This post is all about the Christmas in Seoul.

Although there’s a lot of Christians in Seoul, Christmas is a pretty commercialized holiday and is less so about family gatherings than in the West.
In Korea, Christmas is more culturally known as the time when young couples in their 20s and 30s go out for a fancy, romantic date night at a restaurant.

If you’re visiting Seoul this time of year, you’ll find plenty of elaborate, twinkling Christmas decorations at department stores.
And be sure to vie for a coveted Christmas dinner reservation before the local couples book them out (you might want to do that weeks in advance!).
With that, let’s dive into the ultimate guide to Christmas in Seoul!

What is Christmas like in Seoul?
Seoul Christmas Weather | Is it cold in Seoul in Christmas?
Average Temperatures in Seoul
Yes, the average temperatures are pretty low – with the high at 4°C (39°F) and the low at -3°C (26.5°F).

Snow in Seoul
Around Christmas, you can expect about 2.5 cm (1 in) of snow on average (Source: Weather Spark).

South Korea, Christmas traditions

Do Koreans celebrate Christmas?
Yes, but it’s culturally more about young couples booking a fancy date night at a restaurant. Family gatherings are less common.
Christmas is big commercially, so you will still see twinkling winter holiday displays at department stores.

There are a lot of Christians in Korea, though, so this will depend person to person. While over 60% of South Koreans are not religious, over half of those who are are Christians – mostly Protestants (Source: Statista).

Although I did not grow up religious, I did grow up leaving cookies under the Christmas tree in exchange for gifts from Santa Claus (thanks, mom and dad!).

Do Koreans give gifts during Christmas?
Yes, but not nearly at the same level as the West. Koreans give gifts to close family members and friends, but it’s not culturally compulsory.
Public Holidays | Does Seoul shut down during Christmas?
Not really. While Christmas Day is a public holiday in Korea, many businesses remain open both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, because it’s comparatively less culturally significant than in Western countries.
Things To Do During Christmas in Seoul
Where to view Christmas Lights in Seoul
1. Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제): Epic Lantern Sculptures

Snap photos with the larger-than-life lantern sculptures of dragons, tigers and princesses and the like in and around Gwanghwamun Square.
In particular, Cheonggye Plaza transforms into a brightly lit wonderland, with Christmas lights strung across the whole walkway next to the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
The Seoul Tourism Organization has been hosting this annual light festival for over 15 years now, with about 2 million people visiting every year.
The Seoul Lantern Festival is hosted in four areas: Gwanghwamun Square, Sejongno Park, Cheonggyecheon, and Seoul Plaza.
I’d highly recommend checking out the Gwanghwamun Square Market afterward!
Dates: TBD for 2025, Dec 15-Jan 21 last year
2. Shinsegae Department Store Myeongdong (신세계백화점 본점): Twinkling Light Show + Indoor Market

New York City has the Saks Fifth Avenue light show.
And – Seoul has the Shinsegae Department light show!
Shinesegae Light Show
Once the winter season hits, the 3.75 million LED lights twinkle every evening on the gigantic outdoor storefront of the Shinsegae in Myeongdong.
Last year’s SHINSEGAE THEATER: from Legacy to Fantasy show was nothing short of mesmerizing – complete with the Nutcracker, Rudolph, and a Christmas train full of gifts.
This 3 minute show was played on repeat from 5pm until 10:30pm. You can watch the show from across the street from Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Center Exit #1.
In addition, don’t miss the dazzling light bulb arches between the Main Store and the New Building.
Dates: TBD in 2025, Nov 9-Jan 31 last year
Shinesegae Indoor Christmas Market
The Christmas Market “The Gift Shop” is in the hallway between the 4th floor of the Main Store and the 3rd floor of the New Building, where you’ll find Christmas ornaments, sweet gift baskets and more.
Dates: TBD in 2025, until Dec 27 last year
Address: 63 Sogong-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
3. Myeongdong Cathedral (명동대성당): White Rose Lights & Christmas Mass

