What Christmas Really Means to Koreans
In Korea, Christmas is more like a day off than a special family holiday. There aren't many specific Korean Christmas traditions. People usually spend the day doing what they like, whether spending time with loved ones, eating favorite foods, or just relaxing at home.
This post is about interesting facts about christmas in korea like when Christmas became a public holiday in Korea, how Koreans celebrate it, and with whom, along with Christmas greetings.
Since When Has Christmas Been a Public Holiday in Korea?
Christmas culture was introduced to Korea in 1884 when Western missionaries arrived. When Korea became free from Japanese rule in 1945, the US military was in charge, they made Christmas a national holiday. When South Korea had its own government, the first President, Syngman Rhee, who was a Christian, officially made Christmas a holiday in June 1949.
When Is Christmas in Korea?
December 25th is Christmas in South Korea. It's a national holiday.
Korean Christmas Song
- 🎵 Song: Must Have Love
- 🎤 Original Artists: SG Wannabe, Brown Eyed Girls
How Koreans Celebrate Christmas
While Christmas is celebrated in South Korea with trees, carols and decorations, the day does not place the same importance on family traditions as in Western countries. For Christians, it involves church services, but for most, it's just a day off.
Koreans don't eat large family meals during Christmas like in the West. Young people prefer to go on dates or hang out with their friends. They may meet at restaurants, bars, or hotels. Many people stay at home because going outside can be crowded and the weather is freezing. It's only a one day holiday and people return to school or work the next day.
What is Christmas for Korean Couples?
Many Korean couples plan a date on Christmas day and want to spend a romantic night together. Love motels and hotels have been fully booked far in advance, and it's almost impossible to get a room on the same day.
What Koreans Eat for Christmas?
Christmas in Korea doesn't have a certain must-have dish, but many people enjoy cake. Many popular bakeries get fully booked days in advance. As it's the end of the year and a holiday season, a lot of people like to go out and dine to add to the festive vibe.
How to Say Merry Christmas in Korea?
In Korea, there are no particularly unique Christmas greetings used. People generally say "Merry Christmas (메리 크리스마스)" as it is commonly said in English.
Do Korean Children Believe in Santa Claus?
Just like many families around the world, families with young children often decorate a Christmas tree and give gifts pretending they come from Santa Claus. Parents usually tell their kids that Santa Claus only gives gifts to well-behaved kids.
Enjoying Christmas in Seoul's Myeongdong District
As a popular cultural and shopping district in Seoul, Myeongdong is one of the busiest areas during Christmas. Many people visit Myeongdong during the holidays to meet up with friends, family, and shop. The media facade of Shinsegae Department Store in Myeongdong during Christmas time is a famous photospot.
- 📍 63 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul,
- 🕐 November to January, from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
© Shinsegae Department Store Instagram
Wrap-up
From a non-religious perspective in Korea, Christmas is seen more as a day off work and school rather than a major family holiday. It is a time to relax, go shopping, and enjoy cake with friends or family. After the short break, it's back to work or school the next day.