Guide To Christmas In Korea | Traditions, Songs & Things To Do

Planning a visit to South Korea during the festive season? Curious about how Christmas is celebrated in Korea? Interested in learning Korean Christmas songs and local traditions? Or perhaps you want to learn how to extend holiday greetings in Korean? If you’re asking, “Do Koreans celebrate Christmas?” This comprehensive guide will provide you with essential information about celebrating Christmas in South Korea. Ready to learn more? Dive deeper into the world of the Korean winter festival in thisKorea winter blog.

Christianity arrived in South Korea just a few centuries ago, around the 17th century. During the early years, Christian missionaries faced severe prosecution due to their religious beliefs. However, with the passage of time, Christmas celebrations gained popularity among both Christian and non-Christian Koreans. These celebrations tend to have a unique blend of Western and traditional Korean influences.

Noteworthy Factors about Christmas in South Korea:

• The young generation is becoming more receptive to Western traditions, while the older generation still prefers observing the unique Korean Christmas customs.

• Contrary to many parts of the world, where Christmas is a significant family holiday, in South Korea, it’s often seen as a romantic occasion for couples.

• Although Christmas is recognized as a public holiday on 25th December, it is not as lavishly celebrated as other national festivals, such as Chuseok and Seollal.

• While Christmas day is an official day off, many Koreans, including expats, typically report to work on 24th and 26th December.

• For non-religious individuals, Christmas functions largely as a popular shopping day, with many taking advantage of end-of-year sales and promotions.

Despite some differences in traditions and timing, celebrating Christmas in South Korea can be an intriguing and distinctive experience. While the Korean winter season does not officially start until a month or two after Christmas, holiday festivities still provide ample warmth and joy.

Whether you’re planning to delve into the Christmas shopping frenzy or cherish a quiet, intimate celebration with a loved one, experiencing Christmas in South Korea is undoubtedly a memory to be cherished.

Korean Christmas Traditions

Korea is home to a diverse range of Christmas traditions that can vary depending on the person’s religion or family background. Some families observe Christmas as a special family holiday, while others view it as a day fit for couples to celebrate. Therefore, the answer to the question: ‘do Koreans celebrate Christmas’, is a resounding ‘yes’. However, it’s important to note that there are different ways in which Christmas is commemorated in Korea.

Korean Christmas Cuisine

Korean Christmas cuisine significantly differs from traditional Western Christmas dinners, as Korean traditions greatly influence their holiday cuisine choices. For Korean families, Christmas is not complete without a feast comprising bulgogi, japchae, kimchi, rice cakes, and fruits.

However, with the evolution of Korean food culture over time, the trend of dining out at buffets, especially for couples, has become increasingly popular. Numerous restaurants and theme parks have taken advantage of this trend by offering special Christmas menus and events. Therefore, if you’re considering dining out during Christmas, ensure that you book in advance to avoid missing out on these special offerings.

Where to Have a Western-Style Christmas Meal

Most Korean restaurants that serve Christmas menus often blend Western cuisine with a Korean twist. In areas like Itaewon, you can find several establishments that serve traditional Christmas meals.

• Dillingers Bar & Grill – This famous bar serves a great Christmas meal on December 25th. For 30,000 KRW a ticket, you can enjoy traditional mains, a free drink, and cheesecake for dessert.
• Yaletown Burgers & Bar – This bar transforms into a cosy restaurant and serves traditional Christmas dishes such as turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing for only 20,000 KRW. However, they do not accept bookings in advance, so you might have to contend with a bit of wait time.
• La Marmite – This French bistro offers a six-course menu featuring French specialties for 75,000 KRW per person.

Korean Christmas Gifts

In Korea, gift-giving during Christmas is not a highly emphasized tradition as it is in other cultures. While some people may exchange presents, it is more common for money to be given, often presented in ornate envelopes in a courteous manner with both hands. If a present is given, it is likely to be a Korean gift set, such as beauty products, a spam or jam box or red ginseng.

Suggested Korean Christmas Gifts

If you’re fortunate enough to be visiting home for the holidays, you might want to bring home some unique Korean Christmas gifts. Here are a few suggestions:

• Hangeul name stamp
• Korean jewelry box
• Starbucks Christmas merchandise
• Cute Korean socks
• Jeju green tea
• Korean snacks
• Character decoration – character shops like Kakao yearly release winter or Christmas themed merchandise. Learn more here.
• Wooden ducks – traditionally used at Korean wedding ceremonies. Learn more here.

Most of the items listed above can be bought in areas like Insadong or Myeongdong, or they can be ordered online.

Christmas Decorations in Korea

Christmas decorations in South Korea are another fascinating aspect of their holiday traditions. Department stores, cafes, and retail establishments are often elaborately decorated with stunning displays of lights, moving animations, and video screens. These decorations typically appear from early to mid-November. Real Christmas trees aren’t quite popular in Korea, however, many shops like Daiso sell affordable and pretty decorations.

