Christmas in Korea

Christmas, although celebrated, is not a big holiday, compared to Chuseok and Lunar New Years, in Korea. Most Koreans will keep it simple by giving a few gifts and attending church service on Christmas morning. Amusement Parks and shopping centers will have Christmas decor and celebrations but most families do not get into decorating trees and filling their home with holiday cheer like we do in the U.S. Remember Christmas is a relatively "new" holiday compared to Chuseok and New Year's.

(Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Great stocking stuffers under $6.99!

These fit perfectly into a stocking. These Pororo chopsticks are so user friendly that even my 2 year old likes to eat with them. They are priced at $6.99. And these children's house slippers are so adorable and come with matching adult sizes as well. The chidren's size is only $5.99.

Korean New Year's Day "Seollal" Sebae

On New Year's Day, Korean's do a formal greeting bow to their elders called sebae. In return the elders hand out crisp new bills to the children. It is also customary for adults and children to wear hanboks.
To learn how to sebae, please click here.
To learn more about the Seollal, click here.

Baby of the Month Contest

We are now taking entries for next month's Baby of the Month Contest. Just email us at contest@littleseouls.com and let us know that you want to enter your child for the Baby of the Month Contest. Please include your baby's name, age and permission to post your child's picture on the website for the contest. You can re-enter the contest as many times as you like, just email us and let us know that you would like to be included in the next month's drawing. However, if you have won before, we ask that you wait 12 months before re-entering to give others a chance at winning.

The prize for January will be a traditional Korean baby carrier, otherwise known as a podaegi.

Traditional Korean Baby Carrier - Podaegi

Koreans have a long history of carrying babies on their backs. If I close my eyes and think of an image of a Korean "halmoni" (grandma) carrying a baby, I visualize her carrying the baby on her back with a podaegi. Many Korean children are cared for by their grandmothers during the day while their parents are working....and I'm guessing that is why the podaegi is still in use despite the emergence of new updated designs.
Or maybe its because its economical to have one in addition to the having the more pricier chunei brands. I know for me, podaegis bring back feelings of comfort and tradition.

The traditional Korean podaegi is great to have as your second carrier for around the house. Its very comfortable for the baby as it is basically a blanket with straps. Its a great time to buy one right now at Little Seouls as we are having 20% OFF SALE on ALL Traditional Korean Podaegis at Litte Seouls!

Yute, a traditional Korean game

Yute or Yute No Ri is a popular traditional Korean game usually played on New Years Day (or Lunar New Years). Everyone sits on the floor on top of a mat or towel. There are four sticks, called "yute karak." You throw them in the air and depending on how they land is how you score. An easy and fun game for the whole family! Available now at Little Seouls!

December Baby of the Month Winner

Here is our winner Eun Hae wearing a traditional Korean hanbok. We would like to thank all of those who entered this month's drawing. It is always a joy to see all the beautiful children! You can enter or re-submit your child for next month's drawing by emailing us at info@littleseouls.com.