Seoul Cultural Events in December 2024
Exploring Seoul in December 2024 and January 2025: Festivities and Highlights
The capital of “the land of morning calm” transforms into a magical winter wonderland in December and January, blending centuries-old traditions with modern festivities.
The city buzzes with life as Seoul Cultural Events in December 2024 take centre stage, offering a perfect mix of heritage, entertainment, and celebration. From dazzling Christmas lights and bustling seasonal markets to cultural performances and traditional feasts, December and January in Seoul offer something for everyone. Explore the highlights and indulge in the best of the city’s festivities.
Seoul Cultural Events in December 2024: Festive Christmas celebrations
Christmas in Seoul combines global festive traditions with Korean flair. Iconic locations such as the Lotte World Tower and Everland theme park are decked out in stunning lights and decorations. Everland hosts its “Bling Bling Christmas Parade” alongside special attractions like Santa’s Village and festive food markets, creating a magical atmosphere for families and visitors of all ages.
Seoul’s Christmas markets, inspired by European traditions, are another highlight. These markets, including the ones at Seorae French Village and Lotte World Mall, offer handcrafted ornaments, festive treats, and cultural performances. Whether you’re looking for gifts or simply soaking up the holiday spirit, the markets are a must-see.
Welcoming the New Year in style
Seoul’s New Year’s Eve events are vibrant and memorable. The Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony in Jongno, a historic tradition dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, rings in the new year with cultural performances and fireworks.
Alternatively, venues like Namsan Tower and Lotte World Tower offer breathtaking views of the city’s skyline illuminated by dazzling displays of light and fireworks.
Starfield COEX Mall provides a cozy yet energetic space for those looking for a more modern celebration, featuring live entertainment and countdown events.
These gatherings capture the communal and festive spirit of Seoul during the New Year.
Cultural experiences and winter activities
December and January are ideal for experiencing Seoul’s cultural landmarks amidst their winter charm. Gyeongbokgung Palace, covered in snow, offers a serene escape, and Hanbok rentals allow visitors to blend into this historic setting beautifully.
For winter sports enthusiasts, nearby ski resorts and ice skating rinks in the city, such as the Seoul Plaza Ice Rink, provide fun-filled activities. These experiences complement the festive cheer, making Seoul an engaging destination during the holiday season.
Religious and cultural reflections
Christianity in South Korea has a rich history, marked by its growth into one of the most prominent religions in the country. The roots of Christianity can be traced back to the late 18th century when Catholicism was introduced by Korean scholars who encountered Christian texts while studying Confucianism in China. These early converts, inspired by the egalitarian and spiritual principles of Christianity, returned to Korea to share their newfound faith.
Protestantism gained traction in the late 19th century with the arrival of Western missionaries such as Horace Allen and Horace Underwood. These missionaries established schools, hospitals, and printing presses, contributing significantly to education and social reform in Korea. The Protestant community played an essential role in advocating for Korean independence during Japanese colonization (1910–1945), further cementing Christianity’s influence.
Today, Christians make up about 30% of South Korea’s population, with Protestant and Catholic communities thriving across the country.
Though Christmas is not a public holiday in South Korea, it holds significance for the Christian population. Churches across Seoul host Christmas services and midnight masses, with the Myeongdong Cathedral being a particularly popular site for religious observance and a glimpse into the spiritual traditions of the season.
Seoul Cultural Events in December 2024 – Holiday Food in Seoul
Winter in Seoul is the perfect time to savour hearty and warming Korean dishes. Street food stalls come alive with seasonal offerings like hotteok (sweet pancakes), roasted chestnuts, and steamed buns. Traditional Korean soups and stews, such as tteokguk (rice cake soup), are popular New Year dishes, symbolizing prosperity and renewal.
For those craving a Western-style Christmas dinner, several restaurants and hotels, especially in Itaewon, serve roast turkey and other holiday classics. Pre-ordered Christmas feasts from high-end hotels like the Grand Hilton or Intercontinental offer a convenient and indulgent way to celebrate.
Street Food Warmth
Street vendors around popular areas like Myeongdong and Insadong serve winter street food favorites perfect for the chilly season. Sweet hotteok (filled pancakes), roasted chestnuts, and warm rice cakes (tteok) are crowd favorites. Food carts also offer savory options such as spicy rice cakes (tteokbokki) and skewered fish cakes (eomuk) served in hot broth.
Traditional Korean Feasts
Holiday meals in Korea often feature heartwarming dishes like galbijjim (braised short ribs) and jeon (savory pancakes). For New Year’s Day, tteokguk (rice cake soup) is traditionally served, symbolizing good fortune and a fresh start.
Festive Western Influences
Seoul also caters to international tastes with a festive flair. Restaurants in Itaewon and major hotels offer roast turkey, Christmas cakes, and pastries. Many bakeries, like Paris Baguette, create limited-edition holiday desserts.
Cultural Fusion
Don’t miss themed winter markets, where you can find mulled wine, hot chocolate, and holiday cookies alongside Korean specialties.
Useful link: Visit Seoul website
Some great tips from the Reddit blogger DabangRacer on off-the-beaten-path must-sees in Seoul:
- Euljiro still has places worth finding, cool LP bars, cafes, restaurants, etc.; I also like the vibe in progress at Sewoon Sangga.
- Also a lot of “cool kids hanging out” in Seongsu-dong with a lot of variety although things are kinda spread out there.
- Shin Heung Market at the top of Haebangchon has a cool newtro vibe.
- Mullae-dong never really became the thing it was hyped as but it’s got a nice vibe of cafes/restaurants/galleries mixed in among old school metal shops and factories. Just head there in late afternoon or evening because it can be dead during daytime, especially weekdays.
- The area around Samgakji (Yongridan-gil if you must) has some interesting spots and is less trafficked by visitors.
- The neighborhood east of Ikseon-dong, Seosulla-gil has been developing in interesting ways.
- Seochon is always worth a walk-through.
- Yeonhui-dong has some good cafes and shops without the hustle and bustle of Yeonnam-dong, and there’s some interesting cluster of galleries on the other side of the hill near the Hongje stream.
- Seoul Jungang Sijang (Central Market) has an interesting evening vibe as the traditional market winds down and a new crop of casual restaurants and drinking places draw in younger locals. imho Jungang is much more interesting than Gwangjang.
Fun Facts about South Korea you need to know
No Tipping Culture
South Koreans don’t tip for services like dining or taxis. In fact, tipping can sometimes cause confusion or even offense. Service fees are usually included in bills, so visitors can relax and enjoy their experience.
Everyone Ages on New Year’s Day
In South Korea, you are considered one year older on New Year’s Day, not on your birthday. This unique tradition stems from the Korean age system, where everyone gains a year simultaneously.
Mandatory Military Service for K-Pop Stars
Even global celebrities like BTS must serve in the military, showing how deeply ingrained the culture of mandatory service is, regardless of fame.
World’s Fastest Internet
South Korea is famous for having some of the fastest internet speeds globally. Yet, people still complain if it’s even slightly slow!
Love for Matching Outfits
Couples in South Korea often wear matching outfits, from shirts to shoes, as a display of their relationship. It’s called “couple fashion.”
“Cinderella Curfew” for Teen Gamers
To curb gaming addiction, South Korea has a “shutdown law” that prevents under-16s from playing online games between midnight and 6 a.m.
Hating on the Number 4
The superstition around the number 4 (linked to death) is so strong that some buildings skip the 4th floor entirely, labeling it as “F.”
Looking to learn Korean in Seoul or improve your Korean language skills?
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