Christmas in Korea is truly one of the most wonderful times of the year. This guide has all the best things to do for Christmas in Korea.
You’ll know where to go ice skating in Seoul, where to see Christmas lights in Seoul, and even where to go skiing in Korea. Koreans love celebrating the changing of the seasons.
Although Christmas is mostly a romantic couple’s holiday in Korea, you can still find many things to do in Seoul with friends.
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How To Say Merry Christmas in Korean
In Korea, Merry Christmas is written (메리 크리스마스) or Meri krismas. You can also say seongtanjeol jal bonaeyo (성탄절 잘 보내요) and Jeulgaeun krismas doeseyo (즐거운 크리스마스 되세요).
Fun fact, because Christmas is so popular, Korean people call the fat man in a red suit, Santa Grandfather or Santa Haraboji.
Korean Christmas Traditions
The holiday season in Korea is much different than in the United States. It is mostly a couple holiday where romantic partners exchange gifts and go to love motels. Korean Christians will attend church services and close friends and close family will sometimes exchange gifts.
Many establishments in Korea will offer Christmas dinners for couples and department stores will be decked out in Christmas decorations.
The Christmas season in South Korea is truly magical. Check out my complete list of all the best places to see Christmas lights in Seoul.
Do Koreans give gifts for Christmas?
In Western culture, most of us wake up to gifts on Christmas morning; however, it’s not such a big thing in Korea. About 20% of the South Korean population identify as Christian.
Midnight Mass in Seoul
When: December 24, 2024
One of the top places to celebrate this religious holiday is at the Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral. Seating begins promptly at 9pm and the nativity scene is re-enacted starting at 10:30 pm, and then followed by Midnight Mass.
Address: 74, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 명동길 74 (명동2가)
How To Celebrate Christmas in Korea
If you’re single, you can still participate in the Christmas celebrations. I often see Korean girlfriends exchanging Christmas cards and eating ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins on Christmas.
Christmas is a public holiday in South Korea; many young people have off. This section will give you some ideas on celebrating Christmas in Seoul.
Attend a Winter Festival
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? If so, check out my comprehensive guide on all the best winter festivals in South Korea.
If you’re in a hurry, Santa Claus understands. Here are the festivals taking place during December in Korea.
1. Seoul Lantern Festival
When: December 13, 2024 – January 12, 2025
The Seoul Lantern Festival 2023 is back for its 16th year! Every year the theme changes and gorgeous lights are displayed among the Cheonggychon River. This is one of my favorite winter festivals in Seoul.
2. Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival
When: TBA 2024
The Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival in Korea is such a cool one! Have you ever dreamed about going on a rubber duck sled?
If you haven’t, then the question should be, “Why the hell not?” It is located in the valley between Myeongseong Mountain and Mangbong Mountain.
3. Pyeongchang Trout Ice Fishing Festival
When: TBA 2024
The Pyeongchang Trout Ice Fishing Festival takes place right in the heart of where the 2018 Winter Olympics were held. Similar to the Hwacheon Ice Festival, you can catch your own trout and have them bad boys cooked right in front of you.
Splurge on Christmas Dinner
Since South Korea is one of the few Asian countries that celebrate Christmas, many luxury hotels cater to having the perfect Christmas meal. These are my top recommendations for having a traditional holiday.
Whether you have a religious affiliation or not, the birth of Jesus is an excellent excuse to have yourself a feast. Put on your favorite Christmas songs and let’s get ready to splurge on some of the best restaurants in Seoul.
- Hearth | 85,000 won per person
- Grand Hilton Seoul | 100,000 won per person
- Four Seasons, the Market Kitchen | 118,000 won per person
- Brasserie Seogyo | 85,000 won per person
- Emilio Cibo & Vino | 120,000 won per person
- Ciuri Ciuri | 55,000 won per person
- Craic House | 55,000 won per person
- Christmas Lunch at Braai Republic | 65,000 won per person
Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is the perfect activity to get in the holiday spirit. It’ll keep you warm and Seoul has some of the best skating rinks I’ve been to.
Some popular places are Seoul City Hall, Lotte World, and the CoEx Ice Rink. Check out my comprehensive guide on where to go ice skating in Seoul.
Go Skiing
South Korea has excellent skiing since it is a mountainous country. Family members will often rent out huge rooms at ski resorts and have a staycation.
