Christmas in South Korea Traditions
Christmas celebration in South Korea is a little different than it is in the rest of the world. Unlike, say, the United States, South Korea is not particularly festive over the Christmas season. You won’t hear Christmas music or see everything fully adorned at retail stores. There will not be a line of children eager to sit on Santa’s lap. But none of this means you can’t have a good time while you’re here.
Because South Koreans regard this as a Western holiday, they spend it with their friends rather than their families. As a result, on December 25, you’ll likely see a lot of couples out on a date enjoy this holiday!
We will show you how the locals celebrate Christmas in South Korea.
Top Christmas Activities To Do in South Korea
Now, we know we just mentioned it isn’t so festive here but there are plenty of activities to do to feel the holiday spirit! If you are interested in other winter activities check out this blog post.
Christmas Lights
Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong
Before the pandemic, Myeongdong was one of Seoul’s most popular tourist destinations. People would come here primarily to shop and sample Korean snacks. Throughout the year, the sites would be absolutely filled with tourists, and Christmas was no exception. Because Myeongdong is such a popular tourist destination, Lotte Department Store puts up Christmas lights every year. There are Christmas lights all around the department store, and the building itself is beautifully decked.
During the winter, this is a great area to visit, and couples enjoy going here to take pictures. It is unquestionably a must-see if you are in Seoul.
Cheonggyecheon Christmas Festival
If you are in the vicinity of Myeongdong, you must not miss the Cheonggyecheon Christmas Festival. The Cheonggyecheon is a man-made stream in the centre of the city. Most people come here to walk around with their families or on dates. During the holiday season, it is completely decked out in Christmas lights. Even in the stream, they set up floating booths with lights. We think it’s fantastic since it reminds us of home! If you live in town or are visiting for the holidays, this is a must-see.
Rent a Party Room
This is quite a popular thing among locals to do. People will rent out party rooms and decorate it with This is quite a popular thing among locals to do. People will rent out party rooms and decorate it with Christmas decorations that can be easily bought in stores like Daiso or at the famous markets here in Seoul. During the night they will enjoy activities such as karaoke or play games among their friends. We really like this idea to celebrate with your closed ones and have done this before with our friends.
Have a Fancy Meal
Going out to dinner with their loved ones has become the most popular Christmas celebration in South Korea. Typically, South Koreans will dine at trendy restaurants or stay in a fancy hotel that offers a special Christmas dinner menu. We recommend hotels such as Millenium Hilton Seoul, Fraser Place in Namdaemun, Top Cloud O-Five, and others if you don’t want to cook on Christmas.
Price: These restaurants have course meals that range from 60,000- 100,000KRW. Remember this includes the whole course not just one plate and you get to free yourself from the kitchen for at least one day.
Staycation
After the pandemic in 2020, when travel became increasingly difficult, South Koreans began to staycation in larger numbers. Rather than staying at home over the holidays, how about check into a new hotel in a different area and seeing a new section of South Korea.
If you’re already in South Korea as a tourist and staying in a hotel, consider renting a room in a different city or part of town for the night. Seoul is quite large, and there are lots to do in each district.
Merry Christmas in South Korean
Lastly if you see someone and want to wish them a Merry Christmas, just say ‘Merry Christmas’ 메리 크리스마스!