Christmas in Korea: How South Korea Celebrates the Holiday Season

Christmas in Korea is a festive and romantic occasion, blending Western traditions with Korean culture. Though not traditionally part of Korean heritage, Christmas has become a popular and widely celebrated event across South Korea, especially in urban areas like Seoul and Busan.

If you’re curious about how South Korea celebrates Christmas — from lights and love to church services and cakes — this guide will give you everything you need to know.

Is Christmas a Public Holiday in Korea?

Yes, Christmas (December 25th) is an official public holiday in South Korea. Schools and many offices close for the day, although it is not celebrated as extensively as in Western countries. The holiday is often seen as a fun, romantic, and commercial celebration rather than a deeply religious or family-centered tradition.

Christmas as a Romantic Holiday

Unlike Western traditions that emphasize family gatherings, Christmas in Korea is often a romantic holiday, similar to Valentine’s Day. Many couples:

Go on Christmas Eve dates
Exchange thoughtful gifts
Enjoy candlelit dinners at trendy restaurants
Visit light festivals or romantic spots

Restaurants and cafes often offer special couple menus or Christmas-themed desserts just for two.

Religious Celebrations and Christian Traditions

Christianity plays a role in Christmas for many South Koreans, as around 25–30% of the population identifies as Christian (either Protestant or Catholic). For those who are religious, Christmas includes:

Church services with carols and sermons
Nativity scenes and Christmas Mass
Charity drives organized by religious organizations

In Seoul, large churches like Yoido Full Gospel Church and Myeongdong Cathedral host major events.

Christmas Decorations and Lights in Korea

South Korean cities go all out with Christmas lights, trees, and themed displays, especially in:

Myeongdong & Dongdaemun (Seoul) – Lively shopping districts filled with lights
Lotte World & Everland – Amusement parks with winter wonderlands
Cheonggyecheon Stream – Christmas light walks and photo spots
Department stores – Luxurious decorations and massive Christmas trees

Even though most homes don’t put up Christmas trees, public spaces and retail stores embrace the holiday spirit.

What Do Koreans Eat for Christmas?

There’s no traditional Korean Christmas dish, but many families and couples enjoy Western-style meals and seasonal treats:

Chicken or steak dinners
Strawberry cream Christmas cakes (a Korean holiday favorite, often pre-ordered from bakeries like Paris Baguette)
Festive lattes and desserts from cafes like Starbucks Korea or local artisan spots
Pizza and pasta are popular for casual get-togethers

Christmas Shopping and Gift Giving in Korea

While gift-giving isn’t as widespread as in the West, Koreans do exchange small, meaningful presents during Christmas — especially couples and young adults.

Common gifts include:

Beauty and skincare products
Jewelry and accessories
Chocolates or baked goods
Personalized items or love letters

Shops run major winter sales leading up to Christmas, making it a great time to shop for stylish deals.

Conclusion

Christmas in Korea is a joyful mix of love, lights, shopping, and subtle spirituality. Whether you’re traveling to Seoul during December or just curious about global holiday traditions, you’ll find that Koreans have put their own unique twist on Christmas.

With romantic dinners, festive lights, and sweet seasonal treats, Christmas in South Korea is less about tradition and more about creating meaningful memories — whether with a partner, friends, or community.

FAQs

1. Is Christmas widely celebrated in South Korea?

Yes, especially in urban areas. It’s a public holiday and is celebrated by both Christians and non-Christians in a more romantic and commercial way.

2. Do Koreans have traditional Christmas foods?

No, there are no native Korean Christmas dishes, but people enjoy Western-style meals and strawberry Christmas cakes are especially popular.

3. Do Koreans decorate for Christmas?

Public areas, malls, and cafes are beautifully decorated. However, home decorations like Christmas trees are less common than in Western countries.

4. Is Christmas more of a family or couple’s holiday in Korea?

For most, especially the younger generation, Christmas is seen as a romantic couple’s holiday, though Christians may also celebrate it with family and church.