South Koreans largely have a positive view of Americans and Canadians and—”Meri keurismaseu!” (메리 크리스마스). The phrase is an example of Konglish, a Korean pronunciation of an English loanword. Korean is full of such phrases due to the impact of the Western world on the country and Christmas in Korea.
That’s why if you’re abroad for the holiday season or looking for a foreign country to relocate to from the U.S. or Canada temporarily or permanently, South Korea is the perfect destination. Christmas occurs on December 25th, just as it does in North America, but South Korean Christmas traditions differ greatly.
In this guide created by our team here at Remitly, we’ll share some great ideas for how to celebrate Christmas in Korea and answer your questions about what to expect from a Korean Christmas.
Christmas in Korea is a time for romance
In Western countries and other parts of the world, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. However, Christmas in Korea has a more secular meaning as a couple’s holiday or family holiday.
Ben Kim, a resident of South Korea, states, “Christmas isn’t actually super popular amongst all Koreans. It is more celebrated for sales and marketing. [The] majority of those who celebrate Christmas are couples and friends (similar to Valentine’s Day), although it is recognized as a national holiday. Christmas in Korea became popular due to Christianity. [The] majority of Korean Christmas festivities mimic those of the Western culture.”
11 romantic holiday adventures to do in South Korea
Since Christmas is largely secular and non-religious in South Korea, there are truly unique activities and traditions to try out while you’re in the country during the holiday. Discover some of the best things to do to celebrate, especially if you’re in a romantic relationship.
We’ve questioned the locals and found 11 unique and romantic Christmas activities to do in South Korea during Christmas.
1. Watch romantic Korean Christmas movies
You don’t have to leave your home or hotel to get into the holiday spirit. Order some Korean comfort food like kimchi-jiggae (a pork or seafood stew) or haejang-gu (a hardy beef broth-based soup).
Then turn on a romantic Korean movie like Snow Is on the Sea or binge a K-drama like Will It Snow for Christmas?, The Wind Blows, Winter Sonata, or That Winter.
2. Listen to Korean Christmas songs
After your watch party, cuddle up beneath a blanket and listen to some romantic K-pop songs. Some great selections for your South Korean Christmas music playlist include:
- “Goodbye Christmas” by Lay
- “Lonely Christmas” by Monsta X
- “White” by Fin.K.L
- “Merry & Happy” by Twice
- “Dear Santa” by Girls’ Generation
- “Miracles in December” by EXO
- “Snow Kiss” by Teen Top
- “Last Christmas” by BTS
- “This Christmas” by Taeyeon
- “Coming Home” by NCT U
- “White” by The Boyz
- “Love You on Christmas” by Yerin Baek
- “Winter Breath” by Sooyoung
- “Winter Poem” by Kang Hyewon
- “Just Another Winter Song” by I’ll
Not only will your night-in give you a chance to spend some relaxing quality time together, but it will also give you a taste of Korean television and music, which are a huge part of the culture.
3. Stroll around a Christmas market in Korea
Although they originated in Europe, Christmas markets have become popular all over the world. South Korea is home to a number of these open-air fairs that feature handmade decorations and gifts as well as small decorated trees.
Here are three of the best ones to check out in Seoul:
Namdaemun Market
Located in Jung-gu, the historic center of the city, this market draws crowds year-round with vendors who sell fresh produce, seafood, and other items. During December, the area transforms into a pop-up Christmas market with many stands open 24 hours a day. The adjacent indoor Daedo General Shopping Center also features a variety of Christmas-themed shops during the season.
Dongdaemun Market
Throughout the year, Dongdaemun Market is a shopper’s paradise. The area is home to 26 malls with more than 30,000 specialty shops. With a mix of temporary Christmas vendors and stores selling popular brands, you can easily complete all of your holiday shopping here. When you get hungry, head to Mukja Golmok to sample delicious Korean street food.
