Seongnyeonui Nal

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Typical gifts at Seongnyeonui Nal : roses and chocolate
Korean spelling
Korean alphabet : 성년 의 날
Revised Romanization : Seongnyeonui Nal
McCune-Reischauer : Sŏngnyŏnŭi Nal

Seongnyeonui Nal (roughly ' coming of age') is a day to celebrate the coming of age in South Korea and is celebrated annually on the third Monday in May .

According to the law of the Republic of Korea, the age of majority is reached on January 1st of the year in which one turns 19 years old.

The earliest records of the coming of age in Korea date back to 965, during the Goryeo Dynasty . It became a popular custom among the upper class during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Traditionally there were different ceremonies for men and women. The ceremony for men is called Gwallye ( 관례 / 冠 禮 ). The hair is made into a bun over the head and covered with a hat. The ceremony for women is called Gyerye ( 계례 / 筓 禮 ). Women tied their hair into a neck knot that was held in place by a hairpin ( 비녀 Binyeo ). At the end of the ceremonies, the family's ancestral shrine was visited and ate and drank together. The rituals were a prerequisite for entering into a marriage . Until the middle of the 20th century, the ceremonies were held by the communities. Over time, however, the custom disappeared and the government instituted an official day on which young adults should be made aware of their responsibilities.

There are hardly any ceremonies at home. Parents congratulate their children with gifts. The young adults often celebrate together and exchange 20 roses or other gifts. The age of 19 is roughly equivalent to the age of 20 according to traditional Korean age counting . Since the day takes place almost two months after entering the university, it is felt to be part of university life today. By moving into a student residence hall, some experience independence from their parents as soon as they come of age.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b Kim Hee-sung: Time to grow up: coming of age ceremony. In: Korea.net. May 19, 2008, accessed October 12, 2019 .
  2. ↑ Choi Soonkwon: Coming-of-age ceremony for girls (筓 禮). In: Encyclopedia of Korean Folk Culture. Retrieved October 12, 2019 .
  3. ↑ Kim Sihwang: Coming-of-age ceremony for boys (冠 禮). In: Encyclopedia of Korean Folk Culture. Retrieved October 12, 2019 .
  4. ↑ a b Park Honggab: Coming-of-age Day. In: Encyclopedia of Korean Folk Culture. Retrieved October 12, 2019 .
  5. ↑ Nara Kim: A Brief History: Coming of Age Day. In: mutzine. May 21, 2018, accessed October 12, 2019 .