According to Pew Research around 30% of Koreans are Christians. South Koreans celebrate Christmas with enthusiasm for the sake of love and goodwill. Most Koreans don’t celebrate this day as a religious holiday, but it is nonetheless a time for romantic gift-giving and candlelit meals. Despite the large Christian population, Christmas in Korea is more like another Valentine’s Day, and it is not as widespread as in other Western nations. Christmas is not an official public holiday in Korea, but many Korean families and friends still get together for festive feasts and gift exchanges. Seoul most notably shines with lights and decorations to immerse its citizens in the festive mood.
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Christmas Traditions in Korea
- Korean Christmas Food: Christmas meals are quite different from their Western counterparts due to the prevalence of Korean customs. Bulgogi (barbecue), japchae (noodle), kimchi (vegetable dish), rice cakes, and fruits are some of the examples.
- Gift-Giving at Christmas: It is an aspect of the celebration, but it is the couples and not the family who often give presents.
- Christmas Decorations: Lights, Christmas trees, and other decorations are commonplace. You may find enormous Christmas trees and stunning light festivals in several tourist places, such as Lotte World and Myeongdong in Seoul, or Nampo and Haeundae in Busan.
- Church Services: They are held around South Korea on Christmas Day for people who desire to observe the religious side of things.
- A Romantic Event: It is more focused on couples than on families, unlike other major holidays such as Seollal (Korean New Year) and Chuseok (South Korean harvest festival).
- Christmas Activities: Restaurants and theme parks feature special Christmas menus and activities. Most Koreans have to make reservations ahead of time since the demand is high.
How Koreans Celebrate Christmas
Not a Public Holiday
The 25th of December is not a national holiday in South Korea. Thus, no days off are granted to employees, even when the holiday falls on a weekend. But Christian South Koreans, who make up between a quarter and a third of the population, still celebrate this holiday. Few South Korean homes are adorned for Christmas on this day, and many businesses, restaurants, and landmarks do decorate for the holiday as well.
Gift-Giving Is Different
Just like in the West, Christmas trees adorned with decorations and plastic lights are commonplace. Christmas cards are sent among friends and family, and several theme parks, like Lotte World (1989), host holiday-themed festivities. Some South Korean households celebrate Christmas with only one gift since Christmas gift exchanges are frowned upon. Typically, gifts are given after a musical performance or reading of poetry. Gifts to Korean children include cash or practical things used in everyday life.
Not a Religious Holiday
Christmas in Korea, in contrast to some Western countries, is celebrated more as a commercial and cultural occasion than a religious one, similar to the United States. However, instead of spending the day with families, Koreans spend the holiday on a date or at a friend’s house. But Koreans who want to focus more on the religious aspects of Christmas can still attend some Christmas services. Koreans are also not interested in traditional Christmas foods (turkey, stuffing, eggnog, etc.). You may try making them at home, but locating the necessary materials could be difficult.
Christmas Is a Romantic Holiday in Korea
Christmas in South Korea is more about the commercial side of things and the holiday is celebrated as a romantic one. Unlike Seollal and Chuseok festivals, which are celebrated by whole families, Christmas is celebrated mostly by Korean couples. A romantic Christmas date includes anything from a supper at an exclusive restaurant to a day of shared activities to a quiet evening cuddled up together in front of the fire.
Gift-giving is not a big deal in Korea, and presents are generally exchanged between couples. Similar to Japan, this day is mostly treated as Valentine’s Day. People go out to eat, and entertainment venues provide holiday-themed attractions. Some people spend the day traveling to other cities for a short holiday.