With Christmas celebrated globally, many people ask if Christmas is celebrated in Korea. Let's dive deeper into how Koreans and the Western world celebrate Christmas differently. The subtle differences might surprise you!
Koreans celebrate Christmas by spending time with their close family, friends, or lovers. Let's take a closer look at some of the most asked questions.
Do People Exchange Presents on Christmas in Korea?
Receiving Korean Christmas gifts is not as prevalent as in Western countries. Some couples or close friends exchange gifts, but it is rare. It’s more common to go out for a meal or go on a date.
Do Koreans Celebrate Christmas with Christmas Trees?
Setting up Christmas trees in Korea varies depending on the individual or family. Some put up Christmas trees, while others don’t. Malls may also have large Christmas trees both inside and outside.
Korean Christmas Food
Although Korea doesn’t have the same Christmas foods as other countries, it does have its special delicacies and foods that most Koreans celebrating Christmas truly enjoy. These include Korean BBQ, Jjolmyeon (쫄면), and other delicious foods popular winter foods. During Christmas, it’s not uncommon for couples to usually end their meals with a beautifully decorated Christmas cake.
Korean Christmas Decorations
If you’re used to seeing Santa Claus, or Christmas lights left and right through December, you’re in for a different Christmas experience this year in Korea!
Even though tinsel, Christmas lights, and plastic Christmas trees are cheaply available in Korea (find your local Daiso if you want to buy any of these things), it is not that common for people to decorate their own houses during Christmas.
Christmas Shopping
Although people in Korea don’t usually give presents to their friends and family, they give presents to their significant other. Like much of the world, Christmas is a heavily commercialized holiday, and there are plenty of Christmas sales and Christmas-themed advertisements at this time of the year!
If you don’t have a date for Christmas or want to avoid the cold and the crowds, there are plenty of Christmas-themed programs and Christmas movies on television over the Christmas period that you can watch beside your fire.
Korean Christmas Cards
If you want to spread love to your friends and family this Christmas in Korea, a great way to do that is by sending Christmas cards. Christmas cards are easy to find in Korea, and they’re also typically less expensive than the cards you’ll find in places like the United States.
Most Korean Christmas cards are nature-oriented and focus on snow, trees, or other peaceful artwork that appeals to a broad audience. Pick up some Korean Christmas cards this winter and show your loved ones how you feel without breaking the bank. They’ll be happy to know that you’re thinking of them! Who knows, maybe you’ll get some in return as well.
So how is South Korea celebrate Christmas than your country?
Christmas in Korea is different from Christmas anywhere else in the world, so rather than trying to recreate the Christmas of your homeland, embrace the differences and enjoy a unique Korean Christmas! Also, be sure to remember that although the traditions that are celebrated this time of year in Korea may be different from the ones you’re used to, the emotion and the reason behind these traditions are familiar.
And of course if you are in Korea alone during this festive, time then not to worry! There are plenty of events to attend in Seoul, or why not try your hand at something more meaningful and volunteer and feed the homeless? Check out our other article about spending Christmas Solo in Seoul.
What do you plan on doing this Christmas? Be sure to let us know in the comments below – ’tis the season, and we’re always open to new or exciting ideas!
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