Christmas is a holiday that people around the world widely celebrate. As a matter of fact, in the country where I came from, Christmas celebration starts as early as September. It actually is the longest and grandest celebration in my country. During this season, Christmas decorations and carols fill almost every street and houses. It is so important that I always see to it that Iโm always with my family on the Christmas eve. But things changed for me when I moved to Korea to study. For the first time, I had to celebrate Christmas in Korea and I had so much expectations from it.
Christmas in Korea
As we know it, Christmas is a practice of those who believe in Jesus to commemorate His birth. Naturally, people with other religious beliefs are not expected to do the same. While there are Christians in Korea, majority of Koreans do not have a religion. Moreover, the other dominant religion in the country is Buddhism. Hence, not everyone celebrates Christmas and that is understandable. For others, Christmas in Korea is just a normal day so they either stay at home or have a date with special someone. But there are still buildings and establishments who put Christmas decorations and offer holidays discounts during this season. Amusements parks, restaurants, coffee shops and even some supermarkets pull off their own takes in celebrating Christmas.
Another exciting thing about Christmas in Korea is because it happens during the winter season. If you are like me who have seen a lot of Christmas-themed movies, you would also notice that those movies are set in winter season with snowfall. Therefore, I have always associated Christmas with winter. Coming from a tropical country, I was really excited when I saw snowfall for the first time in Korea.
K-Christmas Tree
I am sure you have already heard of K-drama, K-pop, K-Beauty and K-Food, but have you ever heard of K-Christmas Tree? If you are thinking of Christmas trees that Korea manufactures, then you are quite close to it. It is because Christmas trees, the ones that weโre all familiar with, are in fact Korean.
According to Koreaโs National Institute of Forest Science, the Christmas tree we all know and love is native to Korea, particularly from Jeju. The name of tree is Abies Koreana and it was brought out in early 1900s. So the next time you see a Christmas tree, you can say that itโs Korean too just like your favorite Hallyu artists.
Seoul Christmas Festival
Even though the celebration of Christmas in Korea is different from my home country, I was still able to feel the spirit of Christmas when I walked on the streets of Seoul, particularly when I went to the Seoul Christmas Festival.
The awesome light displays illuminate the night along Cheonggyecheon Stream from Cheonggyecheon Plaza to Jangtongyo Bridge. This annual festival features LED light decorations such as the Santa Village, Dream Castle, a large Christmas tree and many more. Seeing these Christmas decorations made me feel like I never left home, and indeed, Korea is my home away from home.
There are also LED light decorations that are perfect for New Year OOTDs so visitors made sure to wear their best smile and strike a pose. It would be best to visit this festival with loved ones but I also enjoyed my โme timeโ going there.
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