In my not-so-humble opinion, it’s not the festive season without snow. If you’re interested, check out my complete guide on where to go skiing in South Korea.
- 3 Days and 2 Nights Ski/Snowboard Tour at High 1 Ski Resort – This package includes a two-night stay at the High 1 Ski Resort, 3 day lift pass, and equipment rental. It does not include round-trip transport or ski clothes rental.
- 3 Days and 2 Nights Ski/Snowboard Tour at Alpensia Ski Resort – This is a multi-night package and you can choose whichever suits your needs. Ski equipment rentals are also included in your stay at the beautiful Alpensia Ski Resort. Round-trip transport and ski clothes rentals are a la carte.
- 2 Days and 1 Night Ski/Snowboard Tour at Elysian – Includes round trip transport from Seoul, premium accommodation at at the Elsuite Condominium at Elysian, ski clothes, and equipment rental.
Winter Solstice
Winter solstice is the longest night of the year. Koreans believe because of this you should eat red bean porridge (patjuk) to ward off evil spirits. Another popular option is to make dongji talismans.
This year, it will be celebrated on December 21, 2024.
Winter Weather in Korea
Winter weather in Korea honestly varies month by month. Korea in winter can be either very mild or very cold.
This time of year can be very cold if you come from a warmer climate, so check out my guide on everything you need to pack and wear for winter in Korea. P.S. For reference, it starts getting cold by late November in Korea.
December Weather in Korea
Korea in December brings average high temperatures of 37°F (3°C) and an average low temperature of 19°F (-7°C). It’s the second coldest month behind January.
Public Holidays in Korea During Winter
Christmas is a public holiday in South Korea. Seoul in December is also super fun because you’ll find all sorts of romantic Christmas lights throughout the city. It’s also a great opportunity to learn and experience Korean culture. In 2024, the Korea public holidays are:
- Christmas Day – December 25, 2024
- New Year’s Day – January 1, 2025
- Seollal (Lunar New Year) – January 28, 2025 – January 30, 2025
Christmas Food in Korea
In my experience, major hotels and shopping malls put on the best Christmas lights in Seoul. Many will offer fancy Christmas high tea and strawberry buffets.
1. Signiel Seoul Christmas Afternoon Tea
The Signiel Seoul has afternoon tea year round, but they also offer festive Christmas afternoon tea. They have stunning views of Seoul from their lounge.
2. JW Marriot Dongdaemun
Every year, the JW Marriott Dongdaemun presents the Barbie Salon de Ddalki. They also decorate the front lobby where you can also take Christmas photos. The hotel is located in central Seoul with proximity to many tourist attractions in Korea.
3. Park Hyatt Christmas High Tea
Every year, the Park Hyatt Seoul has a spectacular three-tier Christmas high tea. They offer seasonal confections along with delicious, warm, and buttery scones.
4. Paris Baguette Christmas Cake
Christmas customs are unique in East Asia and Korea is no exception. Koreans buy Christmas cakes and put candles on them. Fair enough, it’s Jesus’ birthday, so it makes sense. Order your Christmas cake ahead of time or go on Christmas Eve morning before they sell out.
5. Starbucks Korea
Is it Christmas in Korea unless you’ve tried the Starbucks Christmas drinks? They waste no time because as soon as October 31st hits, their Christmas music is on repeat, and limited edition items are ready for sale.
Christmas Markets in Seoul
Christmas markets in Korea are what make the season bright. The trees, the lights, the food, and the ambiance are enough to lift anyone’s spirits. It’s a reminder that though winter may be dark, there is hope for a new chapter to open in the coming year.
1. European Christmas Market
When: December 7, 2024 – December 8, 2024
The European Christmas Market in Seoul is sponsored by European embassies – Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, and Hungary. They have organized their European Christmas Market has been on for eleven years now and show no signs of stopping.
Address: Seongbukcheon Fountain Square (Hansung Univ. St. Exit 2) | 성북천 분수마루(한성대입구역 2번출구)
2. Itaewon Holiday Market
When: November 23, 2024 – November 24, 2024
Holiday Market Itaewon is hosted by Handmade Market Korea, an expat-run Facebook community, and Lit Lounge. Here you can support small businesses and local artisans with this Christmas market in Seoul.
Address: 34–65 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul | 이태원동 34–65
3. Marche de Noel
When: TBA 2024
What is a Marche de Noel? These are of course the French name for Christmas markets.