All are invited to appreciate the beautiful Christmas lights in front of Myeongdong Cathedral, a pretty Neo-Gothic cathedral which also hosts Christmas Mass.
During the Christmas season, the cathedral’s is planted with white rose LED lights, and the surrounding walls are covered in dainty fairy lights.
Countless votive candles flicker at the foot of the Virgin Mary outdoors (2,000 KRW, 1.50 USD per candle).
Pro Tip: You can get wonderful, full views of Myeongdong Cathedral from Molto Italian Espresso Bar (73 3F Myeongdong-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea). There’s patio heating so it’s worth holding your breath and stepping outside for some cute photos!
Christmas Mass
The English Mass is on Christmas Day at 9am.
The Midnight Mass (in Korean) begins at midnight on Christmas Eve (technically, on 12/25 at 12am).
Do note, the Midnight Mass is in Korean and you’d want to get there at least an hour and a half early since it’s very popular.
Address: 74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
4. Lotte Department Store Myeongdong (롯데백화점 본점): Glowing Christmas Tree & Xmas Window Displays
The star of the show is Lotte Department Store Main Store’s huge, beautiful outdoor Christmas tree fully covered with twinkling lights.
But don’t sleep on their adorable storefront displays, with moving parts featuring little Christmas elves getting ready for the holiday season. There’s also interactive displays like photo booths.
Head into the department store, and take a snap with the Christmas tree handing upside down.
Across the street, the Lotte Young Plaza has an impressive exterior facade display, too (67 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul).
Dates: TBD in 2025, Nov 3-Jan 31 (5:30pm – 10pm) last year
Address: 81 Namdaemun-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
5. Starfield Library (별마당 도서관): Impressive Indoor Tree in a Floor-to-Ceiling Library
If the outdoor trees and displays are too much for you ❄️🥶Cozy up at the Starfield Library and enjoy the talllll indoor Christmas tree!
Rows upon rows of books are stacked all the way from the 1st floor to the 2nd floor of this library, which has made it go viral on social media.
Although Starfield Library can be a solid spot to work from home (if you can snag a spot at one of their long tables with plugs!), I’d certainly say that most are snapping pics rather than reading or working 🤪
There are some English books out of their 70,000 something collection.
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Yeongdong-daero, 513, Starfield Coex Mall, B1
Christmas Activities & Cultural Events in Seoul
6. Korean National Ballet (국립발레단): Watch the Nutcracker 🦌

Get fully in the holiday spirit by watching the Korean National Ballet’s edition of the Nutcracker at the Seoul Arts Center (예술의전당).
The Korean National Ballet has been performing Yuri Grigorovich’s choreography since 2000 (he is the former artistic director of the reknown Bolshoi Theatre).
Something that sets this version of the Nutcracker apart is that all the dancers are adults (there’s typically lots of kids that join the performance!).
There’s several other Korean ballet companies that perform the Nutcracker around Christmas in Seoul.
This year, the Universal Ballet (유니버설발레단) is performing at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts last year from Dec 19-30.
The M Ballet Company (M발레단) performed the Nutcracker last year from Dec 22-23 at Sowol Art Hall (30,000 KRW, 23 USD).
7. Seoul Plaza Skating Park (서울광장 스케이트장): Ice Skating with a Huge Outdoor Tree
Go ice skating on the cheap and enjoy the views of the huge outdoor Christmas tree in the expansive lawn in front of Seoul City Hall.
For just 1,000 KRW (0.80 USD), you can rent a pair of skates and skate on the ice rink for a whole hour!
The views are especially lovely because you can also see the main entrance of Deoksugung Palace, the Daehanmun Gate.
Dates: Ice Skating – TBD for 2025, Dec 22-Feb 11 Last year; Christmas Tree – TBD for 2025, 5pm – 12am, Nov 20-Dec 31 last year
Christmas Markets in Seoul
8. The Hyundai Seoul (더현대 서울): Instagram-worthy Christmas Market

The Hyundai Seoul hosts a picturesque Christmas village themed around a different Christmas tale every year, called H Village.
While the exact theme changes every year, last year’s event, called La Boutique d’Harry, was inspired by the mom-and-pop shops on winding European small-town roads.
The Christmas market consisted of around 10 small shops, where you could find classic holiday items like Christmas ornaments, exquisite cards, gluhwein, cozy mugs and their adorable namesake Harry teddy bears.
They also had this beautiful, festive log-shaped Christmas cake that was oh-so-cute!
Address: 5/F Sounds Forest Space, 108 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, South Korea
9. Gwanghwamun Square Market (광화문광장 마켓): Knick Knacks & Food from Small Businesses

From ramen-shaped keychains to hanbok scrunchies and Christmas ornaments, Gwanghwamun Square Market is a fantastic place to get a unique Korean gifts and support small businesses along the way.
Along with around 50 different crafts booths, the market has about 30 food booths and trucks, offering the likes of Korean traditional rice snacks, to fried chicken and vin chaud.

