Ultimate Guide to Celebrate Christmas in Korea!

Hey there, fellow holiday enthusiast! Ever dreamt of experiencing a K-drama winter holiday fantasy or singing your heart out to “All I Want for Christmas is You” on the streets of Seoul as you celebrate Christmas in Korea?

Well, you’re in the right place!

I will share to you an ultimate guide to celebrate Christmas in Korea for an unforgettable Christmas experience!

Let’s dive right into the insiders guide on where to find some seasonal magic in Korea and make your Christmas unforgettable.

Cultural Insights About Celebrate Christmas in Korea

So, you’re celebrating Christmas in Korea for the first time?

Brace yourself for some cultural surprises!

While Christmas Day (12/25) is a national holiday, it’s less about Christian traditions and more about a commercial and romantic vibe, kind of like how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the US.

Over 70% of South Koreans participate in festive activities during the holiday season, turning cities like Seoul and Busan into mesmerizing winter wonderlands.

If you’ve ever wondered how Christmas is celebrated in this vibrant Asian nation, you’re in for a treat!

Let’s take a look at some of the ways Korean celebrate Christmas in Korea.

1. Enjoying Dazzling Christmas Lights and Decorations

Credit to wikipedia

Here are some place and activities you can do to celebrate Christmas in Korea.

Seoul Lantern Festival: A blend of traditional Korean-style lanterns and modern-themed sculptures, this festival is a must-visit. Expect crowds, but the beauty is totally worth it!
Myeongdong Walking Street: Picture this – Myeongdong adorned with holiday decor and sparkling lights. Best experienced at night with street food to munch on!
Myeongdong Cathedral: Near the bustling Myeongdong Walking Street, the cathedral transforms into a dazzling display of lights and features a popular “wishing tree.”
Seoul Light DDP: Witness an epic light show at Seoul’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Don’t miss the Christmas Market and art exhibits happening simultaneously.
Lighting Festival at The Garden of Morning Calm: A day trip to this botanical garden near Seoul turns into a magical experience with illuminated plants and fields.
Santa’s Village at Herb Island: North of Seoul in Pocheon, this village offers a Christmas market, 300 Santa sculptures, and a mesmerizing light tunnel.
Busan Christmas Tree and Haeundae Light Festival: A tradition for a decade, this festival lights up Busan’s streets and beach with beautiful displays and activities.

2. Explore Beautifully Decorated Department Stores and Malls

Here are some place you can visit to enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations.

La Boutique D’Harry at The Hyundai Seoul: Seoul’s largest mall turns into a European-themed Christmas village with a massive Christmas tree.
The Hyundai Department Store Trade Centre Gangnam: Catch a smaller-scale version with an Instagramable toy workshop full of cute teddy bears.
Shinsegae Magical Winter Fantasy: Shinsegae Department Store in Myeongdong boasts a gigantic light display celebrating a “Magical Winter Fantasy.”
My Dearest Wish at the Lotte Department Store: Find a gorgeously decorated 15-meter Christmas tree and themed windows matching this year’s Christmas story.
Coex Mall Starfield Library: Explore a gold-themed Christmas tree in the center of Coex’s iconic Starfield Library.

3. Experience the Magic of Amusement Parks

Credit to habkorea

Here are some winter wonderlands you can visit in Korea.

Lotte World Miracle Winter: Lotte World in Seoul transforms into a holiday-themed winter wonderland with performances, parades, and a Snow Castle.
Everland Winter Wishes: Experience holiday magic at Everland with rides, Santa’s Village, Christmas parades, and the Snow Buster for sledding fun.
Luna Park at Seoul Land: Visit Seoul Land at night for a winter theme park with light shows, winter concerts, and thrilling rides.

4. Revel in the Charm of Holiday Markets

Holiday markets are perfect for socializing, shopping, and soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Here are some place you can visit.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza Christmas Market: As part of the DDP Winter Festival, enjoy Christmas cheer with light shows and Christmas-themed gifts.
Jaturi Christmas Market at Insadong Anyoung Shopping Centre: A tiny and quaint market with handmade and artisan gifts, located in Insadong.
Ssamziegil Shopping Complex in Insadong: While not a traditional market, this space in the artsy Insadong area features lights and decorations.

5. Embrace Snow Parks for Winter Fun

Credit to travelstained

Experience the joy of sledding and other snow-filled activities at Korea’s snow parks.

Here are some snow parks to go to enjoy breathtaking display of ice sculptures, outdoor winter activities and classic winter Korean street food.

Alps Village “Frozen” Paradise: A winter wonderland with outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and stunning ice sculptures.
Onemount Snow Park: An all-in-one winter experience with ice skating, sledding, snow tubing, winter ice shows, and even a visit to Santa’s village.

6. Rejuvenate in Hot Springs

Credit to CNN

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation by visiting Korean Jjimjilbang / natural hot springs around Korea.

Here are some place you can go to destress and unwind.

Bugok Hot Springs: Warm up at this famous spa in Gyeongsangnam-do with outdoor winter activities and classic Korean street food.
Hurshimchung Grand Spa: Located in Busan, this spa offers indoor hot spring spa rooms for relaxation and warmth.
Paradise Spa DOGO: Head to Chungcheongnam-do for a relaxing experience in natural hot springs.

7. Savor Christmas Delicacies and Café Culture

Korea’s café culture thrives year-round, but during Christmas, cafes go all out with holiday-themed treats.

Visit dessert cafes, bingsu (shaved ice dessert) cafes or delightful Christmas cakes bakery cafes to immerse yourself even more in the spirit of Christmas.

For a unique experience, try themed cafés like the Line Friends Café or Kakao Friends Café.

Both offer adorable character-themed treats and cozy atmospheres perfect for unwinding during the holiday season.

More than that, you can try Korean Christmas treats, such as a delicious Christmas wind rice cake.

You can find these at local bakeries or specialty dessert shops.

8. Create Lasting Memories at Photobooths

Don’t forget to document your holiday adventures at the various themed photo booths across the city. Perfect for creating lasting memories!

Conclusion: Making Memories to Last a Lifetime

That’s it guys, the guide I can share to celebrate Christmas in Korea.

Wishing you a warm, joyful, and unforgettable Christmas in South Korea!

May your holiday be filled with laughter, love, and all the magic this beautiful country has to offer during this festive season.

Cheers to making memories that last a lifetime with your loved ones!

Now, go forth and unlock the magic of the season in the Land of the Morning Calm!

Anyway, How do you think about these activities to celebrate Christmas in Korea?

Which of these activities to celebrate Christmas in Korea you love the most?

Let me know in the comment sections below!

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Travel Tips and Reminders

1. Booking Tickets and Making Reservations

Be sure to plan ahead, especially for popular events and attractions.

Some places might require reservations, so check ahead and secure your spot for a hassle-free holiday.

2. Being Mindful of Transportation

Korea’s winter can get chilly, so bundle up!

Also, consider taxis, especially when hopping between festive spots.

3. Bundling Up and Staying Warm

Did we mention it gets cold?

Dress in layers, grab a hot cup of cocoa, and embrace the chill.

It’s all part of the magical winter experience!

4. Having Fun!

Most importantly, have a blast!

Whether you’re enjoying the lights, sipping hot chocolate, or ice skating under the stars, let the holiday spirit take over.

Celebrate, make memories, and spread that Christmas cheer!

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