I asked my husband how I should say “goodbye 2006″ but he said there’s no exact expression in Korean and I can just use “annyong” which is the casual word in Korean for “goodbye”. So “annyong 2006″! I really don’t want to say goodbye to this year. Although this has been one of the best years of my life, I’m also looking forward to what 2007 has to offer. This year has been great for me that I actually feel guilty. 
“saehae bokmanhi badeuseyo”… This is the standard greeting for the new year here in Korea. “Sae hae” is new year; “bok” means fortune or blessings; “manhi” means many; and “badeuseyo” means to receive. There are two new year celebrations here – solar and lunar), and we tell others “please receive many blessings this new year.”
To welcome the new year, Koreans usually go to the East Sea (or Sea of Japan on some maps) to see the sunrise. While others prefer to climb the mountains at dawn. In Seoul, the Boshingak Bell in Jonggak station is tolled at the turn of the new year.
To all of you… “sae hae bokmanhi badeuseyo”. I hope you will still come to visit this site in 2007. I resolve to “write” more about life here in Korea, and not to forget my favorite topic, showbusiness.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy New Year too!
happy new year, too ms.betchay! may God continue to shower more blessings to you and to your family! ^^
happy new year too! i appreciate you sharing with us the meaning of the korean greeting. it makes the korean phrase easier to remember. sae hae bokmanhi badeuseyo!
Happy New Year!
I love reading your blog. Not to mention, I’m such a Drama addict, it’s a nice diversion from my every day life. Your blog gives me a “bird’s eye” view of living in Korea.
I’ve contemplated coming to Korea to teach English. It’s nice to know you are surviving
well in Korea.
Keep on blogging!
Caitlin
hi.good site.
hi.nice site
hi all.