On Sunday, 20 April 2025, the Cambodian community celebrated the Khmer New Year in Ansan City in the Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The New Year, known as Choul Chnam Thmay, is one of the most important and joyful festivals in Cambodia. It typically takes place over three days in mid-April, usually around April 13–15, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year in the Khmer lunar calendar.
In April, many Southeast Asian countries celebrate a traditional new year. These celebrations include water festivals, religious observances, and family gatherings. Key countries and their respective New Years include: Thailand (Songkran), Cambodia (Khmer New Year/Chol Chnam Thmey), Laos (Pi Mai), Philippines (Bisperas ng Bagong Taon), and Myanmar (Thingyan).
According to the Korea Times report, the atmosphere was filled with joy and festivity, as more and more Cambodians from all corners of Korea kept coming together in celebration. For many of them, the holiday in Korea is more than a festival, it’s a shared identity, culture and memories. Even far from home, the heart of Cambodia continues to beat strongly within its people.
The festival attracted over 5,000 people, including Koreans and foreign residents, as the wide street offered enough space for Cambodians’ traditional games, cultural dances, music performances and colorful ceremonies. The celebration was more than just a festival, but a time of renewal and reconnection with family, friends and community, as well as with nature.
An estimated 54,080 Cambodians were living in Korea as of 2023. Some sources cite a slightly higher figure of 65,002 as of 2024, including both workers and other residents.
Here’s to a happy New Year to all the Cambodians living in South Korea and all Cambodians. Here are scenes from the Khmer New Year in South Korea. All photos were taken by Bereket Alemayehu.
