European-style Christmas markets have become increasingly popular in South Korea, with several popping up in major cities. These markets offer an array of food, gifts, and holiday activities, making them great for both shopping and experiencing the festive vibe of the season.

For USFK families, the winter season offers plenty of activities to get into the festive spirit, whether it's dining out with loved ones or attending local Christmas-themed events. Christmas in South Korea is celebrated in a more secular and commercial way compared to the United States, but it’s still full of joy and excitement. One of the traditions you’ll notice is the widespread popularity of Christmas cakes. Check out your local bakeries to see if you can find a snowman cake with a carrot nose! 

During the Christmas season, many feel the need to give back to the local community. This can be done through various volunteering efforts. The USFK community frequently organizes donation drives, toy collections, and outreach programs to support Korean charities or local orphanages. Department of Defense schools often host an Angel Tree where community members can choose an angel off of a Christmas tree to sponsor. Each angel is a child from a local orphanage needing a helping hand. The USO gives presents to the community each year and often needs help wrapping presents and volunteers for their holiday events. Your installation’s Chaplain will also know ways you can give back. Participating in these activities spreads holiday cheer, but also strengthens the bond between the U.S. military and local Korean communities. 

Christmas Lights and Displays

Myeongdong (Seoul): Myeongdong is a shopping hotspot year-round, but during winter, it transforms into a festive wonderland with sparkling lights and holiday-themed displays. The streets are lined with vendors selling everything from hot snacks to winter apparel, adding to the holiday cheer. Department stores in the area, such as Lotte Department Store, also go big with their holiday displays and European-style markets, making it a perfect spot for a festive evening stroll.

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Lotte Dept. Store Main Branch

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Cheonggyecheon Stream (Seoul): A popular attraction year-round, the Cheonggyecheon Stream gets a magical makeover during Christmas, featuring beautiful illuminated installations along the water. The Seoul Christmas Festival held here is a must-see, offering light tunnels, large Christmas trees, and themed installations that make for excellent photo opportunities.

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Cheonggyecheon Stream

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Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) (Seoul): The futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a hub for exhibitions and design, but during Christmas, it becomes a focal point for glittering lights. The plaza is often adorned with artistic Christmas trees, unique light sculptures, and festive markets, making it a perfect mix of culture and Christmas spirit.

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Dongdaemun Design Plaza Parking Lot

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Garden of Morning Calm (Gapyeong): If you are willing to venture a bit outside of the city, the Garden of Morning Calm offers one of the most stunning winter light festivals in Korea. The Lighting Festival transforms the garden into a glowing wonderland with millions of lights spread across trees, plants, and pathways, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere perfect for a Christmas outing.

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The Garden of MorningCalm

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Christmas Markets to Visit

Seoul Christmas Market (Yeouido Hangang Park): This market is modeled after traditional European Christmas markets, featuring cozy stalls selling mulled wine, warm treats, and Christmas gifts. It’s an ideal spot for families to explore during the holidays, complete with festive music and activities. Held along the Hangang River, the market's backdrop adds to the charm of the experience.

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Yeouido Hangang Park

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Itaewon Christmas Market (Seoul): Known for its international community, Itaewon often hosts a vibrant Christmas market with a global flair. You’ll find stalls offering holiday treats from around the world, including American, German, and French Christmas favorites. The market is usually held in Itaewon’s central streets or at Namsan Square Park, making it a fun, multicultural experience for USFK members and a short venture outside USAG Yongsan’s walkout gate.

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Insadong Culture Street

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Sinchon Christmas Street Festival (Seoul): Located near Yonsei University, this market is a lively spot for young people and families. The streets are lined with festive stalls selling holiday-themed food, beverages, and gifts. The festival also features performances and events, giving it a lively, celebratory atmosphere perfect for a fun day out.

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Yonsei University Sinchon Campus

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Busan Christmas Tree Festival (Nampo-dong, Busan): For those stationed or visiting southern Korea, Busan’s Christmas Tree Festival in Nampo-dong is a must-see. The streets are filled with festive lights and a giant Christmas tree display. The area is buzzing with markets, shops, and restaurants, offering a holiday atmosphere with a seaside twist.

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Yongdusan Park Entrance

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Christmas Sweets and Eats

Local Bakeries and Cafes: Bakeries and cafes across Korea—such as Paris Baguette, Tous Les Jours, and local patisseries—offer beautifully decorated Christmas cakes, often topped with strawberries and whipped cream. These cakes have become a must-have during the holidays. These establishments also go all out with holiday decorations, making it feel like a special occasion every visit. 

Popular Western Restaurants: Korean restaurants might not serve the traditional Christmas dinner, but you can still enjoy holiday-themed Western-style meals at restaurants in Seoul, Itaewon, Suwon, Pyeongtaek, Daegu, and Busan, which cater to international tastes.

Family-friendly Activities

Lotte World (Seoul): Korea’s famous indoor theme park, Lotte World, transforms into a winter wonderland for Christmas. The park hosts Christmas-themed parades, light shows, musicals, and special-themed performances, creating a magical holiday experience for visitors of all ages.

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LOTTEWORLD ADVENTURE

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Everland (Yongin): Everland is South Korea’s largest theme park, and during Christmas, it becomes a must-visit for its Winter Wonderland festivities. Expect strolls through winter scenes, dazzling displays of lights, Christmas trees, and themed parades, perfect for a family-friendly outing.

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Everland

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Pyeongchang and Yongpyong Ski Resorts: If you're more of a winter sports enthusiast, Korea’s famous ski resorts offer the perfect Christmas escape. Both Pyeongchang and Yongpyong resorts boast excellent ski facilities and often hold holiday-themed events, making it an ideal getaway for the holidays.

Christmas in South Korea offers a unique blend of familiar holiday traditions and new cultural experiences. Whether you're admiring the festive lights in Seoul, shopping at Christmas markets, enjoying a slice of Christmas cake, or hitting the ski slopes, there are plenty of ways for the USFK military community to embrace the holiday spirit. Take the opportunity to explore these Christmas events and destinations, engage with the local culture, and create unforgettable holiday memories during your time in Korea. 

About the Author

Born in Trenton, Michigan, and a proud Air Force veteran, Heather now serves as an Army civilian. Passionate about exploring new places, Heather enjoys traveling throughout South Korea, immersing in its rich culture and vibrant landscapes.