Seollal's Beloved Feasts Hide Surprising Health Risks—Here's How to Enjoy Them Safely

Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, is a time for family gatherings and traditional feasts. Dishes like tteokguk (rice cake soup), galbijjim (braised short ribs), and jeon (pancakes) take centre stage. Yet, while these meals hold cultural significance, their rich ingredients can pose health risks if not eaten mindfully.

For generations, Koreans have celebrated Seollal with ancestral rituals, visits to relatives, and elaborate meals. Tteokguk, galbijjim, and jeon remain staples, though modern twists—such as abalone or mushroom-infused tteokguk—have emerged. Preparation methods, however, have stayed largely unchanged over the decades.

The festive dishes, while beloved, are often high in calories and fat. A 700g bowl of tteokguk contains 588 calories, while 300g of galbijjim has 256 calories, and 200g of jeon packs 323 calories. Overeating can lead to stomachaches, bloating, and spikes in blood sugar, blood pressure, and neutral fat levels.

Health experts suggest spacing meals three to four hours apart to aid digestion. Starting with fibre-rich vegetables or namul (seasoned greens), followed by protein and then carbohydrates, can help prevent overeating. Swapping flour for buckwheat or chickpea powder in recipes is another way to lighten traditional dishes without losing flavour.

Seollal feasts bring families together but require balance to avoid health issues. Simple adjustments—like portion control and ingredient swaps—can make the celebrations both enjoyable and mindful. The traditions endure, but a thoughtful approach ensures the holiday remains a time of joy rather than discomfort.