Seollal (Lunar New Year) is a recognized public holiday, observed on the same lunar calendar date as in South Korea. The holiday is typically marked with family gatherings, where people honor ancestors, wear traditional clothing (hanbok), and enjoy traditional foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup) and manduguk (dumpling soup).

Celebrations are more subdued compared to South Korea, often focusing on state-approved events rather than large family gatherings. Public activities may include performances, patriotic speeches, and visits to monuments dedicated to past leaders, in line with the country’s emphasis on loyalty to the state. However, the holiday still holds cultural significance, providing North Koreans an opportunity to reflect on family, heritage, and tradition within the framework of national values.