their characteristic chewy bite, while the filling offers a rich, sweet contrast.

Gyeongdan is perfect for sharing with family and friends during the New Year, as its round shape represents the completion of the year and the start of a new cycle. It’s a sweet way to celebrate and bring joy into the new year.

[Full Recipe]

21. Dak Jjim (Korean Braised Chicken)

Dak Jjim is a deliciously tender braised chicken dish cooked in a savory, slightly sweet sauce.

For New Year’s, this dish is often made with bone-in chicken that’s simmered with a mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of sugar or honey to create a balanced, rich sauce.

Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions are added, making this a one-pot dish that’s not only flavorful but also hearty.

The chicken absorbs the deep flavors of the sauce, becoming meltingly tender. Served over steamed rice, this dish offers a wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare yet full of flavor, perfect for a New Year’s gathering.

It’s often shared among family and symbolizes unity, health, and prosperity for the coming year.

[Full Recipe]

22. Bibimbap (Korean Mixed Rice)

Bibimbap is a beloved Korean comfort dish that’s perfect for a New Year’s feast.

It consists of a bowl of steamed rice topped with an assortment of sautéed vegetables like spinach, bean sprouts, mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini, along with a fried egg and slices of beef or tofu for protein.

The dish is completed with a dollop of spicy-sweet gochujang (Korean chili paste) that ties everything together with its fiery heat and umami flavor.

Bibimbap is symbolic of harmony and balance, as the vibrant colors and variety of textures create a visually stunning dish that’s both nourishing and flavorful.

For New Year’s, it’s not just about the taste but also the spirit of togetherness—everyone can mix their own ingredients, symbolizing unity and new beginnings.

[Full Recipe]

23. Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

Samgyetang is a nourishing and aromatic chicken soup made with a whole young chicken, ginseng, garlic, jujube (Korean dates), and glutinous rice.

It’s traditionally consumed during the summer months to replenish energy, but it’s also a popular dish for New Year’s as it symbolizes vitality and longevity.

The chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice and cooked with ginseng and other herbal ingredients, creating a flavorful broth that’s rich with nutrients and slightly earthy from the ginseng.

This restorative soup is often enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt and a dash of pepper, and sometimes paired with kimchi on the side.

Samgyetang is not just a hearty soup, but a dish that reflects a desire for good health and strength throughout the coming year.

[Full Recipe]

24. Bori Cha (Barley Tea)

While not a dish per se, Bori Cha (barley tea) is an integral part of many Korean New Year celebrations.

This warm, nutty beverage is made by roasting barley and then boiling it to release its flavors.

The tea is light, refreshing, and has a toasty, slightly bitter taste that’s perfect for sipping throughout the meal.

Traditionally, bori cha is served to guests as a symbol of hospitality and well-being, and it’s often enjoyed with savory dishes like bibimbap or jeon (pancakes).

The health benefits of barley, which include digestive support and antioxidant properties, make it an ideal drink for the New Year, symbolizing a fresh start and promoting overall health and vitality.

[Full Recipe]

25. Juk (Korean Sweet Red Bean Porridge)

Juk is a comforting and nourishing porridge in Korean cuisine, and the sweet red bean version (patjuk) is a traditional dish often prepared for New Year’s celebrations.

This porridge is made by simmering sweet red beans with glutinous rice and a bit of sugar until it reaches a creamy, smooth consistency.

The red beans are believed to ward off evil spirits, and serving patjuk at the start of the year is thought to bring good luck and protection for the coming months.

The dish is often garnished with small, chewy rice cakes called baekseolgi (white rice cakes) for added texture.

This warm, slightly sweet dish is perfect for breakfast or as a light dessert, making it a comforting way to begin the year.

[Full Recipe]

Conclusion

There’s no better way to celebrate the New Year than by indulging in the rich, flavorful dishes of Korean cuisine. These 25+ New Year’s Korean recipes not only showcase the wide range of tastes found in Korean cooking but also carry deep cultural significance that ties the past to the future. Whether you choose to prepare a simple bowl of tteokguk to symbolize new beginnings or serve a full spread of banchan to share with loved ones, these recipes will help you create a New Year’s feast that brings everyone closer together. So, step into the new year with culinary traditions that nourish the body, mind, and spirit, ensuring a year full of prosperity, health, and joy.

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