In France, these little villages are made up of wooden stalls called chalets. They officially start on the first weekend of Advent which is 4 Sundays before Christmas. This is one of my favorite Christmas markets in Seoul.
Address: Seorae Maeul Pari 15-gu Park; 68-2 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul | 서울시 서초구 반포동 68-2
Best Christmas Lights in Seoul
These are my top favorite displays I visit every year. For a full list, check out my blog post on the Best Christmas Lights in Seoul.
1. CoEx Mall Library | 별마당도서관
When: TBA 2024
Not only is the CoEx Library one of the most famous and Instagram-worthy locations in the entire city, but every season brings a new display. I feel like Seoul at Christmas is the best when you get to see all the love and dedication put into these trees.
Address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 513
2. Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong | 롯데백화점
When: November 1, 2024 – December 25, 2024
This year’s theme is, “It’s a wonderful showtime.” They have gorgeous Christmas displays and huge Christmas trees.
Address: 81, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 남대문로 81
3. Lotte World Mall Courtyard at Jamsil | 롯데월드몰
When: TBA 2024
Every year at the Lotte World Mall, they have a different theme. One year it was A shaped Christmas homes, another year, they collaborated with Marvel, and last year they have a Christmas market.
Address: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 300
4. Times Square Mall | 타임스퀘어
When: November 1, 2024 – December 25, 2024
Another one of my favorite Christmas displays, the Times Square Mall Christmas display is arguably one of Seoul’s classic favorites. Every year, they put the display out and tons of people flock there to take photos.
5. Le Grand Theater at Hyundai Coex | 현대백화점
When: November 1st – December 31st, 2024
Get yourself some tickets to la Boutique D’Harry at the Hyundai in Yeouido! But if you don’t feel like it, there’s a free display at the Hyundai Department Store in Gangnam.
Address: 517, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 강남구 테헤란로 517
Best Christmas Lights in Korea
1. Everland Christmas Fantasy | 에버랜드
Just a quick bus ride from Seoul is Everland, Korea’s biggest outdoor amusement park. Every year they have toboggans, snow sleds, and ice skating. This theme park really comes alive at night during their magical Everland Christmas Fantasy.
2. Garden of the Morning Calm | 아침고요수목원 오색별빛정원전
When: December 1, 2024 – March 16th, 2025
Garden of the Morning Calm is stunning in all seasons, and they put on a spectacular winter illumination. I’d never seen a light show of this magnitude.
3. Petite France
Petite France is a great day trip from Seoul. You can even make it so you can do both the Garden of The Morning Calm and this adorable theme park.
4. Herb Island Light Festival | 허브아일랜드 불빛동화축제
When: November 2024 – March 31st, 2025
Celebrate Christmas in Korea at Herb Island in Pocheon. You can really get into the holiday spirit with a Christmas Market, Santa Village, and a ton of sparkling lights.
Address: 35, Cheongsin-ro 947beon-gil, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 포천시 신북면 청신로947번길 35
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do they celebrate Christmas in Korea? / Is Christmas a holiday in Korea?
Christmas is a national holiday in South Korea. This year, it is on Monday, December 25, 2023. Christians make up 25-30% of the population.
2. Where should I go for Christmas in Seoul?
Seoul at Christmas is definitely a feast for the eyes. There’s many holiday events to attend. Definitely check out the Lotte World Christmas Miracle, Everland Christmas Fantasy, Myeongdong Lights Festival, and the Garden of the Morning Calm Light Festival.
3. What is there to do in Seoul on Christmas Day?
Since Christmas is a glorified Valentine’s Day in Korea, most people will be out doing romantic things. You’ll find them at amusement parks like Everland or Lotte World, enjoying a Seoul staycation, or going to a romantic dinner for two.
4. What do South Koreans eat on Christmas?
Koreans will usually eat a special meal or go out for something super yummy like Korean barbecue. Christmas cakes are popular in Korea. The Christmas cakes in Seoul are beautifully decorated and sell out quickly.
5. Does South Korea have snow?
Honestly, it depends on the year. It snowed a lot in 2020, but other years I’ve barely seen any snow. On the eat coast in northern provinces, you’ll definitely find more snow.
Christmas as seen as both a Christian holiday and a romantic holiday. So dress up and get your pictures with Grandfather Santa. Or hang out with the Christian Koreans and go to Christmas services.
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