새해 복 많이 받으세요 (Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!). You’ll hear this phrase echoing in Korean households during Seollal, as families come together to celebrate the Korean New Year with joy. It translates to “May you receive many blessings in the New Year.”

Seollal marks the beginning of the lunisolar calendar. It is a special time for younger family members to perform the special ritual of bowing, while elders offer money as a blessing. Families reunite from different places, honor their ancestors through rituals, and enjoy quality time together.

This Seollal, why not enhance your holiday celebrations with a selection of Korean films? Here are five Korean films that are perfect for enjoying with family during this special time.

1. Four Christmases

The title of the film, Four Christmases, perfectly captures its storyline. The characters struggle to choose which of the four locations to visit for Christmas dinner. Newlyweds Moogun and Hyejoo struggle to balance family visits during Christmas. The film revolves around this very complexity of the holiday season – one day, one festival, but many people to see.

Juggling time between Moogun’s father, stepmother, and Hyejoo’s separated parents, the couple faces both logistical and emotional challenges. Yet, they try to keep the holiday harmonious. The film’s characters navigate their dilemmas and overcome challenges with a touch of subtle humor.

As we navigate adulthood, particularly after marriage, the holidays bring a surge of responsibilities. As the family expands, so does the opportunity to share the joy and pressure of satisfying everyone. The film highlights this challenge and the relatable tension of the holiday season within the context of modern family dynamics. Many people are likely to relate to this during the Seollal season as well, making it a perfect watch.

Watch the Film: Four Christmases Full Film

2. My Life, Angelina

My Life, Angelina tells the story of Gilwoo, an elderly man who lives alone in  Gangneung. His son and daughter-in-law visit him occasionally, but their visits feel more like an obligation than a heartfelt connection. In his solitude, Gilwoo finds comfort through his smartphone and English lessons. He befriends Angelina online, a Korean-American woman serving in the U.S. military, and builds a connection with her. 

The film highlights a common modern-day issue. As children move to big cities to pursue their careers, elderly parents are left behind in isolation. People like Gilwoo become vulnerable and easy targets, yet their struggles are rarely understood from their perspective. As we grow older, those older than us continue to age as well. While we move forward in our lives, there are people back home who are waiting and rooting for us. Taking just a few hours to check in on them can make a world of difference and prevent them from becoming vulnerable to difficult situations.

Seollal is a time for family visits and reunions. This film serves as a reminder for those immersed in their busy lives to think about the loved ones they have left behind and reconnect with their roots. 

Watch the Film: My Life, Angelina Full Film

3. Attention! Don’t Look at Her

The film Attention! Don’t Look at Her follows the journey of a musical club at Jian Girls’ High School. While preparing for their performance, everything was running smoothly until the lead actor Hee-soo’s attention phobia resurfaced. This takes place during the rehearsal on the day before the festival. Chaeri, the club manager, tries to help Hee-soo in unconventional ways by leveraging the special skills of the other members. However, the situation doesn’t improve easily and the tension grows among the club members.

The film is a coming-of-age story that highlights the strength of teamwork. When one member encounters a challenge, it impacts the entire team’s performance. In a team, an individual problem becomes a collective responsibility, one that requires the effort of everyone to overcome.

A team shares the same qualities as a family. Happiness, despair, everything is shared. The film perfectly captures this dynamic and makes it an ideal watch for Seollal, a time when families come together to work, celebrate, and enjoy each other’s company.

Watch the Film: Attention! Don’t Look at Her Full Film

4. Director’s Cut

In the film Director’s Cut, Shin-Ae paused her directing career and shifted to film journalism. She gets a rare chance to interview Kim Joo-Yeon, a filmmaker who has returned with a new project after years of absence. During their conversation, Shin-Ae feels an unexpected connection with Joo-Yeon and grows curious about her journey back to filmmaking. But after the interview, Joo-Yeon suddenly disappears. To find answers, Shin-Ae visits an old theater that Joo-Yeon often visited. The search takes an unexpected turn and brings new revelations to light.

The film delves into the conflict between passion and reality. Through its narrative, it portrays the struggle to balance artistic dreams with life’s demands. As Seollal is a time for reflection, renewal, and reconnection, this can be a perfect watch to explore themes of pursuing dreams, overcoming setbacks, and finding balance. These ideas align with the spirit of the holiday. It will encourage the audience to reflect on their passion and life choices. 

Watch the Film: Director’s Cut Full Film

5. Your Voice

Your Voice is a meaningful film that explores the unique connection between Gina, an American woman adopted from Korea at a young age, and Jaewoo, a lesser-known Korean film director. Their relationship develops over an anonymous call application despite the physical distance.

Set in a world obsessed with appearances, the film explores love in its purest form. It offers a fresh perspective on connection and will make you believe in true love all over again. In a world increasingly fixated on appearances, the film challenges this conventional notion of love. It rekindles faith in genuine romantic relationships. The concept of Your Voice has taken it to renowned international film festivals and garnered widespread praise from critics.

In the film, Gina returns to her homeland, reconnecting with her Korean roots and heritage. The film shows the values of connection, identity, and love that resonate deeply during Seollal’s time.

Watch the Film: Your Voice Full Film

Conclusion

Whether you’re watching with family and friends or enjoying a solo experience, these films will definitely make your Seollal more relaxing and enjoyable. They’ll provide the perfect balance of entertainment and help you unwind and celebrate the holiday in your way. Enjoy the films!