With the vacations approaching you could be questioning – what ought to I do in the course of the winter in South Korea? There are a lot of distinctive actions and traditions which you can observe while you’re right here throughout winter. You might battle to seek out the issues you might be used to – you received’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 approach! There are additionally many different non-holiday associated actions to do and meals to eat which we’ve included too, so you may benefit from the winter season (from December-February) in Korea to the fullest.
Christmas in South Korea
Christmas is the primary fundamental vacation celebrated in Korea in the course of the winter season (the others being New Yr and Seollal, the Lunar New Yr). Whereas round 20% of Korean folks determine as Christian, and subsequently practise a typical Christian Christmas, secular vacation traditions and actions enormously range from what you could be used to. Listed below are some issues Koreans love to do throughout Christmas time in Korea.
Myeongdong
In case you are looking for Christmas vibes in Seoul, then the principle space to move to is Myeongdong. Right here, yow will discover the streets adorned with Christmas lights and a big Christmas tree – and since it’s the buying hub of Seoul it’s the excellent place to do some Christmas buying. Myeongdong streets are lined with road meals carts 12 months spherical, which when paired with the festive surroundings has an analogous vibe to wandering round a Christmas market. There’s additionally the Myeongdong Cathedral, the place yow will discover a big nativity show and generally even carol singers, if you’re lacking your Christmas traditions.
The Shinsegae Mild 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, folks crowd round this space at night time to observe the show, and though it will probably get busy, it’s value watching when 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 luxuriate 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 buying malls throughout Seoul. Go to the Hyundai Division Retailer for an indoor Christmas Market expertise, or Lotte Tower for a Christmassy outside show and carousel. Whereas these shows are normally stunning and price looking at, they’ll get extraordinarily busy, particularly on weekends and the times main as much as Christmas Day! In case you are 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 reminiscent of Lotte World and Everland.
Celebrating Christmas – the Korean approach!
In the event you’re in Korea, I like to recommend celebrating Christmas the best way Korean folks do! In Korea, Christmas Day is a nationwide vacation, however folks 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 really have fun Christmas the Korean approach, go on a date or meet your folks relatively than spending time with household! Many eating places, bars, cafes, motels, and leisure institutions can have couple-focused occasions and offers on today – however you could wish to guide 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 coated in tremendous mild icing and adorned with Christmas imagery and messages.
There isn’t a main reward giving tradition in Korea for Christmas, aside from dad and mom to their younger youngsters – youngsters are likely to cease believing in Santa Claus by the age of 5 or 6 right here! {Couples} may select to provide one another a Christmas reward, however playing cards and presents for associates, prolonged household, and associates doesn’t are likely to occur.
Winter in South Korea
See the First Snow
A practice relatively than an exercise, it’s seen as fortunate to witness the primary snowfall of the winter season. In the event you occur to witness it together with your accomplice (or any individual you want) the assumption is that you’ll have an extended, wholesome and glad relationship. Due to this perception, it may be a big day for {couples}, who could attempt to witness the primary snow collectively, so when you abruptly see a surplus of {couples} strolling round this could possibly be indicator that the primary snow is on its approach!
Sledging in Ttukseom
Normally working from the beginning of December to the start of February, Ttukseom Hangang Park is dwelling to a sledging hill, the place you may slide down the icy hill on rubber rings – these rings are sooner than they give the impression of being and a lot enjoyable! There’s additionally a a lot smaller sledging and snow space for youthful youngsters, and a short lived meals tent promoting piping sizzling ramen and tteokbokki, the proper snack after enjoying within the snow. The meals might be dearer, however the park entry is free – so it evens out in my view. You might even get to see the Han River frozen over if it’s chilly sufficient!
Keep in a Pension
Winter is the proper time to remain inside and get cosy, so when you’re on the lookout 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 houses to cosy flats, however what makes them particular is their pure places, from the mountains to the ocean. Pensions are much like AirBnb’s in that you just normally don’t must verify in like a resort, and the constructing tends to return with an outside space with a grill for a Korean model BBQ. So flip up the underfloor heating (ondahl), placed on some vacation films, and watch the snowfall out of your window.
Winter Sports activities
Korea is a mountainous nation, so it’s fairly simple to seek 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 may enter the ice rink individually from the amusement park space). It prices 20,000W together with skates, however you will need to carry your personal gloves or purchase them from the merchandising machine inside. Be sure to know your Korean shoe dimension 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 essentially the most! The vast majority of these meals can solely be eaten in winter so when you spot them, positively give them a strive!
Bunggeobang – Fish formed bread stuffed with purple bean paste or custard. Today you may typically discover different flavours together with Nutella, apple jam or whipped cream to call just a few.
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 are not any meals carts round, you may typically discover these heat winter treats at comfort shops.
Roasted chestnuts – Nothing screams winter like chestnuts roasting on an open hearth. Seize a bag for round 5000W!
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