Why Do Koreans Make a Wish on the First Snow (Cheotnun)?
Koreans make a wish on the first snow, or cheotnun (첫눈), because the first snowfall of the year is widely seen as a small, lucky, romantic moment — a sign of a fresh start. A popular belief says that a wish made as the first snow falls will come true, and the day is closely tied to love: couples promise to meet on the day of the first snow, and many people send a quick "It's the first snow!" message to someone they care about.
Why the first snow feels special
In much of Korea, the first snow usually arrives in late autumn or early winter, and it is often just a few light flakes that melt as soon as they land. That fleeting quality is part of the charm. After a long, colorful autumn, the first snow marks the real start of winter, and people tend to stop, look up and take a photo. Social media and group chats fill up within minutes.
The Korea Meteorological Administration announces an official first snow for each observation city, based on snowflakes actually being observed at the local weather station. So one neighborhood can see flakes while the city's official first snow has not been recorded yet — a small detail people love to debate.
The beliefs behind the wish
Wishes come true
The simplest version is a folk-style saying: if you make a wish while watching the first snow, it will come true. There is no fixed ritual. Some people close their eyes for a moment, some say the wish quietly, and some just think of it as they walk.
Meeting on the day of the first snow
"Let's meet on the day of the first snow" (첫눈 오는 날 만나자) is a classic romantic promise in Korean songs, dramas and webtoons. Because nobody knows exactly when the first snow will fall, the promise feels like a little act of fate. Old friends and former loves in K-dramas often use this line, and many real couples treat the first snow as an unofficial date day.
Balsam nail dye and first love
Another well-known belief involves bongseonhwa (봉숭아), the garden balsam flower. In summer, children and young people traditionally dye their fingernails orange-red with crushed balsam petals. The saying goes that if the color still remains on your nails when the first snow falls, your first love will come true. Since the dye slowly grows out over the months, keeping it until the first snow takes a bit of luck.
How people celebrate today
- Sending a message – a short "첫눈 온다!" (The first snow is falling!) text to a partner, crush, friend or parent.
- Going out together – couples meet for a walk, a warm drink or dinner.
- Taking photos – snow on palace roofs, streetlights and cafe windows.
- Listening to winter songs – K-pop tracks and ballads about the first snow climb back into playlists every year.
"When the first flakes come down, half my customers walk in holding their phones up, saying they just texted someone. I always ask what they wished for — nobody ever tells me." — Yves, electronics retailer in POPORO CITY
Where to enjoy the first snow as a visitor
You cannot schedule the first snow, but if you are in Seoul in late November or December, keep an eye on the forecast. Places that look beautiful in light snow include the palaces of Jongno, hanok alleys like Bukchon and Seochon, the walking paths of Namsan and the riverside parks. Our Seoul late autumn and winter guide has more ideas, and for more reliable snow, the mountains of Gangwon-do are the safer bet — see our Pyeongchang winter trip guide.
Quick tips
- Learn the phrase "첫눈 온다!" (cheotnun onda) — locals will smile if you say it.
- The first snow is usually light, but wear shoes with grip, as sidewalks can get slippery.
- Check the KMA or a Korean weather app for snow forecasts rather than relying on dates.
- Make your wish quietly — there is no wrong way to do it.
FAQ
When does the first snow usually fall in Seoul?
It varies from year to year, but it typically arrives somewhere between mid-November and December. Check the official weather forecast for the current season.
Is the first snow a holiday in Korea?
No. It is not an official holiday, just a cultural moment that many people enjoy and talk about.
Do I need to do anything special to make a wish?
No. There is no fixed ritual — simply think of or quietly say your wish while the first snow is falling.
Why do K-dramas mention the first snow so often?
Because the first snow is linked to fate, first love and promises to meet again, writers use it as a romantic turning point in many stories.