What to Say to Koreans 
When You Meet Them for the New Year

In Korea, New Year's greetings are a way to share warm wishes and positive vibes for the year ahead. But knowing what to say, when to say it, and how formal to be can feel a little tricky, right? Don’t worry. Today, we’ve prepared a list of must-know New Year's greetings in Korean, grouped into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Let’s learn how to greet like a native and make your New Year's wishes meaningful and natural.

🖐 And remember, the small letters in [ ] below are how you actually pronounce the words.

📌 If You’re a Beginner

This level is for those who can read Hangeul and handle simple introductions or greetings.

Keep It Simple and Easy!

[sae-hae bok ma-ni ba-deu-se-yo]

It's the most basic and light New Year’s greeting. It’s similar to saying “Happy New Year” in English, but the meaning is closer to “I hope you have lots of luck and happiness in the New Year.”

You can use this phrase comfortably with friends or people close in age. If speaking Korean feels a little challenging, you can simply say “Happy New Year” in English, or try its Korean pronunciation: “해피 뉴 이어[hae-pi nyu i-eo]”.

[sae-hae-e-do haeng-bo-ka-se-yo]

The phrase wishing you happiness in the New Year is a simple yet warm way to share New Year's greetings. Made up of beginner-friendly words and grammar, it’s easy to understand and use. With its friendly tone, it’s ideal for sharing with friends, family, and close coworkers.

📌 If You’re an Intermediate

This level is for those who can comfortably hold conversations, including daily expressions, with Koreans.

Polite and Thoughtful Greetings!

[sae-hae-e-neun jo-eun il-man

ga-deu-ka-si-gil ba-ram-ni-da]

This means, “I hope the New Year is filled with only good things for you.” It’s a polite and heartfelt phrase, perfect for addressing elders, bosses, or colleagues. It’s also a great choice when sending New Year’s wishes to clients or business partners.

[ol-hae-do geon-gang-ha-go

haeng-bo-ka-se-yo]

This translates to, “Wishing you health and happiness this year, too.” It’s a warm and thoughtful expression that conveys care and well wishes for someone’s well-being. Like the first phrase, it’s polite and sincere, making it suitable for elders, supervisors, or professional relationships.

📌 If You’re an Advanced

You can comfortably discuss and debate various topics with Koreans.

A Formal and Profound Wish!

[sae-hae-reul ma-ja

ga-jeong-e pyeong-an-gwa haeng-bo-gi

ga-deu-ka-si-gil gi-won-ham-ni-da]

This phrase translates to, “I wish you and your family peace and happiness in the New Year.” It extends beyond the individual, offering warm wishes to their family and home as well. With its formal and respectful tone, this expression is perfect for addressing elders, important people, or for professional and formal settings where dignity and etiquette are essential.

While there are many other New Year's greetings in Korean, the phrases we’ve shared here will already be incredibly helpful. A New Year's greeting is more than just words—it's a meaningful way to share hope and celebrate new beginnings with others.

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced speaker, choosing the right greeting can help you connect more naturally and warmly with Koreans.

새해 복 많이 받으세요! 🎉