With the vacations approaching chances are you’ll be questioning – what ought to I do in the course of the winter in South Korea? There are numerous distinctive actions and traditions that you may observe while you’re right here throughout winter. Chances are you’ll battle to seek out the issues you’re used to – you gained’t discover any turkey dinners or Christmas crackers, for instance – so I counsel you to float 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 may benefit from the winter season (from December-February) in Korea to the fullest.
Christmas in South Korea
Christmas is the primary principal vacation celebrated in Korea in the course of the winter season (the others being New 12 months and Seollal, the Lunar New 12 months). Whereas round 20% of Korean folks establish as Christian, and subsequently practise a typical Christian Christmas, secular vacation traditions and actions enormously range from what chances are you’ll be used to. Listed here are some issues Koreans love to do throughout Christmas time in Korea.
Myeongdong
In case you are trying to find Christmas vibes in Seoul, then the principle space to move to is Myeongdong. Right here, you could find the streets adorned with Christmas lights and a big Christmas tree – and since it’s the procuring hub of Seoul it’s the good place to do some Christmas procuring. Myeongdong streets are lined with avenue meals carts yr spherical, which when paired with the festive surroundings has the same vibe to wandering round a Christmas market. There may be additionally the Myeongdong Cathedral, the place you could find a big nativity show and typically even carol singers, in case you are 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 you should definitely get you within the spirit. Within the lead as much as Christmas, folks crowd round this space at evening to look at the show, and though it will possibly 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 attractive 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 photos!
Industrial Christmas Shows
There are such a lot of Christmas shows in procuring 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 stunning and price having a look 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 comparable to Lotte World and Everland.
Celebrating Christmas – the Korean manner!
When you’re in Korea, I like to recommend celebrating Christmas the way in which 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 actually have fun Christmas the Korean manner, go on a date or meet your pals reasonably than spending time with household! Many eating places, bars, cafes, lodges, and leisure institutions may have couple-focused occasions and offers on at the present time – however chances are you’ll wish to e book these prematurely.
There is no such thing as 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 is no such thing as a main present giving tradition in Korea for Christmas, other than mother and father to their younger youngsters – youngsters are likely to cease believing in Santa Claus by the age of 5 – 6 right here! {Couples} may select to provide one another a Christmas present, however playing cards and presents for pals, prolonged household, and colleagues doesn’t are likely to occur.
Winter in South Korea
See the First Snow
A convention reasonably than an exercise, it’s seen as fortunate to witness the primary snowfall of the winter season. When you occur to witness it along with your accomplice (or anyone you want) the assumption is that you’ll have a protracted, wholesome and joyful relationship. Due to this perception, it may be a big day for {couples}, who might attempt to witness the primary snow collectively, so in case you instantly see a surplus of {couples} strolling round this might be a great 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 dwelling to a sledging hill, the place you may slide down the icy hill on rubber rings – these rings are quicker 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 scorching ramen and tteokbokki, the right snack after enjoying within the snow. The meals could be dearer, however the park entry is free – so it evens out for my part. 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 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 properties 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 test in like a lodge, and the constructing tends to return with an outside space with a grill for a Korean fashion 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 should convey your personal gloves or purchase them from the merchandising machine inside. Be sure you know your Korean shoe measurement earlier than you go! Typically 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 avenue meals in Korea however wintertime appears to have probably the most! Nearly all of these meals can solely be eaten in winter so in case you spot them, positively give them a strive!
Bunggeobang – Fish formed bread crammed with crimson bean paste or custard. As of late you may usually 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 unimaginable flavour is value it!
Baked candy potatoes – Korean candy potatoes are a lot sweeter than the UK selection I’m used to, with a smooth yellow inside and purple pores and skin. If there are not any meals carts round, you may usually 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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