New Year Greetings: Best Korean Phrases for Texts, KakaoTalk, and Conversations

🎉 From “새해 복 많이 받으세요” to Casual Text Messages


Best New Year greetings in Korean with romanization and English meaning – Korean language guide by Hangeulia

안녕하세요, I’m Hangeulia ^-^

If you’re visiting Korea, chatting with Korean friends, or simply curious about Korean culture, knowing how to say “Happy New Year” in Korean goes a long way. Just like Chuseok greetings, Korean New Year greetings change slightly depending on who you’re talking to and how formal the situation is.

In Korea, New Year greetings are more than just polite phrases. They reflect respect, relationship distance, and social awareness. Using the right expression — even with a small ending difference — can make you sound thoughtful rather than awkward.

One important thing to know is that in Korea, New Year greetings are used for both January 1st and Lunar New Year (설날, Seollal). While January 1st marks the start of the calendar year, 설날 is the traditional New Year — when families gather, bow to elders, and exchange the most heartfelt greetings.

If you’re planning to visit Korea during winter or around the New Year season, these expressions will come in handy more often than you expect.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through natural Korean New Year greetings — from polite phrases for coworkers and elders to casual messages you can send on KakaoTalk. Everything is written in Korean + romanization + English meaning, so you can copy and use them right away. ^^

💛 Culture Tip:
In Korea, New Year greetings are often exchanged multiple times — at the office, in family gatherings, and even weeks later when meeting someone for the first time that year. So don’t worry if January 1st has already passed.


💜 Quick & Easy New Year Greetings


If you remember just one Korean New Year greeting, make it this one. It works in texts, conversations, and even formal situations.

  • 새해 복 많이 받으세요.
    Saehae bok mani badeuseyo.
    (Happy New Year! / Wishing you lots of luck in the new year.)
💙 Pronunciation Tip:
“받으세요” is pronounced closer to ba-deu-se-yo, not bat-eu-se-yo. The 받- sound becomes softer and more natural in real speech.
✈️ Travel Tip: New Year Greetings While Traveling in Korea
If you’re traveling in Korea from New Year’s Day through Seollal, it’s very natural (and appreciated!) to say a short New Year greeting to people you meet — especially restaurant owners, café staff, hotel hosts, or tour guides.

A simple line like:
“감사합니다. 새해 복 많이 받으세요.”
(Gamsahamnida. Saehae bok mani badeuseyo.)
goes a long way and often brings a warm smile in return. ^^
💛 Culture Tip: New Year vs. Seollal
In Korea, people say “새해 복 많이 받으세요” both on January 1st and during 설날 (Lunar New Year). During Seollal, this greeting is often said while bowing to elders (세배), making it a warm, respectful wish shared face-to-face with family.

Here are a few other short and natural greetings you’ll often hear in Korea:

  • 새해 복 많이 받아요.
    Saehae bok mani badayo.
    (Happy New Year! — polite but friendly)
  • 새해 복 많이 받아!
    Saehae bok mani bada!
    (Happy New Year! — casual, for close friends)
  • 연말 잘 보내고 새해 복 많이 받으세요.
    Yeonmal jal bonaego saehae bok mani badeuseyo.
    (Have a good year-end and Happy New Year!)
💛 Quick Tip:
When in doubt, use 받으세요. It’s always safe and polite.


💜 For Texts & KakaoTalk

In Korea, New Year greetings are commonly sent by text message or KakaoTalk. The biggest difference is tone: polite for coworkers/elders, and casual for friends. Below are natural examples Koreans actually use (copy & paste OK!). ^^


❤ Coworkers & Acquaintances

These messages are respectful and professional — safe for coworkers, seniors, teachers, neighbors, or anyone you want to be polite with.

  • 새해 복 많이 받으세요. 새해 가정에 건강과 행운이 늘 함께 하시기를 기원합니다.
    Saehae bok mani badeuseyo. Saehae gajeong-e geongang-gwa haeng-un-i neul hamkke hasigireul giwonhamnida.
    (Happy New Year. Wishing health and good fortune to you and your family.)

  • 새해 복 많이 받으세요. 항상 건강하시고 뜻하시는 모든 일이 이루어지길 바랍니다.
    Saehae bok mani badeuseyo. Hangsang geonganghasigo tteuthasineun modeun iri irueojigil baramnida.
    (Happy New Year. I wish you good health and success in everything you hope for.)

  • 지난 한 해도 수고 많으셨습니다. 새해에도 잘 부탁드립니다.
    Jinan han haedo sugo manh-eusyeotsseumnida. Saehae-edo jal butakdeurimnida.
    (Thank you for your hard work this past year. I look forward to working with you in the new year.)

