10 Festive Christmas Activities to Enjoy in Seoul

People discover various ways to celebrate the holiday season all around the globe, and Seoul is no exception!

Authored by Anthony Baber for My Guide Seoul

With the arrival of December, a distinct atmosphere envelops the surroundings. Magnificently decorated Christmas trees sprout up everywhere, and radio stations joyfully serenade listeners with a repertoire of Christmas tunes. Even television programs, from commercials to shows, find a way to incorporate Santa Claus and his reindeer. And although your friends persistently urge you to watch "Love Actually," you have a preference for "The Santa Claus." As the famous song says, this truly is the most enchanting time of the year.

Even if you personally do not partake in Christmas traditions, people find their own ways to celebrate the holiday season all over the world, and Seoul is no different!

If you wish to share in the blissful cheer, sing carols, or simply go shopping in and around the city, we have compiled a list of 10 things you must try before time runs out...

Most individuals are aware of the ongoing construction in Sinchon. However, this month, everything, from Sinchon subway station to Changcheon Church, will transform into a sprawling Christmas Market.

Though the area is mainly known for its universities, diverse restaurants, and bustling bars, it also affords opportunities for imaginative exploration and economical shopping from December 21st to the 29th.

There, you will be greeted by resplendent Christmas trees, joyful caroling, and free concerts that continue throughout the duration. If this doesn't satisfy your desire for hands-on experiences, you can also peruse a flea market for vintage treasures and participate in a tug-of-war.

If you desire updates on the hottest lineups of DJs, snapshots of captivating street art, and the latest updates, make sure to follow their Twitter account... and don't miss out on the offering of FREE hugs!

If a 10-meter, indoor Christmas tree fails to impress you, perhaps a tree double the size adorned with twice as many lights would do the trick?

Make your way to Seoul Plaza Hotel, located in front of City Hall, and marvel at this colossal structure.

Brilliance envelops the entire area surrounding the tree, enchanting visitors with its magnificent ornaments. Make sure to capture a picture soon, as the lights will be extinguished on January 4th. However, good luck attempting to fit the entire tree into one frame.

Address: 23, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul.

Upon hearing "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," individuals across the globe immediately associate it with Christmas, alongside the waltzes and marches composed by Tchaikovsky for The Nutcracker ballet. This widely renowned performance is presented by companies worldwide and has become an essential element of the season.

Since 1986, Universal Ballet in Seoul has been showcasing different versions of The Nutcracker, incorporating the choreography of the celebrated Russian dancer Vasili Vainonen. The show can be attended on almost every day until New Year's Eve, and the theater can accommodate up to 1,200 spectators, so you still have a chance.

Additionally, the ticket office offers a 20% discount for expats, foreign tourists, and accompanying Korean friends.

Address: Universal Arts Center - 664, Cheonho-daero, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

To find more information, please visit our events page here.

Another prominent Christmas event that the whole family can enjoy is Lotte World's Christmas Festival.

The festival features a Christmas Parade with Santa Claus, a collection of fairies, and various Christmas characters who use song and dance to spread joy. Live shows are also staged, highlighting Cinderella's preparations for the ball and the participation of Lotte World mascot, Lotty, and friends in the festive spirit.

If you wish to explore everything the park has to offer, including the 20-meter-tall Christmas tree, take the Christmas Tram and allow Lotty to guide you on a tour of the park.

If music, parades, and performances capture your interest, Lotte World will delight you with the Grand Christmas Festival until December 31st. Admission prices can be found on their English-language website.

Address: 40-1 Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul.

Lotte World is not the only amusement park embracing the holiday spirit. Seoul Land, located on the outskirts of the city, offers a range of events for the season.

One of the main attractions is a performance that depicts Ebenezer Scrooge and a pack of wolves attempting to ruin Christmas for Red Riding Hood and her friends in the Character Village. Moreover, an incredible light show awaits visitors in Tomorrow Land, accompanied by festive carols sung by beloved characters from fairy tale worlds.

Don't forget to indulge in the parade, rides, and games scattered throughout the park until Christmas Day. Click here to find English information about the event.

Address: 181, Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do.

Sledding is an activity that brings joy to everyone, but it holds a special charm for kids. If you seek the exhilaration of sliding on your bottom, look no further than the Korean Children's Center in Gwangjin.

Located a short walk away from Children's Grand Park station, families can also relish an outdoor game area that includes traditional folk games and the opportunity to fish for smelt in a frozen pond.

The park is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Admission prices are 8,000 won on weekdays and 9,000 won on weekends. Sled rentals are available upon request.

Address: 18-11 Neung-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.

If sledding seems too juvenile for your taste, there are numerous ski resorts near Seoul that will immerse you in the holiday spirit and invoke the Olympic fervor.

You and your friends or family members can either spend a weekend or take a day trip to any of these remarkable venues and conquer the slopes. Among the many spectacular options throughout Korea, if staying close to the city is your preference, Konjiam Resort is an outstanding choice.

Offering eleven double-width slopes, three ski lifts, and maximum occupancy regulations that ensure short queues, Konjiam is a top destination for skiers and snowboarders. After an exhilarating day racing down the 1.8km trails, devote your evening to relaxation at the spa.

Address: 540 Doung-ri, Docheok-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do.

If you have a predilection for the quintessential scenes from Christmas movies, where friends come together or lovers finally connect on a frozen pond, lake, or rink, you now have the chance to relive them at a venue of your choosing.

First, the Grand Hyatt Seoul offers year-round ice skating at their indoor rink. Fans of Korean dramas will find this location particularly memorable, and it presents a fabulous idea for a date. Though there is a 19,800 won admission fee and a 15,400 won rental fee on weekdays, couples can enjoy a 50% discount on Mondays and skate for free on Thursdays.

Address: Grand Hyatt Seoul - 747-7 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

In addition, Seoul Plaza's outdoor ice skating rink opens for its tenth year as a beloved Christmas tradition in Seoul. If the grand Christmas tree fails to captivate you, strap on some skates and glide across the ice. The rink is adorned with colorful lighting, offering a splendid view of the city. A smaller section is dedicated to children, ensuring the enjoyment of the entire family.

Admission is a mere 1,000 won per person, and skate rentals are complimentary. The rink will be open from Monday to Thursday until 9:30 pm and on Friday to Sunday until 11 pm. However, it will close down on February 28th.

Address: Seoul Plaza Hotel 23, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul.

If a pang of homesickness arises from the absence of homemade holiday meals, fret not! Seoul and its numerous restaurants, as well as hotel buffets, have you covered.

Despite the nearing of Christmas, there are still restaurants that offer last-minute options at reasonable prices.

Yaletown Burgers & Bar, located in Sinchon, is well-known for its All-You-Can-Eat fries and beer pong tables. However, during Christmas, the atmosphere takes on a different aura.

From 5 pm to midnight, you can indulge in a simple meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, for a mere 20,000 won. As seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, it is advisable to arrive early.

Address: Yaletown - 33-5 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.

On Christmas Day, Dillingers Bar & Grill in Itaewon will also provide goodwill and delicious dishes. Alongside traditional sides and main courses, you can sample shrimp salad and pork ribs for added variety.

The meal includes a cheesecake for dessert and a complimentary drink, amounting to only 30,000 won. Tickets for the dinner should be purchased in advance and are available until December 24th.

Address: Dillingers - 64-52 Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.