Seoul is at its most sparkling from late November to early January. Department stores turn their facades into giant light shows, streets fill with Christmas decorations, and New Year's Eve ends with the ringing of a historic bell. Christmas is celebrated a little differently in Korea, so here is what to expect and where to go.
Christmas in Korea: what is different
Christmas Day (25 December) is a public holiday in Korea, and Christmas is celebrated widely, but more like Valentine's Day than a family holiday. Couples and friends go out for dinner, see the lights and buy a Christmas cake from a bakery. Restaurants and cafes are busy on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so book popular places in advance. Shops, malls and most attractions stay open.
Where to see Christmas lights in Seoul
- Myeongdong department stores. The flagship department stores near Myeongdong cover their buildings in huge light displays and video screens each year, and they have become one of Seoul's most photographed winter sights. Go after dark and expect crowds. See our Myeongdong guide.
- Cheonggyecheon. The stream through central Seoul is usually decorated with lights and lanterns in late autumn and winter. See our Cheonggyecheon guide.
- Gwanghwamun Square. The square in front of Gyeongbokgung has hosted a Christmas market and light displays in recent winters.
- Theme parks and towers. Lotte World and the area around Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, and N Seoul Tower on Namsan, are popular evening spots in December.
Exact displays and dates change each year and are usually announced in November, so check the Seoul city tourism website and local news before you go.
New Year's Eve in Seoul
The biggest New Year's Eve event is the Bosingak bell ringing in Jongno, central Seoul. At midnight the historic bell is struck 33 times, and tens of thousands of people gather in the surrounding streets. If you go:
- Arrive early and dress very warmly; you will be standing outside for a long time.
- Expect road closures and crowds. Some subway stations nearby may be busy or skipped, and extra late trains are often added on New Year's Eve; check the details for the year.
- For a calmer evening, book a restaurant with a view, or watch the countdown on TV from a cosy bar.
31 December is a normal working day in Korea; 1 January is a public holiday.
New Year's Day sunrise
Watching the first sunrise of the year is a popular tradition. People travel overnight to east coast beaches such as Jeongdongjin near Gangneung and Homigot in Pohang, or to Seongsan Ilchulbong on Jeju. In Seoul, hills such as Namsan and Achasan are popular. Trains and roads to the east coast are packed, so book early.
The bigger family holiday comes later: Seollal, the Lunar New Year, which falls on 7 February in 2027. See our Seollal guide.
Tips for December in Seoul
- Book hotels, restaurants and any special dinners early for 24, 25 and 31 December.
- It is cold, especially at night. See our winter travel guide for what to wear.
- Department stores and malls have winter sales and pop-up markets, which make good warm places to browse.
- Combine the lights with hot street food and a warm drink from a cafe.
FAQ
Is Christmas a holiday in Korea?
Yes, 25 December is a public holiday. It is mainly a day for couples and friends to go out, and most shops and attractions stay open.
Where can I see Christmas lights in Seoul?
The department stores near Myeongdong, Cheonggyecheon, Gwanghwamun Square, Jamsil and Namsan are popular spots. Displays change each year.
What happens on New Year's Eve in Seoul?
The Bosingak bell in Jongno is rung 33 times at midnight in front of large crowds. Many people also travel to the east coast to watch the first sunrise.
