Be sure to check each location’s website for the most up-to-date COVID restrictions and information before your holiday outings!
Christmas is (surprisingly?) well-celebrated throughout Korea. In fact, compared to other East Asian countries, it’s quite a festive season. Korea is one of very few Asian countries where Christmas Day is recognized as an official holiday. Everyone has December 25th off of work and school, but there are two major ways you’ll find Koreans celebrating:
- Religiously
- Romantically.
Although Buddhism is the official religion in Korea, 29% of Koreans — about 1/3 of the nation– claim Christianity (Pew Research Center). For these people, Christmas is a sacred and religious time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. You can look out for simple and beautiful nativities outside of local churches in various neighborhoods during December, and join in local congregations’ parties and gatherings. (quick shout-out to our beloved English-speaking congregation in Yeong-deung-po, and the two other branches near Seoul).
For the majority of Koreans, though, Christmas is a romantic celebration. Rather than celebrating with extended family members, young people often hit the town with their boyfriend or girlfriend for a special date night. Oo, la la! In other words, Christmas is much more akin to how Americans think about Valentine’s Day.
This explains why Christmas decor is left up well into February… it’s intertwined with winter as something very seasonal- less tied to a specific date where THE LIGHTS COME DOWN AND ALL MUSIC STOPS THE DAY AFTER.
Although I of course missed certain traditions I was used to in America, our family found tons of great ways to celebrate this season while living in Korea. We were there for 3 years, so many of these activities became near & dear to our hearts by the end of our time in Seoul!
The Best of the Best:
Express Bus Terminal Christmas Market
Express Bus Terminal subway stop (lines 3, 7, 9); floor 3
This is an indoor maze of Christmas shopping madness. Rather than shopping for gifts, this is a place to find supplies & decor to “deck the halls”. It’s pretty intense! If you’ve been to a Korean market of any kind, you can probably imagine the narrow alleys and busy vendors and bargaining that goes on here.
We bought some small ceramic pieces and tiny trees to make up a little Christmas village. Many people buy ornaments, faux plants, trees, branches, garlands… you name it, they have it.
To round out your outing, head to the main floor. That’s the bus terminal, and my boys loved watching the large buses come & go. There are several casual food options; I loved the gimbap & dumplings shop. There’s a MASSIVE underground market in the basement, too, to continue your Christmas shopping! There you’ll find anything and everything: clothes, accessories, artwork, trinkets, flowers, and more eateries.
Here’s a YouTube walkthrough of all you can find there!
Millenium Hilton Model Train Display
Seoul subway stop (lines 1 & 4) requires a walk up a BIG hill; car recommended– can park at the hotel
Seoul Millenium Hilton is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of downtown Seoul. At the top of a very large hill. I still get tired thinking about pushing my stroller up that hill. Did I mention it’s a torturous walk from the subway station? I just want to triple forewarn you if you are taking the public transportation route…but all that said, it’s absolutely worth it.
This is my very favorite Christmas tradition in Seoul. The Millenium Hilton hotel lobby is decorated beautifully. Each year the decor is a bit different, but it has always blown me away!
If you walk down the grand staircase to the floor below, you’ll find all of the model trains. My boys love these locomotives & the miniature villages surrounding them. Pure Christmas magic, I tell you. If you only do one festive outing this year with your little ones, I recommend this one!
Santa even visits certain weekends during the holiday season. We’ve never done that, but I’ve heard it’s great. I’m doubtful it’ll be happening this year due to COVID-19… but typically there aren’t many places to find Santa in Seoul, so it would be worth calling about as the holidays get closer, if that’s something you’re interested in!
At Last I See the Lights:
Garden of the Morning Calm
This is a very famous light festival throughout a large arboretum that typically runs from early December through mid-March. I’m not kidding…Christmas seems to last all winter long here in Korea! 😉
2 Disclaimers:
- This isn’t actually in Seoul. It’s a very common day-trip, and only 1 hour away by car (or up to 2 depending on where you’re starting in Seoul…) or bus. You’ll likely need to taxi the last 10 minutes to the front gate, so honestly… might be difficult without a car.
- I haven’t actually seen these Christmas lights! We drove past the area on another road trip, but not during the holidays. I’ve had many friends attend this famous light festival and report great things. I feel confident recommending it to you.
This is a great preview video to help you decide if it’s worth the trek!
Learn more on their official website here, or read this great article all about last year’s festival here.
Jamsil Lotte World Mall Decorations & Tree Show
Jamsil subway stop (lines 2 & 8); exits 1, 2, 10, 11
These lights are fantastic!!! It’s very convenient too- right off the subway stop, near a warm indoor mall, and not nearly as congested or stressful as other Seoul neighborhoods. I am admittedly biased because this was right across the street from our apartment, and I love everything about Jamsil.
There’s always a huge tree (tree might be a generous term… some years it’s simply lights in the SHAPE of a tree) as well as dancing lights along the buildings surrounding it, all coordinated with jazzy, festive music.
You can walk around Lotte World Mall if you need to do some shopping- the Christmas decor in the Avenuel section of the mall is really elegant and worth visiting.
Myeongdong
Myeongdong subway station (line 4); exit 6
Myeongdong is a happening place to visit any time of the year. The crowded alleyways are filled with shops, restaurants, & street food vendors providing lots of hustle & bustle and lights and displays. The neighborhood goes all out at Christmastime.
It’s a fantastic place to shop for clothes, accessories, and skin care products. You can check everyone off your list!
