According to historical data, Koreans enjoyed the day from the period of ancient Puyo.

The day was also celebrated in the period of the Three Kingdoms (Koguryo, Paekje and Silla). It was one of nine major holidays in the period of Koryo Kingdom (918-1392) and one of 2 major holidays in the period of the Feudal Joson Dynasty (1392-1910).

On this occasion, Koreans cleaned up their houses and prepared clothes and dishes.

On Lunar New Year's Day, they paid New Year's calls to seniors, dined with neighbors and enjoyed such folk games as yut, seesawing and kite-flying.

Holiday dishes included rice dumpling soup, glutinous rice-cake, fruit punch and liquor.