Saehae bok mani badeuseyo - please receive lots of good fortune in the New Year.
The spirit of community and culture was on full display at Te Puke ō Tara Community Centre as residents gathered to celebrate Seollal - Korean Lunar New Year.
Hosted by the Korean Positive Ageing Charitable Trust, the free event welcomed families and community members to experience Korean traditions, performances and food in a lively afternoon of cultural sharing.
Seollal is one of Korea’s most important holidays, marking the Lunar New Year and a time to honour family, respect elders and celebrate new beginnings.
The celebration featured traditional Samulnori drumming and percussion, live performances by the New Korean Symphony Orchestra, traditional Korean dance and a range of interactive cultural activities.
One of the most meaningful moments of the day was the Sebae ceremony, where children performed a traditional bow to elders to express respect and receive blessings for the year ahead.
The Trust CEO YongRahn Park shares, "We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board for their generous support in helping make this community celebration possible.
“The event created a warm and festive atmosphere where people of all backgrounds could come together to learn about and enjoy Korean culture. It was a wonderful opportunity for the community to connect, share traditions, and celebrate the Lunar New Year together."
Visitors also enjoyed Korean food tastings, traditional games and the opportunity to try on hanbok, Korea’s beautiful traditional clothing.
Supported by Auckland Council, the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, and Te Puke ō Tara community centre, the event reflected the board’s commitment to celebrating the cultures that make the area unique.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe is one of five Auckland local boards recognised as a Welcoming Community through Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities programme.
Home to more than 100 ethnicities, the area is one of the most culturally diverse communities in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland.
The local board’s 2023 plan emphasises bringing people together through shared spaces, community events and cultural celebrations that strengthen connections across cultures.
What’s next? The Trust is hosting the Kimjang Day on 20- 22 May at the Te Puke ō tara Community Centre.
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