Do They Celebrate Christmas in South Korea?

Yes, but….it’s different than in the States.

A Little History of Christmas in South Korea

Missionaries brought Christianity to South Korea over 100 years ago. And now about a third of South Koreans are Christian. And they pretty much celebrate it like anywhere else in the world.

There are church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. They sing all the same songs, except in Korean. And even put on stage plays of the Christmas Story! And it’s even a South Korean national holiday so many people get off of having to work!

Christmas Traditions Like Everywhere Else

Christmas is also commercially recognized. That is to say, stores go wild for it because it means big sales during this time of year.

Places like Baskin Robbins (which is HUGE in South Korea btw) and Paris Baguette compete for customers with displays of adorable and delicious looking Christmas cakes. Baskin Robbins even had K-pop group Big Bang in a commercial! Check it out – it’s hilarious!

Lotte World, which is a massive indoor amusement park, has a Santa Village…with a parade of elves and of course Grandfather Santa! Yup, “Santa” in South Korea is called “산타 할아버지” which directly translates to Santa Grandfather. (It’s the beard.) 🎅

Another way that Christmas is just the same in South Korea is that many people put up Christmas trees in their home, even non-Christians. Why? Because it’s pretty and popular to do. Everyone is a sucker for twinkling lights!

Christmas Coupling

So Christmas in South Korea is largely the same as anywhere else, except, Christian or not, Christmas is largely considered a couple’s holiday. This is in addition to those unofficial “love” holidays the 14th of every month. It’s considered another day to spend time with your significant other to stay in and snuggle up or go out and live it up.

That sounds good to me!

So whether you stay in or go out, I hope you stay safe and warm!

Happy Holidays!