Celebrating a Korean Christmas: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Festivity

This is the next part of our looks at Christmas celebrations around the world.

When it comes to Christmas celebrations, South Korea offers a distinctive twist. Despite being a predominantly non-Christian country, South Korea embraces the festive season with enthusiasm and flair. 

From sparkling street decorations to romantic traditions, Christmas in South Korea is both unique and enchanting. Here’s a glimpse into what a typical Christmas in South Korea looks like.

1. Christmas in South Korea: A Festive Atmosphere with a Twist

Christmas in South Korea is more a secular celebration than a religious holiday. While only around 30% of South Koreans identify as Christian, Christmas has become a widely celebrated occasion, especially in urban areas. The 25th of December is a public holiday in South Korea, but for many, it's viewed as more of a romantic or social celebration than a strictly religious one.

Unlike the cosy, family-centred celebrations in the UK, South Korea’s Christmas is geared more towards couples and friends. For many young Koreans, Christmas is about romance, with the holiday resembling a blend of Valentine’s Day and Christmas. Streets are often filled with couples strolling hand in hand, enjoying the winter lights and festive spirit.

2. The Joy of Lights and Decorations

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, South Korea’s streets, shopping centres, and popular landmarks are transformed into a winter wonderland. Cities like Seoul and Busan are known for their elaborate Christmas displays. Major shopping districts like Myeongdong and Gangnam are decked out with glowing lights, and department stores compete to create the most stunning seasonal displays.

Churches, especially in cities, also put up beautiful decorations, as do popular sites like the N Seoul Tower and Lotte World Tower. The vibe is one of festive cheer, with Christmas carols playing in cafes and public spaces, adding a heart-warming holiday charm to the brisk winter air.

3. A Romantic Holiday for Couples

A fascinating aspect of a Korean Christmas is its focus on couples. While Christmas is a family holiday in many parts of the world, in South Korea, it’s a popular time for couples to celebrate together. Many young Koreans see Christmas as a time for romantic outings, with couples exchanging gifts, having special dinners, and enjoying the scenic Christmas lights together.

The tradition of gift-giving between partners is a big part of this, and many restaurants offer special Christmas-themed dinners for two. Love-themed activities, like ice skating and taking scenic winter walks, are especially popular.

4. Food: A Fusion of Western and Korean Flavours

South Korean Christmas meals offer a mix of Western and Korean flavours. Western-style foods like pizza, pasta, and fried chicken are common, often complemented with Korean side dishes. One notable tradition is the popularity of Christmas cakes. Unlike the fruitcake seen in the UK, Christmas cakes in South Korea are often light sponge cakes, decorated with cream and strawberries. These cakes are sold in bakeries and department stores and are a must-have on Christmas tables.

While a traditional roast dinner isn’t common, the festive menu for many includes Korean barbecue or family-style meals shared at home or in restaurants. For dessert, festive cakes are popular, and hot drinks like sweet potato lattes and festive teas become seasonal favourites.

5. Shopping and Gift-Giving

Gift-giving is not as central as in some Western countries, but South Koreans do exchange gifts with close friends, family, and partners. Many shops offer Christmas discounts, making it a popular time for shopping. There’s also a trend of buying small, thoughtful gifts rather than large, expensive items. Personalised gifts, skincare products, and small accessories are popular.

South Korea’s love of cute and whimsical items is evident in Christmas gift options, with items like plush toys, holiday-themed socks, and decorative items proving popular.

6. A Growing Trend: Attending Christmas Services

For Christians in South Korea, Christmas is a time of worship, and attending a Christmas service is an essential part of the festive season. Churches hold special services with nativity plays and carols, and some even host events like Christmas dinners. Even non-Christians often attend these services for a sense of community and the chance to experience the spiritual side of the holiday.

The celebration of midnight mass or a Christmas Eve service has become a growing trend, especially in larger cities where people come together to experience the holiday’s religious aspects, even if briefly.

7. New Year Preparations: Welcoming the Lunar New Year

While Christmas is celebrated with enthusiasm, it’s the Lunar New Year that holds deeper cultural significance in South Korea. In the days following Christmas, preparations begin for Seollal, the Lunar New Year, which usually takes place in January or February. This is a time for Koreans to reunite with family, pay respects to ancestors, and partake in traditional rituals.

A Korean Christmas: A Celebration of Love, Light, and New Traditions

Christmas in South Korea blends Western influences with Korean culture, creating a unique and vibrant holiday experience. It’s a time for people to come together, whether in friendship, romance, or worship. As more Koreans embrace the holiday, Christmas continues to grow in popularity, bringing a little bit of Western festivity to the Korean winter.