❤ Friends

These messages are friendly and casual — perfect for close friends, classmates, siblings, or group chats. ^^

  • 새해 복 많이 받고, 건강하고 웃음 많은 한 해 보내!
    Saehae bok mani batgo, geonganghago useum maneun han hae bonae!
    (Happy New Year! Hope your year is healthy and full of smiles.)

  • 올 한 해도 수고 많았어. 새해에는 더 행복한 일만 가득하길!
    Ol han haedo sugo manh-ass-eo. Saehae-eneun deo haengbokhan ilman gadeuk-hagil!
    (You worked so hard this year. I hope next year is filled with happiness.)

  • 새해 복 많이 받고, 우리 내년에도 꽃길만 걷자.
    Saehae bok mani batgo, uri naenyeon-edo kkot-gilman geotja.
    (Happy New Year! Let’s walk only flower roads again next year.)


💜 For Conversations

If you’re saying greetings out loud (at work, at the last office day, or when meeting friends), these short lines feel natural and not overly dramatic. ^^


❤ Coworkers & Acquaintances (In-person)

These are great for the last working day before January 1, or when you run into coworkers right before the holiday.

  • 올 한 해 동안 정말 감사했습니다. 새해 복 많이 받으세요.
    Ol han hae dongan jeongmal gamsa-haetseumnida. Saehae bok mani badeuseyo.
    (Thank you so much for everything this past year. Happy New Year.)

  • 연휴 잘 보내시고 새해 복 많이 받으세요.
    Yeonhyu jal bonaesigo saehae bok mani badeuseyo.
    (Have a nice holiday break, and Happy New Year.)
💛 Quick Tip:
If you’re unsure about the relationship or age difference, always choose the polite form. It’s never rude — but the casual form can be.

❤ Friends (In-person)

With friends, Koreans often keep it short, warm, and slightly cute. ^^

  • 가족들이랑 즐거운 시간 보내고 새해 복 많이 받아~
    Gajok-deurirang jeulgeoun sigan bonaego saehae bok mani bada~
    (Have a great time with your family, and Happy New Year!)

  • 연휴 푹 쉬고 맛있는 것도 많이 먹어! 새해 복 많이 받아~
    Yeonhyu puk swigo masinneun geot-do mani meoge! Saehae bok mani bada~
    (Rest well during the holidays and eat lots of good food! Happy New Year!)
💬 Mini add-on (optional):
These short follow-up lines make your New Year greeting sound warmer and more natural. ^^

“올해도 우리 자주 보자!”
Olhae-do uri jaju boja!
(Let’s see each other often this year, too!)

“내년엔 더 자주 만나자!”
Naenyeon-en deo jaju mannaja!
(Let’s meet even more often next year!)


💜 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I say “새해 복 많이 받으세요” after January 1st?

Yes! In Korea, it’s common to use New Year greetings throughout early January, especially when meeting someone for the first time that year.

Is it okay to use casual greetings with older people?

Not recommended. When speaking to elders, coworkers, or anyone you’re not close to, always use polite endings like 받으세요.

What’s the difference between polite and casual versions?

The polite version usually ends with ~세요 (받으세요), while friends may use shorter endings like 받아 or 받아~~. Relationship matters more than grammar here. ^^

Do Koreans use New Year greetings in text messages?

Absolutely. KakaoTalk messages are one of the most common ways Koreans exchange New Year greetings.

Can foreigners use these expressions?

Absolutely. Koreans usually appreciate it when foreigners try greetings in Korean. Even a simple “새해 복 많이 받으세요” feels warm and respectful.

Do I need to write a long message?

Not at all. A short greeting is perfectly acceptable. If you want to add one more line, “건강하세요 / 행복하세요” style wishes are always safe and natural.

Is Korean New Year the same as Seollal (설날)?

Not exactly. January 1st is the official calendar New Year, but 설날 (Lunar New Year) is the traditional and culturally more important New Year in Korea. Most formal greetings like “새해 복 많이 받으세요” are commonly used for both.



💜 Final Thoughts


Korean New Year greetings may look simple, but they carry warmth, respect, and good wishes for the year ahead. Whether you’re celebrating January 1st or traveling through Korea around Seollal, using the right greeting helps you connect with people in a thoughtful, respectful way.

You don’t need long or fancy sentences — even one sincere phrase is enough. Choose the level of politeness that fits the situation, and you’ll sound natural and considerate.

This guide is based on real-life usage by native Korean speakers, focusing on expressions people actually use in messages and daily conversations — not textbook-style translations.

I hope this guide helps you start the new year with confidence — whether you’re texting a friend, greeting a coworker, or connecting with Korean culture a little more deeply. ^^


With love,
한글리아 😊



🎀 More Korean greeting guide

If you found these New Year greetings helpful, you may also enjoy this seasonal Korean greeting guide:

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