How to have a wonderful Christmas in Korea
With Christmas less than a month off now, I thought it would be a good idea to compile of some activities or events you might possible see happening around Seoul. Actually as far as I know currently, New events and their details are still not that easy to find, that could also partly due to the fact I am really really poor at Korean and therefore rely on English to get by. Anyhow that’s far from the point of this post. Let’s see what what We can do over the Christmas period to make sure our brains don’t fry from the boredom. One thing is for sure though, In Korea, The festivities over the period are more geared to young couples as is nearly every other holiday in Korea. As well as it being a time for Christians to celebrate Christ. Make sure you get out of the house over the holidays, there is so much going on all around.
Where can you buy gifts:
- Namdaemun and Dongdaemun markets will have lots of toys, textiles and local products
- Insadong will have the traditional and handmade arts for you to browse from
- Costco has a special toys and gifts selection starting from early November
- Find some Korean-English kids books in Kyobo, What The Book, Seoul Selection or other English bookstores
- Toys’r’us too if you know where to go
- Emart and Homeplus also will have a selection of toys for the kids
Ideas for Decorations, Christmas Trees, Ornaments:
- New Core Outlet / Kim’s Club will have some nice decorations to choose from
- Costco for Christmas Trees both reasonably affordable and with a natural feel. They also have some really nice ornaments
- Main Department Stores like Lotte, Shinsegae, eMart all have specialized shops providing all Christmas articles. You can easily find Advent calendars in most eMarts for example.
- Express Bus Terminal Market located on the 3rd and 4th floor of the Daehae Building next to the Bus Terminal
- Namdaemun and Dongdaemun Markets
Gourmet corner:
- Baking your own cakes and pastries: Bangsan Market with its Bakers’ alley in the Dongdaemun area
- You may place special orders for your turkey or other Christmas specialty through most luxury hotels (usually their Deli or main Restaurant). Itaewon might be your best bet to find a turkey
- Costco has a decent turkey for roughly 60,000won. Worth checking out
- Chocolate: There are several small chocolate artisans around the city. You can try Amandier, Cacaoboom, Dear Chocolate
- Food floors of main Department Stores have good selection: Hyundai, Galleria, Shinsegae, Lotte, SSG Food Market
Seoul’s special Christmas cakes
The Christmas cake has become such a popular item that any bakery launches its own line of Christmas cakes. Just stop by your favorite bakery shop. You can’t miss it. Nearly every bakery shop will have something to entice customers in.
If sledding seems a bit too childish for you, there’s a multitude of ski resorts around Seoul that will get you into the holiday and Olympic spirit.
Friends and family members can spend a weekend or take a day trip to any of these great venues and tear up the slopes. Though there are some spectacular spots throughout Korea, if you’re looking to stay close to the city, one of the best choices to make is Konjiam Resort.
Boasting eleven double-width slopes, three ski lifts, and a maximum occupancy rule that keeps lines short, Konjiam is a major attraction for skiers and snowboarders. And after you’ve spent the day exerting all of your energy going down the 1.8km trails, use the evening to relax at the spa.
Korean Children’s Center Snow Sledding Field
Sledding is a great activity for everyone, but especially fun for the little kids and even the big kids. Those wishing to slide around on their bottoms need look no further than the Korean Children’s Center in Gwangjin.
Just a short walk from Children’s Grand Park station, families can also enjoy an outdoor game area, including traditional folk games and smelt fishing on a frozen pond.
The park is open from 9:30am until 5pm, and price of admission is 8,000 won during the week and 9,000 won on weekends, with sled rentals available by request.
Lotte World ‘Christmas Festival’
Another major Christmas event, that every member of the family can enjoy, is Lotte World’s Christmas Festival.
The festival includes a Christmas Parade with Santa Claus, a collection of faeries and other Christmas characters, using song and dance to spread the holiday cheer. There are also live shows featuring Cinderella’s preparation for the ball and the Lotte World mascot, Lotty, as he and friends share in the spirit.
If you’re interested in getting a look at everything the park has to offer, including the 20-meter-tall Christmas tree, hop on the Christmas Tram and let Lotty give you a tour around the park.
If music, parades and performances are what you’re looking for, Lotte World will offer the Grand Christmas Festival until Dec. 31st and admission prices can be found on their website (in English).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVo-JEhb2F0