Goto Mall
Located in the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal, this indoor shopping mall features more than 600 stores, selling everything from live succulents to trendy apparel. You’ll also find vendors selling Christmas decor throughout the month of December.
In addition to hitting the Christmas markets, check out department stores like Lotte Mart and Shinsegae, where you’ll find beautiful lights and other decorations.
Seoul Plaza and other public spaces are decked out in twinkling lights for the festive season, so make a night out of shopping under the glow of Christmas lights.
4. Visit a festival of lights
The colorful glow of a festival of lights will get you in the spirit of the season, set the mood for a romantic date, and give you plenty of opportunities for snapping cute selfies.
There are dozens of festivals and light displays held throughout South Korea during the winter months that you can visit.
Here are three of the best options for your romantic Christmas in Korea outing:
Garden of the Morning Calm
The Garden of the Morning Calm opened in 1996 and has become one of the most popular attractions in Gapyeong County. Every winter, the picturesque garden is transformed with colorful lights. Their annual Lighting Festival usually runs from the first week of December through March.
Busan Christmas Tree Cultural Festival
Each December, the city of Busan turns the Gwangbok-ro district into a festive fair with towering LED Christmas trees, glowing reindeer, twinkling snowflakes, and other decorations. Concerts take place almost every night, adding to the cheerful mood.
E-World Starlight Festival
The E-World amusement park in Daegu gets a festive makeover every year. There, you can pose for photos beneath a lighted tree that is 15 meters tall and stroll along the 250-meter illuminated lover’s lane. Visit the garden and steal a kiss among 100,000 roses made of LEDs. The event usually begins in late November and lasts through February.
5. Visit Namsan Tower
Namsan Seoul Tower is one of the most romantic spots in South Korea’s capital. The tower provides 360-degree views of Seoul and is especially beautiful during the holiday season when so much of the city is lit up.
During the weeks leading up to Christmas, the tower is decorated with trees. After you take in the view and check out the decorations, treat yourself to a meal at one of the restaurants in the tower.
Options include:
- n.GRILL, fine French cuisine
- HanCook, a modern upscale Korean grill
- The Place, a bistro serving Western fare
- N Burger, a retro diner
- Cheiljiemyunso, a noodle bar
Reservations are recommended at many restaurants, so be sure to make arrangements in advance. On Christmas in Korea, the tower is open from 11:00–22:30. Restaurant hours vary.
6. Go sledding at Seoul Land
What could be more romantic than a day of rushing down the hillside on a sled built for two? Seoul Land is the ideal place for this traditional winter activity and has a whole lot more to offer, too.
The amusement park is also home to the Luna Park Light Festival. This year-round event includes a laser light show performed alongside South Korea’s largest mirror ball and the Romantic Garden filled with LED roses and sculptures.
For a memorable souvenir of the night, head to the Moon Photo Zone for a photo shoot.
7. Watch the sunrise on Jeju Island
Jeju Island is South Korea’s largest island, and its beautiful landscapes make it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. During the days between Christmas and the New Year, the island is home to the Seongsan Sunrise Festival. The event takes place at Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, which is a UNESCO World Nature Heritage Site.
Each day, you can wake up together and watch the breathtaking sunrise over the mountain. Then, head to Spa Ara at the Haevichi Resort and enjoy a traditional Korean couple’s massage. Stroll along the beach and wait until nightfall, when you can watch a dazzling fireworks display hand in hand.
8. Go ice skating in Seoul
Seoul offers two great places to lace up your skates. During the winter months, the outdoor pool at the Grand Hyatt becomes a 910 sq. meter ice skating rink with gorgeous lighting, mood-setting music, and picturesque views of the Han River.
Olympic Park, the former site of the Seoul Olympics, is also home to an ice rink. Its distance from the city center makes it a more intimate spot, but it’s still accessible by subway to Jamsil Station and then bus 30-5.
Whether the two of you are skilled enough to try some couple’s skating moves or just need to hold onto each other to stay standing, an afternoon or evening at either skating rink is sure to make romantic memories.
