Korean athletes celebrating the Lunar New Year abroad are experiencing the holiday spirit through traditional foods while preparing for competitions at the Winter Olympics.
As Korean athletes prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics taking place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, many are celebrating the Lunar New Year with traditional foods provided by the Korea Sports Council. These include dishes like beef bone soup, omisanjeok, pan-fried cod, and japchae. In previous years, the athletes would participate in joint ceremonies and share New Year meals; however, this year, due to the intense competition schedule, there appears to be a lack of participation from the athletes, with many prioritizing their focus on the games.
On the night of January 17, South Korean snowboarder Yoo Seung-eun, who has already secured a bronze medal, is set to compete in the women's slopestyle finals. Should she earn another medal, she will become the first South Korean athlete in the snow sports category to win multiple medals at a Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, other sporting teams, including professional baseball players in spring training camps abroad, are also embracing the festive atmosphere by sharing traditional New Year dishes and engaging in folk games, such as yutnori and jegichagi.
International training camps, like that of the Doosan Bears in Sydney and the NC Dinos in Tucson, are presenting unique opportunities for foreign players to experience Korean traditions. These athletes expressed enthusiasm not just for the food, such as λ‘κ΅ (rice cake soup) but also for the cultural experience of celebrating the Lunar New Year, showcasing a blend of sports and cultural appreciation amongst athletes from different backgrounds.