Best Places to View Christmas Decorations in Korea

For those wishing to indulge in the festive atmosphere and view beautiful Christmas decorations, the following locations are recommended:

• Myeongdong Shinsegae Department Store – Known for its enormous Christmas tree in front of the department store and the stunning video displays on the main facade.
• City Hall Seoul Plaza – Over December and January, the Seoul Plaza in front of the City Hall displays a Christmas tree and is home to an ice rink.
• Galleria Department Store – This luxurious department store in the Apgujeong area is known for its captivating Christmas lights adornments on the main exterior.
• Everland – During the Christmas season, Everland park hosts a special winter festival, filled with impeccable light decorations, Santa Claus performances, and parades. Check out more details here.
• Lotte World – Like Everland, Lotte World holds a special festive program during the Christmas season. Learn more here.
• Time Square – Despite being somewhat removed from touristic areas, the department store features some of the most beautiful decorations in their inner courtyard. There are also special events and performances each Christmas season in Korea.

Korean Christmas Church Services

Christianity makes up about 30% of the Korean population, resulting in a multitude of churches offering special Christmas services. Some of these services take place in English, mainly located in Seoul but some are offered in other major cities as well. After the service, many will often continue the celebration with dinners and social gatherings. You can find more information on English-speaking churches here.

At the Myeongdong Cathedral, a traditional event occurs each year on Christmas Eve involving a reenactment of the birth of Jesus. This wonderful display is yet another unique way the Christmas season is celebrated in Korea.

An Overview of the Korean Christmas Songs

South Korea, much like the rest of the world, joyously embraces the festive spirit of Christmas with engaging music contributing significantly to the jubilant ambience. Although being dominantly a non-Christian country, the charm of Christmas is still vividly visible across the country, with streets, shops, and houses adorned with decorations.

Coursing through the airwaves and street corners are lovely Christmas songs including popular Kpop melodies and intriguing Korean renditions of traditional western carols. Seasonally, the beloved Korean pop, or Kpop artists, step up to make merry with fans through the release of unique Christmas numbers that often become hit records.

Engaging Kpop Christmas Music

Many renowned Kpop bands religiously churn out fresh Christmas songs every season. These songs bear the classic Kpop vibe and have a knack for turning into chart-toppers. During the festive season, the euphonious tunes of Kpop Christmas songs replace the familiar traditional western carols in the streets of South Korea.

A host of Kpop groups and artists have set a trend for releasing special Christmas singles. Here are some notable ones:

Annual Releases
– “Goodbye Christmas” by Lay
– “Lonely Christmas” by Monsta X
– “Christmas Day” by Starship Planet
– “Merry & Happy” by TWICE
– “Dear Santa” by Girls’ Generation
– “Miracles in December” by EXO
– “Snow Kiss” by Teen Top
– “Christmas Song” by Cube United
– “White” by Fin.K.L
– “Santa U Are the One” by SMTOWN
– “Last Christmas” by BTS

Traditional Western Songs Sung in Korean

The beautiful element of the Korean Christmas music scenario is the seamless melding of the western influences with the vivid local color. Korean versions of popular western Christmas carols are captivating in their own way.

While the Kpop artists actively release upbeat and mellow Christmas music, the familiar tunes of traditional Christmas songs reverberate in Korean households and churches. Listening to Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and Jingle Bells in Korean is an absolutely enchanting experience. These versions are particularly popular among children, adding a charming, local touch to the universal spirit of Christmas celebration.

Experiencing Christmas in South Korea

Celebrating the holiday season in South Korea provides a unique blend of cultural and festive experiences. Much like the diversity of activities available during the winter season in this Asian destination, Christmas in South Korea is filled with captivating events designed to capture the spirit of the holiday. Below are some of these extraordinary and truly festive experiences:

1. Busan Christmas Tree Festival

Located in Busan, a metropolitan city fringed with stunning beachfronts and harbors – this festival turns the city center into a bona fide winter wonderland every year. It showcases spectacularly decorated Christmas trees, while the timeworn precincts like the Busan station and Gwangbok-ro get draped in shimmering lights and festive adornments. The festival’s main attraction is the 1.2 kilometer promenade from Gukje Market to Gwangbok-ro, which is a sight to behold. Visiting Busan during the winter season is highly recommended for its ethereal Christmas ambience.

2. Seongsan Sunrise Festival

Held annually at the enigmatic Sunrise Peak in Jeju Island, the Seongsan Sunrise Festival hosts people from countrywide and beyond who congregate to witness the first sunrise of the New Year. This cultural phenomenon is considered a harbinger of good fortune in Korea.

