Christmas in South Korea
As we journey around the world, exploring the rich tapestry of Christmas traditions, we encounter a wide spectrum of celebrations. Some countries immerse themselves fully in the festivities, while for others, Christmas remains a more subdued affair. South Korea falls somewhere in between. It’s population is 27% Christian, but the country still largely treats Christmas like most other Asian countries in having it be a relatively minor occurrence.
In fact, it was interesting to learn that most South Koreans view Christmas as more of a romantic holiday akin to Valentine’s Day. Couples might go for a stroll along Seoul’s vibrant Christmas light displays. Or they might have a date night at a shopping mall or ice skating rink. Or they might have a more private evening. One article pointed out that Christmas Eve is the #1 day for sales of condoms and rent-by-the-hour hotels in the country for the entire year. Not exactly the candy cane and caroling traditions that many of us have come to associate with the holiday!
Despite there not being an abundance of holiday traditions to replicate, we are never one to turn down a challenge and still found ways to make today a celebration of a Korean Christmas.. We started the day with sledding at a local hill—ice skating being a bit ambitious for our three-year-olds! Later on, we turned on some K-Pop Christmas songs and ventured out on a drive to check out some of the amazing light displays we have across our city as South Korea is famous for its civic light displays. Once home, we enjoyed some takeout bulgogi, japchae, and dhuck man du gook—delicious staples of Korean cuisine.
After the kids were tucked in for the night, we indulged in a festive persimmon and soju cocktail and also savored a South Korean Christmas sponge cake adorned with cream frosting and strawberries as is common. A glass of red wine accompanied by Christmas jazz set the mood for a cozy and romantic South Korean Christmas Eve like many of the hotels would offer with cake, wine, and jazz. And we called it a night with a viewing of a romantic Lifetime Christmas movie.
Oh…. and for those wondering about Christmas in North Korea, North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un banned Christmas in 2016 and prohibited gatherings that involved alcohol or singing. In years since, Kim has banned the few Christians who still lived in the country from celebrating Christmas and instead told them to celebrate his grandmother, Kim Jong-suk, who was born on Christmas Eve in 1919.
Merry Christmas! 메리 크리스마스
ACTIVITIES:
Sledding at Local Hill
Korean Christmas Cards
FOOD & DRINK MENU:
Bulgogi
Japchae: Sweet Potato Noodles
INTERESTING READS & CONTEXT:
