Ipchun and Seollal 2027: dates, Korean zodiac boundary and New Year wishes
Ipchun begins on 4 February at 10:46 KST; Korean Seollal is 7 February. Ipchun is the solar term called Start of Spring. Seollal celebrates day one of the Korean lunar year. These are separate calendar events, so a family holiday and a saju calculation need separate dates.
In this guide
When are Ipchun and Korean Seollal in 2027?
Ipchun begins on 4 February at 10:46 KST; Korean Seollal is 7 February. Ipchun is the solar term called Start of Spring. Seollal celebrates day one of the Korean lunar year. These are separate calendar events, so a family holiday and a saju calculation need separate dates.
| Event | 2027 date and convention |
|---|---|
| Ipchun / saju year boundary | 2027-02-04 10:46 KST |
| Korean Seollal / lunar day 1 | 2027-02-07 |
When does the Korean saju zodiac year change?
Mutal Unnie changes the saju year pillar at Ipchun. Before 10:46 KST on 4 February the year is Byeongo (丙午, Horse); from that minute it is Jeongmi (丁未, Sheep). This convention differs from everyday zodiac labels based on Lunar New Year. January and early February births need the Ipchun instant in their own birth year. A calendar boundary does not make everyone's circumstances change at once.
What do the Ipchun door couplets mean?
Ipchun daegil (立春大吉) wishes for good things with spring; Geonyang dagyeong (建陽多慶) expresses hopes for brightness and many happy occasions. In Korea these lines may be written on paper and placed on a door as an ipchuncheop, a spring couplet. Timing and wording vary by household. Missing the exact minute is no reason to expect bad luck.
What can I say in a Korean New Year greeting?
A helpful wish leaves room for the other person's choices. Avoid pressing someone about marriage, children, exams or earnings. The five examples below offer support without promising an outcome; adapt them to your relationship rather than treating them as required formulas.
- May you find time to rest and move at your own pace.
- I hope you give yourself the care you have given others.
- I'll be here to cheer you on when you try something new.
- Let's make time to check in and share a laugh this year.
- May you have the space to choose the path that suits you.
Is there a fixed amount for sebaetdon?
Sebaetdon has no universal cash amount. It is money often given with words of goodwill after sebae, the New Year bow to elders. Household budgets, ages and relationships vary. Agree on an affordable approach in advance, and let conversation and care matter more than comparisons between envelopes.
How can I prepare family plans?
Keep the spring boundary and family gathering as separate reminders. Write one small intention for Ipchun, then check travel, meals and people to contact for Seollal. Schedule registration, D-day and the day's one-line flow are free. The previous-day briefing and same-day guide are Full Care for 35 Bok. Readings do not guarantee results or replace medical, legal or investment advice.
Start with today's rhythm
Available on iPhone and Android. Daily rhythm cards and adding events are free. Check the cost before opening a paid reading. Store availability and app language support depend on the listing.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Ipchun in 2027?
4 February at 10:46 KST, as checked in the Mutal Unnie web engine's solar-term data.
When is Seollal 2027 in Korea?
7 February, the first day of the Korean lunar year. Ipchun falls earlier, on 4 February.
Is a baby born before Ipchun 2027 a Sheep?
In this saju convention, before 4 February at 10:46 KST is the Byeongo Horse year; the Jeongmi Sheep year starts at that instant.
Must spring couplets go up at the exact minute?
Practices vary by household and region. There is no basis for saying that missing that minute causes bad luck.