3. Ice Fishing Festival

Attributing to Korea’s frigid winter season, numerous ice fishing festivals come to life, and among them, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival and the Pyeongchang Trout Festival are the most acclaimed. These offer the ideal day trip from Seoul with a range of enjoyable winter activities – ice fishing, sledding, ice sculpture displays, and much more!

4. Skiing in Korea

With its diverse landform dominated by mountains, skiing around the Christmas season in Korea is an exhilarating experience to explore. For those who desire a white Christmas, skiing is the topmost activity. The country has over 20 ski resorts, and you can compare the best ski resorts here. You’ll have an enhanced chance of encountering snow in one of these resorts rather than in bustling Seoul.

5. Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival

In a splendid display of illumination, the Lighting Festival at the Garden of Morning Calm remains South Korea’s largest lighting festival. The entire garden blooms in the gleaming glow of over 30,000 lights, creating a perfect winter experience for couples and families alike. It’s indeed a sight you can’t afford to miss from your Korea itinerary – more information is available here.

Celebrating Christmas in Korean

Are you looking to wish your Korean friends a Merry Christmas? This section will guide you on how to express ‘Merry Christmas’ in different Korean phrases and the cultural nuances associated with them.

“Merry Christmas” in Korean is typically expressed as “Meri Krismas (메리 크리스마스)”, mirroring the English pronunciation but adapting it slightly to fit Korean phonetics. However, there is also a native Korean equivalent to this phrase: “Seongtanjeol jal bonaeyo (성탄절 잘 보내요)”, which carries a meaning akin to “Spend Christmas well”. For a more exuberant sentiment, you can also say “Jeulgaeun krismas doeseyo (즐거운 크리스마스 되세요)” translating to “Have a joyful Christmas”.

In situations requiring formal communication or when addressing elders, use the phrase “Haengbokan keuriseumaseu doesipsio (행복한 크리스마스 되십시오)” which essentially means “Have a happy Christmas”. This phrase can also frequently be found on advertisements, Christmas cards, and other various festive paraphernalia.

Though there are multiple ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Korean, the phrases above are the most commonly used. With this information, you are now equipped to extend your warm Christmas wishes in Korean for your next Christmas gathering.

To enrich your Korean Christmas vocabulary even further, here’s a list of other handy Korean words related to Christmas in South Korea:

• 눈: Snow
• 칠면조 고기: Turkey
• 선물: Presents
• 크리스마스 트리: Christmas tree
• 캐롤: Carol
• 루돌프: Rudolph
• 요정: Elf

Now that you’re equipped with these holiday expressions, you’re all set to enjoy and celebrate Christmas the Korean way!

Korean Christmas Movies And Dramas

Prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Korean Christmas movies and dramas, portraying the essence of the holiday season through mesmerizing visuals and compelling narratives.

1. Will It Snow For Christmas?

Embrace the magic of seasonal melodramas with Will It Snow For Christmas? The gripping plot revolves around a man and a woman who, despite being undeniably soulmates, find their relationship constantly challenged by a host of significant hurdles. It captures the essence of romantic struggle and illustrates the relentless pursuit of love amidst adversity.

2. White Christmas

White Christmas veers away from conventional Christmas tales, introducing elements of mystery and thrill. Set in the chilling isolation of a boarding school during the Christmas holidays, a group of students and a teacher find themselves targeted by bizarre and hair-raising events, pushing the boundaries between holiday cheer and suspense.

3. Winter Sonata

Winter Sonata, a treasured Korean melodrama, skyrocketed the popularity of Nami Island, a location that is now considered a staple in a Seoul itinerary. Reflecting the charm of classic Korean storylines, it achieved tremendous fame despite its age. Regrettably, one of the main actors from the drama has since passed away.

4. Snow is on the Sea

The core tale of Snow is on the Sea centers on a young woman diagnosed with hematopoietic dysplasia on a snowy day. This life-altering event propels her towards a new journey in the world of fragrances and scents. As she seeks the ultimate perfume, she crosses paths with Sang Woo, a man who intriguingly shares the same scent as her father. This enthralling story is a blend of intrigue, romance, and resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Christmas observed in Korea? In contrast to the collective family celebrations commonly seen in the West, Christmas in Korea leans more towards a couple-centric holiday. It may not be recognized as a significant festivity as compared to other native holidays, yet it is still cherished within the comfort of homes, often enjoyed in the company of loved ones.

Is Christmas acknowledged in Korea? Absolutely, Christmas is recognized and celebrated in South Korea. Despite not being classified as a major holiday, Christmas is considered a public holiday, with many individuals choosing to spend this restful day at home, creating treasured memories with family and loved ones.

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Have you had the experience of celebrating Christmas in Korea? Do you have any questions about the unique South Korean Christmas traditions? Or perhaps there’s something you feel is missing or would like to know more about specific Korean Christmas customs? Do you have a favorite Korean Christmas song? Share your thoughts and queries in the comment section below!