Christmas in Korea: 5 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays

As the year draws to a close, the anticipation for one of the most joyous celebrations of the year begins to build. Today, Christmas in Korea has evolved into a cultural phenomenon that brings together people from all backgrounds and encourages a time for gathering and reflection.

In this article, The Daebak Company presents five unique ways to celebrate Christmas in South Korea, including visits to beautifully lit churches, vibrant Christmas markets, and exciting winter festivals. Are you ready to discover the magic of Christmas, the Korean way?

Despite being introduced relatively recently, Christianity has a significant influence on South Korean society. It has a 20% following in South Korea, although half of its population does not affiliate with any religion.
 

In South Korea, Christmas is not just a commercial holiday but an important religious event for the Christian community. This is evident through the numerous church services and events held throughout the Christmas season. Visiting a church is one of the most traditional ways to celebrate Christmas.
 

But how about the non-Korean speakers? The good news is that churches hold English mass that you can go to on Christmas and Sunday services.

Freedom Village Church

47-11 Yongsandong 2(i)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Limited Parking)

The Freedom Village Church is a gospel-centered church that holds its services on Sundays at 11:00 AM. They inspire families to embrace faith-filled prayer and genuine, intentional worship. This church offers Christmas Eve services you can attend in person or watch online with your loved ones.

Myeong-dong Cathedral

74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Myeong-dong Cathedral conducts an English mass every Sunday at 9:00 AM for those who wish to attend their Sunday services. The church is also open to the public for the Christmas mass. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the patron saint of Myeong-dong Cathedral, and her statue is at the back of the cathedral.
 

Mission Baptist Church

Jungang Shijang Ro 26, Shin Jang Dong 322-4, Pyeongtaek City, Gyeonggi-do

The Mission Baptist Church conducts its Sunday worship services at 10:30 AM. It is a great place to visit for non-Korean speakers who are interested in going to a church in Korea. The church holds English services and welcomes newcomers to celebrate Christmas with them, especially those who wish to see people of all nationalities glorify God by finding and following Jesus faithfully.
 

Lifehouse

Club On Air, 1st Floor, 44 Jandari-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Lifehouse is an Australian church with multiple campuses worldwide, including one in Korea. They offer bilingual in-person services at 11:00 AM and online services in English at 10:00 AM. Additionally, they have a kids' church that caters to English-speaking kids. The church is open to everyone, and you can celebrate with them, not just during Christmas. 

Celebrating Christmas in South Korea is a unique experience made even more special by the vibrant array of Christmas markets that pop up nationwide. These markets are often adorned with twinkling fairy lights, colorful decorations, and the aroma of festive foods, creating a magical atmosphere that captures the season's spirit.

From Seoul to Busan, there are many markets to choose from, each offering a unique experience. These markets are a treasure trove of unique gifts and souvenirs.
 

Shoppers can find everything from handmade crafts and vintage items to local delicacies and specialty goods. A standout item is the beautifully crafted Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, which makes for a unique and memorable gift.

These Christmas markets are located all over the country. However, if you're looking for a specific list of places that cater to your interests, you can read our Daebak article on the updated list of Christmas marketplaces 2023.

Winter in Korea is a truly magical time, with many festivals celebrating the snowy landscape's beauty and fun. These winter festivals coincide with the Christmas holidays and offer visitors a unique way to experience the festive season in Korea.

Some festivals create a winter wonderland complete with ice sculptures, snow sledding, and a range of other fun-filled activities. Others offer ice fishing and other snow activities.

If you prefer a city-based festival, Seoul has two great options: the Seoul Lantern Festival and the Seoul Lights Festival. These festivals light up the city with thousands of lanterns and Christmas lights, creating a mesmerizing sight that embodies the season's spirit.

There are so many enjoyable events during the winter festivals in Korea. So, if you find yourself in Korea during the holiday season, be sure to check out these enchanting winter festivals and activities in 2023 that we've curated for you.

With the festive season just around the corner, the increasing number of Christmas-themed cafes and shops is a growing trend that adds to the holiday cheer. These establishments put in a great deal of effort to create a festive atmosphere by decking their spaces with elaborate decorations, offering special menus, and seasonal products that perfectly embody the spirit of Christmas.

No idea where to go? Here are our recommendations:

Starfield Coex Mall

513 Yeongdong-daero, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu 

The Starfield Library is a public space situated in the heart of COEX Mall. It is open to everyone throughout the year.

It offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can take a break and indulge in reading books recommended by your favorite K-idols or interacting with other bibliophiles. During the Christmas holiday, the library is decorated with lanterns and art, making it an excellent spot to take pictures and create unforgettable memories of your visit to Korea.

Lotte World Adventure: Miracle Winter 2023

240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul 

Experience a magical Christmas at Lotte World Adventure from November 25 to December 31, 2023. This indoor theme park, with an outdoor enchanted castle and rollercoaster, is a perfect place to visit during the winter months.
 

The park promises an annual celebration of all things festive and fun. If you're looking for a magical Snow Castle, a Miracle Tree, and an opportunity to see Santa in his grotto, then make sure to secure your tickets!
 

Mammamia

42, Apgujeong-ro 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Mammamia is the perfect bakery and cafe to visit if you're looking for a cozy place in Seoul decorated with Christmas lights and decorations. The store is open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and it will warmly welcome you in from the snow-cold winter weather. It's the perfect spot to relax and unwind with a warm and delicious cup of coffee and croissant.
 

Angel-in-Us

1F, LOTTE City Hotel, Myeongdong

Angel-in-us is a coffeehouse chain with locations throughout Korea. If you're in the Myeongdong area, visit the cafe with a solid and irresistible coffee scent.
 

The cafe offers customers a comfortable and relaxing environment and is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Additionally, guests at the LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong can enjoy a 20% discount on beverages by presenting their room key. 

Food plays a central role in Korean Christmas celebrations, just as it does in many other cultures around the world. The cuisine offers a unique blend of traditional Korean dishes and festive foods with a Korean twist. Koreans love chicken and cake during the holiday season, and you wouldn't want to miss them.

Additionally, you should definitely try dishes such as bulgogi (marinated grilled beef), bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables), and kimchi (fermented cabbage), which are staples at any Korean dining table. For first-time visitors to Korea, we recommend checking out this article for a more comprehensive guide on where to eat and what foods to try in these places.

Wrapping up our festive tour of South Korea, it's clear that its unique Christmas celebrations range from visiting beautifully lit churches to tasting special holiday foods. This guide from The Daebak Company aims to inspire you to embrace these activities and the spirit of unity and reflection that defines the season. Here's to a joyful and unforgettable Korean-style Christmas!