 An elderly man dressed as St. Nicholas waves his hand during the Santa of Hope Ceremony at the Community Chest of Korea Center in Jeong-dong, central Seoul, Tuesday. |
By Shim Hyun-chul
Staff Reporter
Most people, at some point in their lives, have waited for Santa Claus, wondering what kind of presents he will bring. A teddy bear? Maybe that new video game? Perhaps some new clothes?
It's Christmas Day. Did you get a present? If so, it means that Santa has paid you a visit. But if you want to know who he really is, look around you. That someone will be looking at you with a big smile.
As the Christmas season draws near, Santa is the most sought-after person in the world. And he can be found in places all around the world, donning his signature red outfit and white beard.
In Korea, Santa has started his work earlier than usual this year.
In Guro-gu, 1004 Santas ― employees from the district office and residents ― are out and about for a fund-raising event to collect money for the poor.
On Dec. 15, senior citizens dressed in bright red Santa outfits graduated from the ``Elderly Santa School'' at the Community Chest of Korea Center, and held parties at centers for children and senior citizens.
More than 2,000 postmen from 11 post offices around the nation delivered mail, dressed up as Santa Claus.
Esteemed Maestro Chung Myung-whun will dress up as Santa at a performance at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Dec. 29. As part of Seoul City's ``Symphony of Light'' festival the Chung concert with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will be projected on the wall of the Sejong Center, as well as on KT Building across the street, on Christmas day at 7 p.m. The concert will feature famous carols including ``The Little Drummer Boy'' and ``Sleigh Ride.''
There will also be a Santa ice sculpture at the Seoul Ice Festival held at Dream Forest, Beon-dong, northern Seoul.
shim@koreatimes.co.kr
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