The most burdensome part of Lunar New Year... as expected, "New Year's money"
As Lunar New Year approaches, you may start to feel unnecessarily busy.
It is a joyful holiday when you see your family and enjoy good food,
but at the same time, there is something you quietly worry about.
It is New Year's money and other holiday expenses.
A recent survey also showed that, ahead of Lunar New Year, Korean adults
picked "New Year's money and various expenses" as the most burdensome factor.
"It's fun... but there are too many places to spend money"
On February 10, Kakao Pay released the results of its analysis of Lunar New Year remittance envelope data along with a user survey.
According to the survey conducted through its lifestyle-focused financial brand journal "Pay Attention",
"New Year's money and various expenses" ranked first as the most burdensome factor during Lunar New Year.
Although the holiday is indeed a joyful time to spend with family,
the results show that the burden of cash outflows and various costs remains high.
The size of New Year's money is also growing every year
New Year's money is not only becoming more burdensome,
but the actual spending itself is on the rise.
Kakao Pay analyzed remittance envelope data during the Lunar New Year holidays and found that,
as of 2025, the most common amount of New Year's money that middle and high school students received via Lunar New Year remittance envelopes was 100,000 won.
Up to 2024, 50,000 won (39%) and 100,000 won (37%) were the main amounts, with 50,000 won slightly ahead.
Last year, however, the situation changed.
100,000 won (42%) and 50,000 won (37%) were the main amounts, with 100,000 won surpassing 50,000 won.
In other words, the informal standard for New Year's money is gradually rising.
The average holiday allowance given to parents is also 227,000 won
Not only New Year's money for children, but the holiday allowance given to parents is also significant.
Among respondents in their 20s to 40s,
the average amount of allowance sent to parents via Lunar New Year remittance envelopes was tallied at 227,000 won.
By age group, people in their 20s gave an average of 190,000 won, those in their 30s 220,000 won, and those in their 40s 230,000 won,
showing a tendency for spending to increase with age.
Between the warmth of the holiday and financial reality
Lunar New Year is a time when family and relatives gather and share affection,
but it is also a time when wallets open wide.
Since New Year's money and allowances carry the meaning of "heartfelt sentiment" beyond just cash,
people tend to feel the burden even more.
For the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, it may be good to keep your heart warm while preparing your spending wisely.
