Even though I don’t celebrate Christmas, I’ve always been curious about this holiday. Since I was a kid, all I knew about Christmas was that people celebrated it with a fireplace warming up the room and the world covered in snow. I always thought that in countries where most people celebrate Christmas, snow must be part of the celebration. You must know about White Christmas, right? Well, I always thought Christmas was like that. Turns out, I was totally fooled by my imagination! Hahaha. Even though Christmas falls in the winter, not every country gets snow during Christmas, hehehe.
Coinciding with Christmas, I was thinking of discussing what Christmas traditions are like in Korea. In Korean dramas, it seems like Christmas is the most awaited moment, and even many K-pop idols perform special stage for Christmas. Not only that, but some agencies also release Christmas songs sung by their artists. But what’s the reality like? That’s what I’m here to talk about. Oh, by the way, this article is based on sources from 90 Day Korean and Oriental Mart.
Christmas Tradition in Korea
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| Photo: 90daykorean.com |
If you visit Korea during Christmas, you’ll definitely see a lot of Christmas decorations on the streets, in public places, and in homes. But, it turns out that the Christmas vibe in Korea is a little bit different from Christmas in Western countries. It’s kind of like, "Oh, it’s Christmas," and that’s it. The celebration isn’t as grand as in Western countries.
There’s actually a reason for that, 여러분. For many people in Korea CMIIW Christmas isn’t considered one of their traditional holidays that needs to be celebrated in a big way, unlike Seollal or Chuseok, which are their major traditional holidays. It’s kind of like Eid in Indonesia—many Koreans go back to their hometowns for Seollal or Chuseok. I thought this tradition of going home for the holidays was something unique to Indonesia, haha. But they do get a holiday for Christmas too.
Christmas is Like Valentine's Day in Korea
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| Photo: Pinterest.com |
In Western countries, Christmas is a time for family gatherings. However, in Korea, it has become a day for couples. Koreans even refer to it as "Valentine's Day with Santa Claus" because, during Christmas, more couples go on dates and enjoy the winter season together.
Christmas Dishes in Korea
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| Photo: tarasmulticulturaltable.com |
Because Christmas is not considered a major holiday that must be celebrated extravagantly in Korea, it's a bit difficult to find traditional Christmas dishes. Usually, only fast-food industries have special edition menus. However, some restaurants do offer special dishes to celebrate Christmas.
One of the classic Korean dishes that is a favorite during Christmas is tteokguk, a rice cake soup. This dish carries a meaningful philosophy! The clear broth symbolizes a fresh start, while the round-shaped rice cakes resemble coins, representing prosperity for the new year.
Favorite Places During Christmas
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| Photo: Pinterest/Jinse LEE |
Because Christmas is considered a romantic holiday, many people in Korea visit amusement parks like Lotte World or Everland. But if you’re not a fan of amusement parks, don’t worry! You can visit the Myeongdong Cathedral Christmas Lights to see the cathedral beautifully decorated with Christmas lights. This annual event is very popular in Korea.
In addition to the Myeongdong Cathedral Christmas Lights, you can also enjoy ice skating at Seoul Plaza or admire the big Christmas tree at the Starfield Library inside COEX. FYI, Starfield Library is also one of the most beautiful libraries in Asia.
Typically, Koreans spend their Christmas holiday at resorts to enjoy the snow and other activities. Pyeongchang area is a popular choice due to its many beautiful ski resorts.
Korean Movies Recommendations for Christmas Break
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| Photo: IMDb |
Just like Home Alone, which always accompanies our Christmas holidays, Korea also has some movies that you can enjoy during the Christmas break. Here are a few recommendations, and maybe one or two of these movies will catch your interest!
Woojoo's Christmas (2016)
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| Photo: KoBiz |
Woojoo’s Christmas follows the story of Woojoo (Kim Ji Soo), a mother who, after losing her own mother, decides to leave the bustling city life and start anew in a small village with her daughter. There, she meets several women named Woojoo who have similar life stories. Together with two young Woojoos, played by Huh Yi Jye and Yoon So Mi, they create their own Christmas miracle.
A Christmas Carol (2022)
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| Photo: IMDb |
Joo Il Woo and Joo Wol Woo (both played by Jin Young) are identical twins. After Wol Woo mysteriously dies on Christmas morning, Il Woo believes his death was unnatural and vows to seek revenge. With one clue — the background noise from his last conversation with his brother — Il Woo enters a juvenile rehabilitation center to track down the culprit.
New Year Blues (2021)
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| Photo: IMDb |
Typically, the Christmas holiday coincides with the New Year's break, so I’ve also included a Korean movie with a New Year theme, starting with New Year Blues. This movie follows several couples who, as the year changes, are forced to evaluate themselves, their current positions, and the dreams they want to achieve. Starring Kim Kang Woo, Yoo In Na, Yoo Yeon Seok, Lee Yeon Hee, Lee Dong Hwi, Yoo Tae Oh, Sooyoung, and others, this movie explores various aspects of life and the courage to pursue dreams.
A Year-End Medley (2021)
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| Photo: IMDb |
I’ve watched this movie and it’s absolutely amazing! A Year-End Medley is a star-studded movie with an ensemble casts that you’ve probably seen in other works. Even the older actors are familiar faces. The father of Gu Won (from King the Land) and the mother of Goo Jun Pyo (from Boys Before Flowers) also make an appearance! I’ll write a full review sometime, but for now, here’s a quick blurb.
A Year-End Medley tells the stories of several people who gather at a hotel towards the end of the year. Various tales of love, friendship, and new hopes intersect on New Year’s Eve. Set against the warm holiday atmosphere, the movie portrays how each character faces challenges and changes in their lives while finding happiness and peace as they welcome the new year.
K-pop Idols and Christmas
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| Photo: Pinterest/joy |
Back when there weren't as many K-pop idols as there are now and second-generation idols often dominated the charts, there was one tradition that appeared every Christmas. Amidst the dramas and everything else, you probably know that K-pop groups from the same agency were like a big family, right? This sense of family often led the agencies to release Christmas-themed songs to show that their artists were harmonious, close, and truly family-like!
Some of these include Santa U Are The One from SMTOWN, This Christmas from JYP Nation, also Christmas Day and Christmas Time from Starship Planet. Not only that, there have also been collaborations between groups from the same agency, like Show Me Your Love by TVXQ ft. Super Junior and Beautiful Christmas by Red Velvet ft. AESPA.
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| Photo: Pinterest.com |
Even on music shows like Music Bank, there were many collaborations during Christmas. Often, they would sing Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You. There was also a memorable performance by Park Bo Gum ft. Irene of Red Velvet, who performed Jingle Bell Rock when they were still hosting Music Bank.
But, the K-pop song that's most closely associated with Christmas even till today, in my opinion, has gotta be Miracles in December by EXO. The fact is, EXO actually released this mini album as a winter special. I'm not an Exo-L, but if you look at the tracklist of this album, there are a few songs that are perfect to listen to around Christmas, aside from Miracles in December, like Christmas Day (obviously) and The First Snow.
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| Photo: Pinterest/M I L A |
Wow, this article is pretty long, huh? Honestly, I feel like this is the longest article I've ever written for this blog, haha. I'm just so excited to share info about Korean culture with you all based on what I know. I'm still reading up on things and watching YouTube to broaden my knowledge so I don’t miss anything when I pass it on to you guys.
And if there's anything you're super curious about regarding Korean culture but you're having a hard time finding sources or still don’t get the explanation, feel free to DM me! Let me know what topic you're dying to know more about. You can ask about anything, except politics, and I'll try to explain it to you in a chill way!
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