Coex Mall
Samseong stop (line 2) or Bongeunsa (line 9)
Coex is magical during the holidays. The main lobby area looks like the library from Beauty & the Beast. The visual effect is impressive. Each year the display is different; some years there is a central Christmas tree…others there are hanging stars lit up…another year there was a large polar bear centerpiece.
I highly recommend bringing a book & warm drink and enjoying an evening here during the holidays! It’s one of my favorite places in Seoul. Some of the best sweet treats not to miss at Coex mall: Ben’s cookies, Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, or Stroopwafel cookies.
Deck the Halls & Shopping:
Daiso
It should come as no surprise that Daiso has some Christmas items that won’t break the bank. It varies from store to store, but you can usually count on cheap stockings, silly themed headbands & hats, etc.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
This value store began in Copenhagen but has grown and can be found across the globe. It’s a (Western) holiday jackpot. You can find affordable, but decent quality: wrapping paper, Christmas cards, Christmas napkins, and LOTS of simple decor. I really love this store and highly recommend it during the holidays.
There are 4 locations in Seoul, and many more in neighboring cities and further out:
- Lotte World Mall (Jamsil)
- Kyobo Bookstore in Gangam (Sinnonhyeon subway stop)
- Coex Mall (accessible either by Samseong or Bongeunsa subway stops)
- north of the river by Konkuk University (Konkuk Uni. stop)
Costco
Costco goes all out for the holidays. Starting in fall you can find large (overpriced) Christmas trees for purchase and on display, just like in the States. The displays are so fun to look at. They often have small carousels and nativities on display too, depending which one you go to.
Coupang
We found the best value (not too cheaply made, but not insanely overpriced) through Coupang holiday decor. We bought a tree that Paul still jokes about being the worst tree ever. So…I’m not necessarily recommending our particular tree… but it fit the bill. Sometimes you just need a little Christmas tree for your modern soul-less apartment!
Festive Foods & Drinks:
Bangsan Market
If you’re a big holiday baker, you’ll want to hit up Bangsan Market, or Baker’s Alley to get stocked for the season. We made sure to get themed sprinkles & gingerbread cookie cutters. The variety of cookie cutters you can find there is unreal. You can also get chopped nuts, canned pie fillings, marscapone, and so much more.
Yuletide Meals
Many upscale restaurants (look in Itaewon & Express Bus Terminal neighborhoods), Western hotels, or high-end department stores (ie Shinsegae) offer catered holiday meals. We never did this for Christmas, but we did cater in a Thanksgiving meal from a hotel restaurant once with a group of friends. It came with some very non-traditional side dishes, but it was pretty delicious and convenient.
Christmas-y Cafes
One of the coziest places you can be this season is inside a cafe. And you won’t have to look far, because there are more cafes than people in Korea it feels like…and it feels like there are a lot of people.
I’m personally not a coffee drinker, so the Starbucks mint hot cocoa is where it’s at for me. There are SO many specialty drinks to try, and there are usually wreaths donning the storefronts. Yes to all of this.
More Sweets & Drinks
Costco sells tons of gift options in the food sections; lots of Christmas-y chocolates, cookies, beverages, and more.
You won’t be able to find eggnog anywhere, unless a miracle has occurred. Many try to make it at home!
The good news is, you really can’t go much of anywhere without running into a “holiday themed” drink or dessert menu at this time of year. Here’s the Shake Shack promotional poster (in Gangnam, Dongdaemun, etc.).
If you’re needing festive cakes, you can count on Paris Baguette. Manoffin has themed holiday cupcakes, but I’m just letting you know now that they look much better than they taste.
Activities:
Ice Skating
There are tons of places to ice skate in and around Seoul this time of year. There is a small outdoor rink in the heart of Gangnam, and a larger rink at Seoul Plaza near City Hall. If you’re OK with indoor ice skating, there’s a rink near the entrance of Lotte World at the Jamsil stop (line 2).
Winter-Themed Theme Parks
Lotte World Amusement park is the off-brand Disney-aspirational theme park with the castle in the center, found in Jamsil. It goes all out for Christmas romance theming!
Everland theme park does the same, but it’s a bit further out of the city. I always love seeing what the theme will be each year (right now they are still promoting their “Everland Halloween Wicked Parade”).
Give Back
Finally, this is a season of giving! There are a few needs I can think of that are specific to the Seoul area:
Help the Homeless
Although homelessness is much more rare in Seoul than other large cities, it certainly still exists. It’s especially difficult in the winter months. The largest group usually gathers around Seoul Station. This is a group that meets regularly to help out and pass out hygiene kits and food and water!
Serve Refugees
There are many North Korean refugees trying to create a successful new life in Seoul.
This article lists several organizations you can work with in supporting this worthy cause!
That’s it for now! What are your favorite ways to celebrate Christmas in Korea??
I would love to hear about anything I missed your what you would add to this list.
Let me know in the comments below!
Also check out more articles about life in Seoul!
7 GLOBAL STORES YOU’LL RECOGNIZE IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
HERE ARE 6 REASONS WE BOUGHT A CAR AS EXPATS IN SEOUL
25 QUICK TIPS FOR PARENTS WITH BABIES & TODDLERS LIVING IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RIDING A SUBWAY IN SEOUL WITH BABIES AND KIDS
DON’T WORRY- SEOUL HAS 6 FAMILIAR DESSERT CHAINS YOU KNOW & LOVE!
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