Dates: TBD for 2025; Season 1: Dec 15-31 + Season 2: Jan 1-21 last year
Address: Gwanghwamun Square and Sejongno Park
Christmas Dinners in Seoul | Where to Eat on Christmas Day
Where to Eat Christmas Dinner in Seoul
10. Terrace Room (테라스룸): Dinner Brimming with Festive Cheer
The covered terrace “room” is surrounded with displays full of nutcrackers, teddy bears, snow-covered villages and Christmas trees galore.
The clear windows are shaded by little trees twinkling with fairy lights.
Rows of teddy bears are strung along the Christmas tree in the main restaurant.
The Terrace Room is fully imbued in the Christmas spirit.
Plop your seat and lean back into the stewart plaid pillows and enjoy your lovely Christmas dinner!
Reservation: Catchtable
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Seolleung-ro 152-gil, 37 Olive Building, 2F
11. Nest of Goose Seongsu (기러기 둥지): Cozy Dinner in a Cobbler’s Home
In a nod to hip Seongsu-dong’s living history of leather artisanry, Nest of Goose Seongsu is decorated like the cozy home of a bespoke shoemaker, with distinct nooks in the restaurant that resemble a warm and lived-in workshop, bedroom, living room and dressing room.
The living room is my favorite – complete with a leather sofa, brick fireplace and of course fully in the Christmas spirit with a decorated tree and wreaths.
There’s no need to order a set menu – try their signature Truffle Cream Gnocchi (21,000 KRW, 16 USD).
Do note that you’ll need to order at least one bottle of wine – but they also do have non-alcoholic wine options. Their relatively affordable bottles start at 39,000 KRW, or 30 USD.
Reservation: Catchtable
Address: 38 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Where to Order Christmas Dinner in Seoul: Hotel Chains & Country Clubs

Koreans don’t typically prepare turkey (칠면조), so it can be tough finding the ingredients to cook up typical Christmas Eve foods.
Your best bet is to pre-order from an international hotel chain.
Below are hotel chains that offer Christmas dinner menus that you can pre-order for pick up.
The set meals typically serve 6 people, unless noted otherwise.
12. Grand Hyatt Seoul (그랜드하얏트서울 델리): 265 USD

The Grand Hyatt Seoul Deli offers a Turkey menu with stuffing, giblet gravy and cranberry sauce (350,000 KRW, 265 USD).
There’s a variety of other pre-ordered set menus, including Porchetta (190,000 KRW, 145 USD), Pork Ribs (160,000 KRW, 120 USD), Beef Wellington (200,000 KRW, 150 USD), Rib Eye (200,000 KRW, 150 USD) and Duck (350,000 KRW, 265 USD).
The portion sizes of these alternative options are a little smaller and feed around 3-4 people.
Pre-Order: Minimum 3 days in advance (selrs-deli@hyatt.com, +82-2-799-8167)
Address: 322 Sowol-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
13. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul (포시즌스 호텔 서울): 300 USD
The Confections by Four Seasons offers a Turkey To-Go Christmas menu with 10 side dishes, including stuffing, giblet gravy, raspberry sauce, mac and cheese, green beans, pumpkin pie and more (400,000 KRW, 300 USD).
They also offer a Turkey To-Go menu with 15 sides, which includes smoked salmon (500,000 KRW, 380 USD).

Other set menu options include Porchetta To-Go (10 sides: 500,000 KRW, 380 USD, 15 sides: 690,000 KRW, 530 USD) and a Rib Eye To-Go set (10 sides: 680,000 KRW, 520 USD; 15 sides: 780,000 KRW, 595 USD).
Pre-Order: Minimum 3 days in advance. The menu is available through Dec 31.
Address: 97 Saemunan-ro, Dangju-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
14. Conrad Seoul (콘래드 서울 아트리오): 260 USD

The Conrad Seoul’s Italian restaurant, Atrio, offers a Christmas dinner set.
The Turkey To-Go set includes turkey marinated in lemon, butter, garlic and herbs and baked in the oven for 3+ hours, along with gravy, raspberry sauce and a bottle of wine (340,000 KRW, 260 USD).
You can separately order Side Vegetables, which include potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, pumpkin and cabbage (40,000 KRW, 30 USD).
The Conrad also offers a Bejing Duck set (200,000 KRW, 150 USD) and a Pork Belly set in classic Korean fashion (180,000 KRW, 140 USD).
Pre-Order: Minimum 4 days in advance. The menu is available through Dec 31.
Address: 10 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, South Korea
15. AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam by Marriott (AC 호텔 바이 메리어트 서울 강남): 215 USD

