With the vacations approaching chances are you’ll be questioning – what ought to I do through the winter in South Korea? There are lots of distinctive actions and traditions which you can observe if you are right here throughout winter. It’s possible you’ll wrestle to seek out the issues you’re used to – you gained’t discover any turkey dinners or Christmas crackers, for instance – so I counsel you to glide and have enjoyable celebrating the winter holidays the Korean approach! There are additionally many different non-holiday associated actions to do and meals to eat which we’ve included too, so you possibly can benefit from the winter season (from December-February) in Korea to the fullest.
Christmas in South Korea
Christmas is the primary essential vacation celebrated in Korea through the winter season (the others being New 12 months and Seollal, the Lunar New 12 months). Whereas round 20% of Korean individuals establish as Christian, and due to this fact practise a typical Christian Christmas, secular vacation traditions and actions vastly range from what chances are you’ll be used to. Listed here are some issues Koreans love to do throughout Christmas time in Korea.
Myeongdong
In case you are trying to find Christmas vibes in Seoul, then the primary space to move to is Myeongdong. Right here, you could find the streets adorned with Christmas lights and a big Christmas tree – and since it’s the buying hub of Seoul it’s the excellent place to do some Christmas buying. Myeongdong streets are lined with avenue meals carts 12 months spherical, which when paired with the festive surroundings has an analogous vibe to wandering round a Christmas market. There’s additionally the Myeongdong Cathedral, the place you could find a big nativity show and generally even carol singers, if you’re lacking your Christmas traditions.
The Shinsegae Gentle Present
After exploring Myeongdong, I like to recommend heading over to the Shinsegae Division Retailer close to Metropolis Corridor. Splashed throughout the partitions of the constructing on large LED screens is a 5-10 minute show of Christmas animations and messages set to vacation music that can make sure to get you within the spirit. Within the lead as much as Christmas, individuals crowd round this space at night time to observe the show, and though it could actually get busy, it’s value watching for those who can. I like to recommend watching from throughout the road by standing in entrance of the Nationwide Financial institution of Korea. The window shows of the mall itself are additionally beautiful to stroll previous and luxuriate in – think about Christmas in New York, with shows of Christmas wreaths and nutcrackers and sweet canes, however on a smaller scale. It’s an ideal backdrop to take some wintery photos!
Business Christmas Shows
There are such a lot of Christmas shows in buying malls throughout Seoul. Go to the Hyundai Division Retailer for an indoor Christmas Market expertise, or Lotte Tower for a Christmassy outside show and carousel. Whereas these shows are often lovely and price having a look at, they’ll get extraordinarily busy, particularly on weekends and the times main as much as Christmas Day! In case you are planning to go to organised Christmas shows round Seoul, I like to recommend doing so on weekdays and within the morning or early afternoon to keep away from lengthy queues and busy crowds. The identical goes for the Christmas parades and performances at amusement parks equivalent to Lotte World and Everland.
Celebrating Christmas – the Korean approach!
If you happen to’re in Korea, I like to recommend celebrating Christmas the best way Korean individuals do! In Korea, Christmas Day is a nationwide vacation, however individuals will go to work as regular on the times surrounding it, together with Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. Christmas Day is taken into account a {couples} vacation in Korea, just like Valentine’s Day in western international locations, so to really have fun Christmas the Korean approach, go on a date or meet your mates slightly than spending time with household! Many eating places, bars, cafes, inns, and leisure institutions may have couple-focused occasions and offers on this present day – however chances are you’ll need to e-book these upfront.
There isn’t a conventional meals to eat on Christmas Day, however many individuals prefer to buy a Christmas cake from their native bakery, which is a typical sponge cake lined in tremendous gentle icing and adorned with Christmas imagery and messages.
There isn’t a main present giving tradition in Korea for Christmas, other than dad and mom to their younger kids – kids are inclined to cease believing in Santa Claus by the age of 5 or 6 right here! {Couples} may select to provide one another a Christmas present, however playing cards and presents for associates, prolonged household, and colleagues doesn’t are inclined to occur.
Winter in South Korea
See the First Snow
A convention slightly than an exercise, it’s seen as fortunate to witness the primary snowfall of the winter season. If you happen to occur to witness it along with your accomplice (or someone you want) the assumption is that you’ll have an extended, wholesome and joyful relationship. Due to this perception, it may be a big day for {couples}, who could try to witness the primary snow collectively, so for those who all of a sudden see a surplus of {couples} strolling round this may very well be a very good indicator that the primary snow is on its approach!
Sledging in Ttukseom
Normally working from the beginning of December to the start of February, Ttukseom Hangang Park is residence to a sledging hill, the place you possibly can slide down the icy hill on rubber rings – these rings are quicker than they appear and a lot enjoyable! There’s additionally a a lot smaller sledging and snow space for youthful kids, and a short lived meals tent promoting piping scorching ramen and tteokbokki, the right snack after enjoying within the snow. The meals will be dearer, however the park entry is free – so it evens out for my part. It’s possible you’ll even get to see the Han River frozen over if it’s chilly sufficient!
Keep in a Pension
Winter is the right time to remain inside and get cosy, so for those who’re searching for a extra relaxed journey, strive staying in a pension within the countryside! Pensions can are available all sizes and styles, from massive multi-storey houses to cosy residences, however what makes them particular is their pure areas, from the mountains to the ocean. Pensions are just like AirBnb’s in that you simply often don’t should examine in like a resort, and the constructing tends to return with an out of doors space with a grill for a Korean type BBQ. So flip up the underfloor heating (ondahl), placed on some vacation motion pictures, and watch the snowfall out of your window.
Winter Sports activities
Korea is a mountainous nation, so it’s fairly straightforward to seek out areas to go snowboarding and/or snowboarding. If ice skating is extra your factor, go to the indoor ice rink at Lotte World (you possibly can enter the ice rink individually from the amusement park space). It prices 20,000W together with skates, however you will need to convey your personal gloves or purchase them from the merchandising machine inside. Be sure you know your Korean shoe measurement earlier than you go! Typically there’s a seasonal ice rink outdoors of Lotte Tower for a restricted time within the winter too.
Winter Road Meals
There are such a lot of seasonal avenue meals in Korea however wintertime appears to have probably the most! The vast majority of these meals can solely be eaten in winter so for those who spot them, undoubtedly give them a strive!
Bunggeobang – Fish formed bread stuffed with crimson bean paste or custard. Nowadays you possibly can usually discover different flavours together with Nutella, apple jam or whipped cream to call a couple of.
Hotteok – Korean candy pancakes, often made with honey and seeds. Watch out when biting into these treats, because the scalding honey or liquid sugar can simply an keen eater – however the unbelievable flavour is value it!
Baked candy potatoes – Korean candy potatoes are a lot sweeter than the UK selection I’m used to, with a smooth yellow inside and purple pores and skin. If there aren’t any meals carts round, you possibly can usually discover these heat winter treats at comfort shops.
Roasted chestnuts – Nothing screams winter like chestnuts roasting on an open hearth. Seize a bag for round 5000W!
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