9. Marvel at fantastic ice sculptures
For the artsy couple, the Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival is a great place to spend a day. The festival usually starts on New Year’s Day and lasts through mid-February at the Alps Village, a farm community in Chungcheongnam-do open to the public.
Each year, the main daytime attraction is the ice sculpture garden, featuring remarkable hand-carved works of art. You can also cuddle up in the back of a bobsleigh and tour the area.
Enjoy roasted chestnuts and sweet potato for dinner, and then explore the light displays at night. The glowing wish tunnel and the firefly tree are the two most romantic spots.
10. Tour a historic cathedral
If you want to incorporate some elements of a traditional Western Christmas into your day, plan to visit Myeongdong Cathedral.
Each year, on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas, the historic cathedral hosts a small Christmas market and nativity display. Free mulled wine and snacks are usually provided by the parish priests.
The two of you can stroll the illuminated grounds of the Gothic-style church, which became the first brick-built place of worship in South Korea when it was completed in 1898. Masses are held at 21:00 and midnight and are open to the public if you wish to attend.
Before you leave, make a small donation to the cathedral’s charity programs for those in need, and you’ll receive slips of paper. Then, you can write down your wishes for the New Year ahead and add them to the beautiful outdoor Wish Tree.
11. Sample Korean Christmas food
Food is an important part of Korean culture, so why not taste your way through Christmas in South Korea? Ben Kim mentioned that “some of the traditional foods we eat for the holidays are Korean BBQ, pajeon (Korean pancakes), dduk (rice cake), jap chae (stir-fried glass noodles), and tang (soup), to name a few.”
Christmas cake is a popular way to finish off a romantic dinner. In South Korea, this Christmas food features a delicious vanilla frosting and fresh strawberries.
Christmas in Korea FAQs
Have lingering questions about Christmas in Korea? Read on to learn more about Korean Christmas traditions.
Do they have Santa Claus in Korea?
Because many of the Korean traditions for the Christmas holidays draw inspiration from Western traditions, it’s no surprise that Santa Claus is well known in Korea. Some people refer to him as Santa Kullosu or Santa Grandfather.
One major difference between Korea’s Santa and the one from many Western countries is that he doesn’t always wear a red suit. You’ll see Santa dressed up in a variety of colors, including green and blue.
What do Korean Christmas decorations look like?
Christmas decorations tend to look similar to those from other countries. Shopping malls, department stores, amusement parks, and public spaces may feature wreaths, garlands, Santa Claus figurines, and other decorations that will be very familiar to people from the West.
Do Koreans put up Christmas trees?
While you will find Christmas trees at some lighting festival events and Christmas markets, most families don’t put up their own Christmas trees for the holiday season. Instead, they may display more traditional decorations like silk slippers or drums.
Do Koreans decorate their homes with Christmas lights?
Most Koreans live in large apartment buildings, so outdoor Christmas lights on residences are uncommon. You’ll mostly find colorful lights in public areas.
Do Koreans celebrate Christmas by attending church?
As previously mentioned, Christmas in Korea largely lacks the religious aspect common in the West, but that doesn’t mean no one goes to church during the holidays.
Around 28% of Koreans subscribe to some form of Christian faith and may choose to attend special Christmas services at their places of worship on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Are there Korean Christmas cards?
Yes, exchanging both cards and gifts is a common part of Christmas in Korea. Some people choose to send e-cards rather than traditional paper Christmas cards during the season.
While we’re on the subject of gifts, make sure that if someone presents you with one, you accept it with both hands. You should also use both hands to pass gifts to someone else, as reaching for something with one hand is considered bad manners.
In addition, it’s customary not to open a gift before the giver. Instead, it’s polite to set the gift aside and wait until you can open it in private.
Is it common for there to be a white Christmas in Korea?
It does snow in December in many parts of Korea, but, of course, no one can predict the weather. On average, it will snow five days in Seoul each December, so there’s always a chance for a white Christmas.