Christmas in Korea (크리스마스): Culture Shock, Not a Family Holiday?

If you're spending your first 크리스마스 (Christmas) in Korea, get ready for a surprise.

Unlike the cozy, family-oriented holiday you might know, Christmas in Korea feels more like a romantic getaway.

For many locals, it's a day for couples, fancy dinners, and picture-perfect dates—not necessarily time with family or church. This unexpected cultural twist often leaves foreigners both amused and confused.

So, why is Korean Christmas so different? And how should you enjoy it as an expat?

Let’s dive into what makes the Korean 크리스마스 experience so unique—and how to make the most of it.

A Holiday for Lovers, Not Families

Western-style Christmas: Family First

In most Western countries, Christmas is all about family. People travel home, cook big meals, and spend the day relaxing with parents, siblings, and children.

Korean 크리스마스: A Day for Couples

But in Korea, 크리스마스 is a completely different experience. Here, it’s a day for couples—not families. Think romantic dates, matching outfits, gift exchanges, and lots of selfies under twinkling lights.

Restaurants fill with couples enjoying set-course dinners. Hotels offer special "romantic night" packages. Dessert cafés decorate with hearts and fairy lights, not nativity scenes.

Why This Cultural Shift Confuses Expats

If you’re an expat expecting a cozy family holiday, this might feel confusing or even a little lonely. But once you understand the local vibe, Korean 크리스마스 can become a fun, light-hearted holiday that’s perfect for building new memories—even if it’s not what you’re used to.

Why Koreans Don’t Really Take a Break on Christmas

A Public Holiday That’s Not Really a Holiday

Yes, December 25th is a public holiday in Korea. But unlike holidays in the West, that doesn’t mean everything shuts down.

Everything Stays Open

In fact, most shops, restaurants, cafes, and even delivery services stay open on 크리스마스. Shopping malls are busy. Movie theaters are packed. Streets are full of couples and families out enjoying the decorations.

Many companies don’t close either. Office workers might get a day off, but it’s not guaranteed. For people working in retail or hospitality, it’s often one of the busiest days of the year.

Comparing with Chuseok and Seollal

There’s no expectation to visit family, no major home meals, and no week-long holiday. In short, 크리스마스 in Korea is more of a casual celebration—fun, but not sacred.

What Korean Christmas Looks Like in Public

Where the Festivities Happen

Even if 크리스마스 isn’t deeply traditional in Korea, the festive atmosphere is definitely there—just in a different way.

Major areas like Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Hongdae transform into light-filled wonderlands. Department stores put up giant trees and LED displays. Cafes roll out seasonal drinks and Christmas-themed desserts. Pop-up markets sell holiday gifts, socks, and snacks.

A Visual Holiday, Not a Spiritual One

You’ll see couples taking photos at decorated photo zones, sometimes wearing matching scarves or coats. Street musicians often perform near busy intersections, adding to the energy.

What You Won’t See on Korean Streets

But don’t expect the same kind of religious or family-focused tone you might be used to. In Korea, 크리스마스 is all about the visuals—the lights, the music, the experience. It’s less about tradition, and more about creating Instagram-worthy moments.

Tips for Expats: How to Enjoy Christmas Alone or with Friends

Spending 크리스마스 Solo Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely

Not dating? No family in Korea? You’re not alone. Many expats spend Christmas on their own—but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring or sad.

Visit a cozy café, order a festive dessert, or unwind in a jjimjilbang (Korean spa). Some spas even offer holiday-themed experiences with winter scrubs and hot drinks.

Join Community Events or Host Your Own

Check platforms like Meetup, Facebook Groups, or local expat forums. You’ll find Christmas potlucks, Secret Santa gift swaps, and pub nights open to everyone.

Or host your own gathering. Order food (yes, delivery works on 크리스마스), put on some music, and create your own holiday with fellow foreigners or coworkers.

Make Your Own Holiday Traditions

Whether it's watching your favorite movie, cooking your country's special holiday dish, or just video-calling family back home, find a way to make 크리스마스 feel meaningful to you.

Should You Expect a Religious Christmas in Korea?

Religion Plays a Smaller Role in Korean 크리스마스

While 크리스마스 is technically a Christian holiday, it’s largely a secular celebration in Korean society. You won’t see nativity scenes, public prayers, or carolers on the streets.

