With the vacations approaching it’s possible you’ll be questioning – what ought to I do throughout the winter in South Korea? There are various distinctive actions and traditions that you would be able to observe if you are right here throughout winter. Chances are you’ll wrestle to search out the issues you’re used to – you gained’t discover any turkey dinners or Christmas crackers, for instance – so I counsel you to flow and have enjoyable celebrating the winter holidays the Korean manner! There are additionally many different non-holiday associated actions to do and meals to eat which we’ve included too, so you’ll be able to benefit from the winter season (from December-February) in Korea to the fullest.
Christmas in South Korea
Christmas is the primary most important vacation celebrated in Korea throughout the winter season (the others being New 12 months and Seollal, the Lunar New 12 months). Whereas round 20% of Korean individuals establish as Christian, and subsequently practise a typical Christian Christmas, secular vacation traditions and actions enormously range from what it’s possible you’ll be used to. Listed here are some issues Koreans love to do throughout Christmas time in Korea.
Myeongdong
If you’re trying to find Christmas vibes in Seoul, then the principle space to go to is Myeongdong. Right here, you’ll find the streets adorned with Christmas lights and a big Christmas tree – and since it’s the purchasing hub of Seoul it’s the excellent place to do some Christmas purchasing. Myeongdong streets are lined with road meals carts 12 months spherical, which when paired with the festive surroundings has an identical vibe to wandering round a Christmas market. There’s additionally the Myeongdong Cathedral, the place you’ll find a big nativity show and typically even carol singers, in case you are lacking your Christmas traditions.
The Shinsegae Gentle Present
After exploring Myeongdong, I like to recommend heading over to the Shinsegae Division Retailer close to Metropolis Corridor. Splashed throughout the partitions of the constructing on big LED screens is a 5-10 minute show of Christmas animations and messages set to vacation music that can make sure you get you within the spirit. Within the lead as much as Christmas, individuals crowd round this space at evening to look at the show, and though it may get busy, it’s value watching in case you can. I like to recommend watching from throughout the road by standing in entrance of the Nationwide Financial institution of Korea. The window shows of the mall itself are additionally beautiful to stroll previous and revel in – think about Christmas in New York, with shows of Christmas wreaths and nutcrackers and sweet canes, however on a smaller scale. It’s an ideal backdrop to take some wintery footage!
Industrial Christmas Shows
There are such a lot of Christmas shows in purchasing malls throughout Seoul. Go to the Hyundai Division Retailer for an indoor Christmas Market expertise, or Lotte Tower for a Christmassy out of doors show and carousel. Whereas these shows are normally lovely and price having a look at, they’ll get extraordinarily busy, particularly on weekends and the times main as much as Christmas Day! If you’re planning to go to organised Christmas shows round Seoul, I like to recommend doing so on weekdays and within the morning or early afternoon to keep away from lengthy queues and busy crowds. The identical goes for the Christmas parades and performances at amusement parks similar to Lotte World and Everland.
Celebrating Christmas – the Korean manner!
If you happen to’re in Korea, I like to recommend celebrating Christmas the way in which Korean individuals do! In Korea, Christmas Day is a nationwide vacation, however individuals will go to work as regular on the times surrounding it, together with Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. Christmas Day is taken into account a {couples} vacation in Korea, much like Valentine’s Day in western nations, so to actually have fun Christmas the Korean manner, go on a date or meet your mates moderately than spending time with household! Many eating places, bars, cafes, resorts, and leisure institutions can have couple-focused occasions and offers on at the present time – however it’s possible you’ll need to e book these upfront.
There isn’t a conventional meals to eat on Christmas Day, however many individuals prefer to buy a Christmas cake from their native bakery, which is a typical sponge cake lined in tremendous gentle icing and adorned with Christmas imagery and messages.
There isn’t a main present giving tradition in Korea for Christmas, aside from dad and mom to their younger youngsters – youngsters are inclined to cease believing in Santa Claus by the age of 5 – 6 right here! {Couples} might also select to provide one another a Christmas present, however playing cards and presents for buddies, prolonged household, and colleagues doesn’t are inclined to occur.
Winter in South Korea
See the First Snow
A practice moderately than an exercise, it’s seen as fortunate to witness the primary snowfall of the winter season. If you happen to occur to witness it together with your companion (or any individual you want) the assumption is that you’ll have a protracted, wholesome and joyful relationship. Due to this perception, it may be a special occasion for {couples}, who could try to witness the primary snow collectively, so in case you instantly see a surplus of {couples} strolling round this might be a superb indicator that the primary snow is on its manner!
Sledging in Ttukseom
Often operating from the beginning of December to the start of February, Ttukseom Hangang Park is house to a sledging hill, the place you’ll be able to slide down the icy hill on rubber rings – these rings are sooner than they appear and a lot enjoyable! There’s additionally a a lot smaller sledging and snow space for youthful youngsters, and a brief meals tent promoting piping sizzling ramen and tteokbokki, the right snack after enjoying within the snow. The meals may be dearer, however the park entry is free – so it evens out in my view. Chances are you’ll even get to see the Han River frozen over if it’s chilly sufficient!
Keep in a Pension
Winter is the right time to remain inside and get cosy, so in case you’re searching for a extra relaxed journey, strive staying in a pension within the countryside! Pensions can are available all styles and sizes, from giant multi-storey properties to cosy flats, however what makes them particular is their pure areas, from the mountains to the ocean. Pensions are much like AirBnb’s in that you just normally don’t must test in like a lodge, and the constructing tends to come back with an out of doors space with a grill for a Korean fashion BBQ. So flip up the underfloor heating (ondahl), placed on some vacation motion pictures, and watch the snowfall out of your window.
Winter Sports activities
Korea is a mountainous nation, so it’s fairly simple to search out areas to go snowboarding and/or snowboarding. If ice skating is extra your factor, go to the indoor ice rink at Lotte World (you’ll be able to enter the ice rink individually from the amusement park space). It prices 20,000W together with skates, however you will need to deliver your personal gloves or purchase them from the merchandising machine inside. Ensure you know your Korean shoe measurement earlier than you go! Generally there’s a seasonal ice rink outdoors of Lotte Tower for a restricted time within the winter too.
Winter Road Meals
There are such a lot of seasonal road meals in Korea however wintertime appears to have probably the most! The vast majority of these meals can solely be eaten in winter so in case you spot them, positively give them a strive!
Bunggeobang – Fish formed bread stuffed with pink bean paste or custard. Lately you’ll be able to typically discover different flavours together with Nutella, apple jam or whipped cream to call a couple of.
Hotteok – Korean candy pancakes, normally made with honey and seeds. Watch out when biting into these treats, because the scalding honey or liquid sugar can simply an keen eater – however the unbelievable flavour is value it!
Baked candy potatoes – Korean candy potatoes are a lot sweeter than the UK selection I’m used to, with a gentle yellow inside and purple pores and skin. If there aren’t any meals carts round, you’ll be able to typically discover these heat winter treats at comfort shops.
Roasted chestnuts – Nothing screams winter like chestnuts roasting on an open fireplace. Seize a bag for round 5000W!
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