The AC Kitchen offers a Turkey To-Go menu complete with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, pumpkin soup, apple pie and more (280,000 KRW, 215 USD).
Pre-Order: Minimum 3 days in advance. The menu is available through Dec 31.
Address: 10 Teheran-ro 25-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
16. Banyan Tree (반얀 트리 클럽 앤 스파 서울): 265 USD
The Granum Dining Lounge at the Banyan Tree offers a Christmas dinner menu with herb-roasted turkey, gravy, mashed potato, roasted vegetables, pumpkin pecan pie, focaccia and more (350,000 KRW, 265 USD).
Pre-Order: Minimum 3 days in advance. The menu is available through Dec 31.
Address: 60 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
17. JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul (JW 메리어트 동대문): 330 USD

The JW Marriott offers an American-style Christmas dinner menu, complete with turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce, truffle oat risotto, caesar salad with chicken, shepherd’s pie, clam chowder, pumpkin pie and more (430,000 KRW, 330 USD).
Pre-Order: Minimum 2 days in advance. The menu is available through Dec 31.
Address: 279 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
18. Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas (그랜드 인터컨티넨탈 서울): 300 USD

The Deli at the Intercontinental Seoul offers a Turkey To-Go menu, which includes 12 sides (including sweet potato, pumpkin, macaroni and more), a salad and a bottle of red wine (390,000 KRW, 300 USD).
The turkey is brined by the hotel chefs in natural sparkling water for 24 hours in their patented method.
There’s also a set for Barbeque Ribs, which are smoked over beech for 12 hours (340,000 KRW, 260 USD).
Pre-Order: Minimum 2 days in advance.
Address: Teheran-ro, 521 Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
Christmas in Seoul (Conclusion)

In this guide, we went over Christmas in Seoul and all the best things you can do this Christmas season in the capital city of South Korea.
While Christmas is a national holiday in Korea, it’s more so a commercialized holiday rather than a major cultural holiday, as is typical in several Asian countries.
In this guide, we went over the best places to enjoy the magical atmosphere of Christmas, including Christmas markets, photo spots with the most impressive lights and displays, and incredible places to eat on Christmas eve.
What is Christmas like in Seoul?
- Seoul Christmas Weather | Is it cold in Seoul in Christmas?
- Do Koreans celebrate Christmas?
- Do Koreans give gifts during Christmas?
- Public Holidays | Does Seoul shut down during Christmas?
Things To Do During Christmas in Seoul
- Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제): Epic Lantern Sculptures
- Shinsegae Department Store Myeongdong (신세계백화점 본점): Twinkling Light Show + Indoor Market
- Myeongdong Cathedral (명동대성당): White Rose Lights & Christmas Mass
- Lotte Department Store Myeongdong (롯데백화점 본점): Glowing Christmas Tree & Xmas Window Displays
- Starfield Library (별마당 도서관): Impressive Indoor Tree in a Floor-to-Ceiling Library
- Korean National Ballet (국립발레단): Watch the Nutcracker 🦌
- Seoul Plaza Skating Park (서울광장 스케이트장): Ice Skating with a Huge Outdoor Tree
- The Hyundai Seoul (더현대 서울): Instagram-worthy Christmas Market
- Gwanghwamun Square Market (광화문광장 마켓): Knick Knacks & Food from Small Businesses
- Terrace Room (테라스룸): Dinner Brimming with Festive Cheer
- Nest of Goose Seongsu (기러기 둥지): Cozy Dinner in a Cobbler’s Home
- Grand Hyatt Seoul (그랜드하얏트서울 델리): 265 USD
- Four Seasons Hotel Seoul (포시즌스 호텔 서울): 300 USD
- Conrad Seoul (콘래드 서울 아트리오): 260 USD
- AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam by Marriott (AC 호텔 바이 메리어트 서울 강남): 215 USD
- Banyan Tree (반얀 트리 클럽 앤 스파 서울): 265 USD
- JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul (JW 메리어트 동대문): 330 USD
- Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas (그랜드 인터컨티넨탈 서울): 300 USD
Merry Christmas! Thank you for checking out my article about Christmas in Seoul.
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