6 must-visit Christmas markets in Korea

The Hyundai Seoul Christmas booth / Courtesy of Hyundai Department Store

Whether you are visiting Korea for the Christmas holidays or living here long-term, you won't have to spend Christmas like the Grinch. Korea is known for its fancy and flashy holiday decorations, with Christmas markets becoming more popular in recent years.

If you want the best Instagram pics or just want to share the joy of Christmas, you won’t want to miss these seasonal events that will surely lift your holiday spirit.

Here are six Christmas-themed places you can visit during the holidays:

Places in Seoul

1. Shinsegae Wonderland

Shinsegae Gangnam

Address: 176 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Operating dates: Nov. 7 to Dec. 30

Shinsegae Wonderland's Christmas market / Courtesy of Shinsegae Group

Wonderland Tree Road connecting House of Shinsegae and Sweet Park / Courtesy of Shinsegae Group

Shinsegae Gangnam, a tourist favorite, opened Shinsegae Wonderland and added two more areas: House of Shinsegae and Sweet Park on basement level 1 of its Gangnam branch.

You can find various photo zones, a street lined with Christmas trees and Christmas-themed shops where you can buy festive items such as ornaments and Advent calendars.

You can also purchase limited-edition merchandise at a Mini Toy Gacha Shop, take photos in photo booths and enjoy lively music from the music store at the center of the market.

Shinsegae Myeongdong

Address: 63 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Operating dates: Nov. 14 to Dec. 30

Shinsegae Wonderland Christmas Market, Myeongdong / Korea Times photo by Kim Sur-hyun

If you are staying around the Myeong-dong area, you can visit the Shinsegae Department Store on the fourth floor to explore The Heritage. Look around and purchase limited-edition ornaments and decorations, enjoy delicious snacks and take photos among a forest of beautifully lit Christmas trees.

Don't miss the huge screen and colorful light display in front of the department store at night.

2. Lotte Town Christmas Market

Address: Lotte World Tower, 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Operating dates: Nov. 20 to Jan. 4

Lotte Town Christmas market at night / Courtesy of Lotte Department Store

Located on the lawn of Lotte World Tower World Park in Jamsil, this market is especially popular among young couples and other visitors in their 20s and 30s. It offers a varied selection of food, drinks and entertainment in an outdoor area.

Don’t miss the Heart Light Show, the Snow Shower and the two-story carousel for the full holiday experience. Sip hot chocolate as you browse festive-themed items and enjoy the magical nighttime atmosphere. If you want to learn more about your fortune for the year ahead, you can also visit the fortune house booth.

Tickets must be purchased. Check their website for more information and reservation details.

3. Hyundai Department Store: Atelier de Noël

Address: 108 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Operating dates: Nov. 1 to Dec. 31

The Hyundai Seoul Christmas market / Courtesy of Hyundai Department Store

Hyundai Department Stores across Korea have their own unique events. If you want to feel like the main character of a Christmas movie, you must visit the Hyundai Seoul in Yeongdeungpo District.

After exploring the store’s modern and beautifully designed interior, make sure to visit the fifth floor for a magical Christmas market. With exhibits, unique Christmas collection items, shops and photo zones, this place will transport you to the North Pole. Check out the live-action exhibitions and take pictures with Santa's reindeer.

Reservations required. Check their website for more information and reservation details.

4. Gwanghwamun Christmas Market

Address: Gwanghwamun Square, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Operating dates: Dec. 12 to Dec. 31
Operating time: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Gwanghwamun Christmas market / Courtesy of Gwanghwamun Market Instagram

Gwanghwamun Christmas market sausage booth / Courtesy of Gwanghwamun Market Instagram

Lantern Festival / Korea Times photo by Kim Sur-hyun

If you’re looking for an outdoor Christmas market, visit one of Seoul’s most beloved holiday spots in Gwanghwamun. Various booths offer special holiday items such as ornaments, toys and snow globes. Get in the spirit with holiday fare such as sausages and street food, and take photos in various picture zones.

Five minutes away from the market is Cheonggye Stream, lit with colorful lanterns. The annual Seoul Lantern Festival, held every year, features unique colorful paper lanterns with Korean art and designs.

Outside of Seoul

5. Seoul Land

Address: 181 Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Operating dates: Oct. 2 to Dec. 31
Operating time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Seoul Land Christmas Market / Courtesy of Seoul Land

Seoul Land fire pit / Courtesy of Seoul Land

If you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday adventure, don’t miss Seoul Land. The amusement park pulls out all the stops for its Christmas Market, decking the whole park in red and green. Take photos in themed zones, admire the giant Christmas tree, explore the Christmas market and even toast marshmallows by the fireplace.

If you are going with children, make sure to watch the Christmas show and dance along to lively holiday music. End the night by watching a colorful fireworks display and laser show, while enjoying various food offerings.

6. Busan: Christmas Village Busan

Address: 120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Operating dates: Nov. 27 to Dec. 25
Opening time: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Official poster for Christmas Village Busan 2025 / Courtesy of Market Chango

For a change of scenery, how about Christmas by the beach? If you are visiting the coastal city of Busan, take a stroll through the Christmas Village in Haeundae. Decorated to resemble Santa’s village, the area is filled with characters like Santa, elves and reindeer. You can take photos in front of a Christmas tree, write and send letters, enjoy delicious food and shop at booths selling various holiday-themed items.

Kim Sur-hyun is a Korea Times intern.