New Year's Day is the biggest holiday of the year in Korea.

It takes place in January or February on the second new moon after the winter solstice.

Traditionally on that day, boys fly kites emblazoned with wishes for the new year, then let the

kites do battle in the sky.

Girls traditionally play games where they jump on sea-sauce and send each other flying

acrobatically into the air.

There's also family time.

Everyone gathers at a relative's house and dresses in brightly colorful outfits called

handbuck.

Children get gifts of crisp, paper money inside silk purses.

Adults exchange small gifts as well, cooking oil, fancy nuts, even spam nowadays.

Then there's a huge feast with fruits, desserts, and savory dishes.

Most importantly, people eat rice cake soup.

The soup consists of quain-shaped rice cakes bobbing in beef broth.

It might have eggs and scallions, and other vegetables too.

According to tradition, when you finish your bowl, you are officially one year older.

Like all ancient holidays, there are little superstitions surrounding New Year's Day in

Korea.

If you hear the chattering of a magpie, that's good luck.

If you hear the cause of a crow, watch out.

You are in for trouble.

The most lucky bird to see is the crane.

...