Jon Dunbar is a copy editor at The Korea Times, as well as editor of the Foreign Community page and curator of the Korea Times Archive. If you have suggestions for possible articles, or wish to contribute articles yourself, contact jdunbar@koreatimes.co.kr.
Where to find Christmas in Korea
A Christmas display is set up at Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul, Dec. 15. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
By Jon Dunbar
By Jon Dunbar
Christmas can be a lonely time of year, especially for foreign residents in Korea who are separated from family back home and surrounded by unfamiliar scenery that doesn't seem that festive. The holiday is celebrated here primarily as either a secular day off or a religious affair held behind closed doors, and foreigners, especially Westerners, used to reminders of Christmas everywhere, might find the season lacking here.
But there are places to visit in Korea where one may encounter the spirit of Christmas. Here are some recommendations.
Cheonggye Stream
Cheonggye Stream in downtown Seoul is filled with bright lights and Christmassy displays. A stage has been set up at Cheonggye Plaza and several food tents are available for street food. Down at the actual stream itself, there are numerous holiday displays set up to make the whole area feel festive. A great place to go on a date or with friends, but even if it's cold out a quick walk along the stream would restore Christmas cheer.
Myeongdong Cathedral
Korea's oldest Gothic-style church,
is worth a visit for its historic significance alone, but on Christmas it's especially nice. There are some Christmas decorations outside including lights, and the cathedral hosts Sunday mass in many languages. Also be sure to visit the underground arcade
, where a selection of art will be on display.
Mount Nam
If you want to see lots of colorful lights in Seoul, you just need to go somewhere high up and view the city at night. The best option might be Mount Nam in central Seoul, which is accessible by hiking, cable car or public transit. From up there, the city lights will be spread out before you. There is always a special mood at the top of this small urban peak, especially on Christmas.
Garden of Morning Calm
It's not exactly a Christmas event, but the
in Gapyeong County, west of Seoul, is entirely covered in twinkling lights at this time of year. The recommended visiting hours are from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is open until 11 p.m. on Saturdays although it is probably best not to stay until the end due to transport difficulties. Visit morningcalm.co.kr for more information.
Christmas concerts
Most Christmas concerts seem to be planned for this Saturday and next Tuesday.
But the most entertaining one is put on by the eclectic garage band DTSQ. They're celebrating another
again this year at Channel1969 in Yeonnam-dong. People who want to take part in a random gift exchange should bring their own random gifts, wrapped properly, to give away. Other bands include Animal Divers, Dead Buttons, Idiotape and Maalib.
Also worth checking out is
, a reggae night at Convent Pub bringing dozens of DJs of dancehall, reggaeton, afrobeat, ska, rockstead, dub and more. Its laid-back island music vibe should make anyone feel relaxed for the holiday.
Christmas dinners
If you're seeking Christmas food and drinks, the best places for that are 1842 Seoul in Itaewon, The Hidden Cellar in Haebangchon and WinK Kitchen & Taphouse in Seocho-gu, southern Seoul. These require prior registration so act fast.
The European-style restaurant 1842 Seoul is the venue for the
South Africans in Korea Network (SAKorNet) Christmas party
this Friday. The event offers South African Christmas foods including roast leg of lamb, roast potatoes, pampoen koekies (pumpkin fritters) and more. There is also a raffle with prizes from over 13 sponsors, an optional gift exchange, South African music and a photo booth filled with Christmas props. Entry costs 50,000 won.
has a Christmas Day dinner at 7 p.m Christmas Eve and a Christmas Day lunch starting at 3 p.m. Christmas Day. Both buffets include roasted turkey, smoked bone-in ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and more. Guests can choose between eggnog and mulled wine. The event also features live music and a gift exchange; guests should bring a small wrapped gift worth at least 10,000 won to exchange. Participation costs 40,000 won.
has various seating time slots available, starting from Saturday night and running until Christmas Day. Their dinner plate includes roasted turkey, apple stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and much more. The base price is 35,000 won with extra drink specials available. Due to limited space diners must RSVP.
Korean food options
If you don't want to spend big on Western-style Christmas cuisine, there are other places to go where cheer will be in the air. Try the food tents at Jongno 3-ga, located above Seoul Metro Line 5 between exits 3, 4 and 6. Or go to Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok and makgeolli. Or try out Nogari Alley in Euljiro. All of these places are bound to be serving affordable food of various kinds and the Christmas cheer is free.