Christmas in Korea is one of the major holidays of the year, although it’s not celebrated as widely as it is in many Western countries. It is observed as a public holiday, with Christmas trees, cakes, and carols adorning many places. Christians make up about one-fifth of Korea’s population, and while many celebrate Christmas at church, the non-Christian majority does not. Many are engaged in shopping, watching light shows, and gift-giving in South Korea.
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How Christmas found its place in Korea
The Christmas culture began gaining some traction in Korea around the late 19th century when Catholicism was introduced to the country. Western missionaries arrived and exposed their culture, including Christmas traditions in Korea. During the Korean War, American soldiers played a role in spreading Christmas culture more widely. They distributed chocolates, sweets, and various Christmas-related items to children in Korea. Given that it was right after the Korean War, getting sweets and gifts during the Christmas season was a significant event. This contributed to greater familiarity and adoption of Christmas customs among the Korean population.
Like Western countries, there are people who view Christmas as a religious holiday. Around 20 percent of the population is Christian. Christians typically attend church services and spend time with their family. However, a bigger population of Koreans doesn’t associate Christmas with any religion. Instead, Christmas in Korea is commonly celebrated for the joy it brings. It is a time to be spent with romantic partners, family, and friends. Many take the time to go shopping, visit places that radiate the holiday spirit, and share meals together.
Christmas is a like a universal anniversary for couples in Korea
Christmas in Korea is heavily focused on couples, followed by friends and family. Being a couple during the Christmas season is considered important among young people in Korea. In fact, many actively seek a boyfriend or girlfriend before Christmas day, aiming to have a companion to share the holiday festivities with. The occasion is often celebrated as a romantic or anniversary-like holiday for young couples in Korea, who enjoy Christmas decorations displayed in various places, exchange gifts, and have romantic moments at fine dining or hotels.
Among friends, activities closely mirror those of couples. However, the atmosphere is more about of a year-end party with friends. Friends rent a space to hold a party like in a motel for four to six hours. They bring food, clothes to wear for photos, and exchange gifts.
Families also celebrate Christmas too. Celebrations tend to be largely focused on creating cherished memories for younger children. This includes meeting Santa, going to kids with Christmas-themed playgrounds, and giving them gifts. The emphasis is on the younger generation rather than teenagers or older family members, distinguishing it from the West.
Christmas: where wealthiness meets the festive
Christmas in Korea is largely celebrated with a touch of luxury, especially among the young MZ Generation couples. Many are willing to spend money on a wide range of expensive products and experiences that can upgrade their Christmas experience. Notably, the hotel industry has capitalized on Christmas in Korea.
Extravagant celebrations: Christmas at Korea’s finest hotels
The hospitality industry – especially high-end hotels – seized this occasion to craft tailored experiences for couples. Hotels hold live concerts, exclusive events featuring DJs, and even personalized visits from Santa Claus directly to the rooms. High-end amenities and services designed to encapsulate the magic of the season.
Youn gKoreans are willing to spend a significant amount of money on luxurious hotel experiences, which offer them unique and long-lasting memorable experiences. According to Lotte Hotel, upscale hotels in Seoul are achieving average reservation rates as high as 80 to 90% during the Christmas weekend. The cost of these experiences may exceed KRW one million, surpassing half of the average monthly living expenses in Korea. However, people exhibit a willingness to invest in these extravagant events.
Luxury cakes to elevate the Christmas experience
With many people celebrating with Christmas-themed cakes, high-end hotels have also taken part in creating expensive, luxurious cakes to build a high-end Christmas experience. Despite their high prices, strong demand remains. This showcases the willingness of people to splurge on these indulgent treats to elevate their Christmas celebrations. A noteworthy example is Shilla Hotel’s “The Taste of Luxury”. Distinguished as the most expensive hotel cake in 2023, it received a very positive response. Reservations for it were fully booked, despite being priced at KRW 300,000 (about USD 230).
People queue at 7 a.m. for department stores’ Christmas-themed spaces
Department stores in South Korea largely contribute to creating enchanting and captivating experiences for their customers. They create Christmas-themed spaces, with towering trees, dazzling building decorations, and in-person experiential events.
Shinsaegye, one of the top three department stores in Korea, is renowned for its spectacular light shows projected onto its building walls. It has drawn crowds into its store who can see these light shows from far away. Specialized spaces within department stores further amplify the allure of these destinations during Christmas.
In 2023, Hyundai Department Store unveiled the enchanting “H VILLAGE,” a Christmas-themed wonderland reminiscent of markets in France and England. Themed as “La Boutique d’Harry,” this space narrates the heartwarming tale of baby bear Harry striving to fulfill his grandfather’s cherished wish. This space particularly drew attention because it provided a space for people to take end-of-the-year photos and be immersed in the narrative-rich environment. Many people arrived as early as seven in the morning or willing to pay for entry. Hyundai Department Store’s year-long effort to create such immersive and captivating space highlights its commitment to make the most of the festive season.
Christmas in Korea centers around young couples in Korea
- There are people view Christmas as a religious day and celebrate it by attending Churches. However, a large percentage of people celebrate it for the joy it brings. They are engaged in shopping, visiting festive places, and sharing meals with romantic partners, family, and friends.
- Unlike Western traditions, Christmas in Korea predominantly revolves around young couples, followed by friends and family. Couples often partake in various activities, including going to hotels and exchanging gifts.
- Young Koreans seek a luxurious Christmas experience. This has lead to exclusive goods and high-end experiences, particularly in the hospitality sector.
- Department stores in Korea transform into captivating Christmas hubs. They boast spectacular light shows, immersive experiences, and specialized spaces, becoming prime spots for engaging customers during the festive season.