Churches That Welcome Foreigners

Still, if you want to attend a service, you're in luck. Major cities like Seoul and Busan have English-speaking services. Catholic churches often hold midnight Mass on December 24, while Protestant churches host services on the 25th.

Many churches welcome visitors, no matter your background. It’s a good way to reconnect with the spiritual side of the holiday while meeting people who share your faith.

How to Find a Christmas Service Near You

Search Google Maps or Naver with terms like "English Mass Seoul" or "Christmas worship Korea." Many international congregations list their holiday schedules in advance.

How to Join In: Blending Foreign and Korean Traditions

Decorate Your Space on a Budget

Even if you’re in a small apartment, it’s easy to make it festive. Daiso, Artbox, and Coupang sell affordable 크리스마스 decorations—from mini trees to lights and garlands.

Add a personal touch with items from back home, or even DIY some ornaments for a unique vibe.

Mix and Match Holiday Foods

Combine Korean winter flavors with your own traditions. Roast chicken with kimchi, holiday cookies with yuja tea, or even tteokbokki on a snowy night. No rules here—just comfort.

Explore Seasonal Activities in the City

Try ice skating at Seoul Plaza, visit light festivals in Garden of Morning Calm, or take a cable car to Namsan Tower for a snowy view. Winter-themed escape rooms or board game cafés also make for fun group hangouts.

Blending old and new traditions can make 크리스마스 in Korea not just bearable—but truly unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is December 25 a national holiday in Korea?

Yes, it’s officially recognized as a public holiday. However, many businesses—including restaurants, stores, and delivery services—stay open. Not all companies give a day off, so it doesn’t feel like a true nationwide break.

Q2. Can I buy Christmas decorations in Korea?

Absolutely. Stores like Daiso, Artbox, and online platforms such as Coupang and Gmarket offer affordable 크리스마스 decorations, including mini trees, lights, and themed tableware.

Q3. Where can I find traditional Christmas food?

Western-style Christmas dinners are available at select restaurants in Seoul, especially in areas like Itaewon or near expat communities. Some bakeries and hotels also offer Christmas cakes and meal sets.

Q4. Are there Christmas markets in Korea?

Yes, but they’re more commercial than traditional. Look for pop-up markets in places like Starfield COEX, Hongdae, or department stores. They often sell holiday snacks, crafts, and imported goods.

Q5. How can I meet other foreigners during the holidays?

Join local expat Facebook groups, check Meetup events, or visit international churches. Many organize 크리스마스 events like dinners, parties, and group outings for people who are spending the holiday away from home.

Q6. Is it safe to travel around Korea during Christmas?

Yes. There’s no mass travel rush like during Chuseok or Lunar New Year, so trains and buses operate as usual. Popular areas may be crowded with couples, but transportation generally runs smoothly.

Q7. Are Christmas gifts common in Korea?

Among couples, yes—gift-giving is popular. Friends may exchange small presents, but it’s not expected in the same way as in Western cultures. For kids, 크리스마스 gifts are less traditional but becoming more common.

Q8. Do Koreans exchange gifts like in the West? Is it just for couples?

Gift-giving during 크리스마스 is mostly a couple-focused activity in Korea. Friends or colleagues might exchange small items, but there's no widespread expectation to give gifts like in Western family traditions.

Q9. Which department store has the best 크리스마스 photo displays?

Shinsegae Department Store in Myeongdong is known for its grand holiday light displays and photo spots. Other good locations include Lotte World Tower and The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido, which both offer elaborate Christmas installations.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Korean 크리스마스 Your Way

Korea’s version of 크리스마스 might not look like what you're used to—but that doesn’t mean it’s any less meaningful. Whether you're walking through a light-filled street with friends, attending a quiet midnight Mass, or binge-watching your favorite holiday movies alone, there are countless ways to make the day feel special.

The key is to embrace the cultural differences without losing your own traditions. Mix, adapt, and create a celebration that reflects where you are and who you are.

So this year, don’t stress about what 크리스마스 "should" look like. Instead, enjoy what it can be—festive, unexpected, and uniquely yours, right here in Korea.

Find Christmas Events Near You ➡︎

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