Korean Christmas and things you may not know

Korea is not only famous for its dramas and Hallyu wave but also has a very special Christmas season. If you are looking for a unique and warm Christmas experience , Korea is the ideal tourist destination. Let's discover interesting things about Christmas in Korea!

A Brief History of Korean Christmas

In Korea, some Christmas markets and lights are only put up a few days or a week before Christmas. (Photo: Ethan Brooke (Seoul Inspired))

Christianity first appeared in Korea more than 400 years ago, when a Korean diplomat brought back books from an Italian Catholic missionary in China. Although this is the first written record of Christianity in the country, the religion was banned in 1758 and did not flourish until the late 19th century.

In 1866, more than 8,000 Catholics were killed, as they were seen as a threat to the Joseon Dynasty. Throughout the years that followed, Christianity in Korea remained a small community and often had to go underground to protect its believers.

Protestantism was introduced to Korea about 20 years after American missionaries arrived on the peninsula. However, it was not until 1945 that the proportion of Christians began to increase rapidly, with nearly 25% of the population being Christian, mainly Catholic. This increase may have been related to education and the lack of a unified religion in Korean society at that time.

Christmas was declared a national holiday in South Korea in 1945 under the US administration. Today, nearly 30% of the South Korean population is Christian and Christmas has become a special occasion that many people celebrate. Interestingly, South Korea is the only Northeast Asian country that celebrates Christmas as a national holiday.

Although Christmas in Korea is recognized as a national holiday, larger holidays such as Chuseok (Thanksgiving) and Seollal (Lunar New Year) are still considered more important. While Chuseok and Seollal are occasions for families to get together, Christmas in Korea is mainly a time for couples to spend together.

Christmas Weather in Korea

Usually, it snows in many places in Korea during Christmas. (Photo: Roaming Sonaa).

During the Christmas season, Korea can be very cold, with snowfall common in many places, especially in the mountains and the capital Seoul . Currently, the land of Kim Chi is entering winter, and the weather is snowing. This is also an indispensable part of the Christmas atmosphere in Korea. Therefore, if you travel to Korea at this time, remember to bring suitable winter clothes to keep your body warm such as: scarves, gloves, hats, sweaters or down jackets...

How is Christmas celebrated in Korea?

While Christmas is a family day in many other countries, Christmas in Korea is more like a day for couples. (Photo: Collected)

Christmas, although a national holiday, lacks the gift-giving and family gatherings that are common in many other places. This is because in Korea, Christmas is often seen as a day for couples rather than families. While many countries celebrate Christmas as a time for family gatherings, in Korea , holidays like Chuseok and Seollal are more of a time for family gatherings.

Christmas in Korea is largely focused on personal and romantic relationships, with many couples going on dates on the day. Christians often attend mass on Christmas Eve or the morning of December 25.

Although Christmas in Korea is not the biggest holiday of the year, most people will have a day off. Tourist attractions and shops will remain open during Christmas in Korea. And of course, these places are decorated very beautifully with sparkling lights, giant Christmas trees and bustling Christmas markets for visitors to visit. Here are some of the outstanding activities during Christmas in Korea that you can participate in.

Christmas Activities in Korea

1. Shopping at the Christmas market

Namdaemun Market. (Photo: Ethan Brooke (Seoul Inspired))

Christmas in Seoul brings with it some fantastic Christmas markets, especially in popular shopping districts like Myeongdong and Namdaemun. One of the biggest Christmas markets is the Hongdae Christmas Market, which is open before and after Christmas Day. You can also visit department stores like Lotte and Shinsegae, which are decorated with Christmas lights.

There are also a number of other markets that can be found around Seoul around Christmas. These markets vary from year to year, however, you can usually find markets near the Han River (especially Yeouido) and near Seoul City Hall.

2. Visit Myeongdong Cathedral

Photo: Ethan Brooke (Seoul Inspired)

Myeongdong Cathedral is one of the most popular Christmas destinations in Korea . Here, you can attend mass, enjoy special activities such as nativity scenes, and admire the beautiful scenery from the gardens outside the church.

3. See Christmas lights

Morning Calm Garden. (Photo: Collected)

If you love Christmas lights, Seoul has some beautiful Christmas light displays. Myeongdong, Cheonggyecheon, and Seoul City Hall are great places to enjoy the twinkling lights. For something a little different, check out the Garden of Morning Calm and Petite France, where the entire area is decked out in Christmas lights.

4. Join the "outdoor party" at the parks in Seoul

Lotte World amusement park. Photo: Collected

If you want to enjoy the outdoors, Seoul has many beautiful parks such as Seoul Forest, Olympic Park... These are great places for you to relax and enjoy the Christmas holiday with your loved ones. Especially at Lotte World amusement park, there are also fireworks events and other special Christmas programs.

Winter Festivals and Events at Christmas in Korea

Skiing is a popular activity during the Christmas holidays in Korea. (Photo: Ethan Brooke (Seoul Inspired))

Christmas in Korea has many activities organized such as: art performances, Christmas markets, ice skating... If you love winter sports, skiing is an activity not to be missed on your trip to Korea this Christmas.

You can also join winter festivals such as the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival or the Pyeongchang Trout Festival . These festivals are great opportunities to experience exciting winter activities in areas outside of Seoul .

Christmas in Korea has its own distinct characteristics, and although it is not the same as Western Christmas festivals, it still brings a warm and exciting atmosphere for both locals and visitors. If you are planning to travel to Korea during Christmas , do not worry because activities and attractions are still open, and you will have the opportunity to explore a Christmas season that is deeply rooted in Korean culture.