Holiday Traditions of South Korea

"Merry Christmas"

Christmas in South Korea

There are more Christians in South Korea than in many other Asian countries like China or Japan—about 25-30% of the population. South Korea is ranked second globally for its number of active Christian missionaries and hosts the world’s largest Pentecostal church in its capital city, Seoul. Additionally, South Korea is the only East Asian country to recognize Christmas as a national public holiday, so schools, government offices, and many businesses are closed for the day.

A Blend of Religious and Secular Celebrations

While South Korea has a significant and active Christian population, much of the Christmas celebration is secular. The commercial Christmas culture arrived in Korea long before Christianity became widespread. Christian Koreans attend mass or church services on Christmas Day, but for many others, Christmas is viewed as a romantic occasion rather than a family-centered holiday. This is because South Korea already has two family holidays—Chuseok, the "Korean Thanksgiving," celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, and Seollal, the Korean New Year, which is usually on the second new moon after the winter solstice.

Romantic Christmas Celebrations

For couples, Christmas in South Korea resembles Valentine’s Day. There are plenty of activities and events for romantic partners to enjoy. Hotels such as the Conrad Seoul and the Grand InterContinental offer special Christmas packages that include romantic cheese platters, red wine, Christmas cakes, jazz music, and fine dining experiences. Low-priced “love motels,” with check-in times starting at 10 PM, are also booked months in advance for the occasion.

Family Gatherings and Gift Giving

Although Christmas is often seen as a romantic holiday, there is still space for family gatherings and gift exchanges. In Seoul, Christmas buffets are a popular option, with restaurants offering a variety of festive dishes ranging from roasted turkey to seafood. Many people book their tables well in advance. Gift-giving tends to be minimal compared to Western countries, often limited to one special gift per person. Monetary gifts are especially common. Of course, no South Korean Christmas is complete without Santa Claus—affectionately known as "Grandpa Santa"—who is often seen wearing both red and blue robes.

Christmas Decorations and Festivities

Across South Korea, cities are beautifully decorated with traditional European Christmas elements like lights, garlands, wreaths, and large pine trees adorned with tinsel and baubles. These decorations create a festive atmosphere in public spaces, shopping centers, and even residential areas. A popular treat during the Christmas season is the Christmas Cake—a light sponge cake covered in cream, typically purchased from a local bakery.

Holiday Traditions in South Korea

Video by Sweet and Tasty TV

Traditional South Korean Holiday Recipes

Tteokguk (Rice Cake Soup)

Tteokguk is a traditional Korean dish eaten to celebrate New Year’s Day, but it's also enjoyed during the holiday season. The dish symbolizes new beginnings and growing a year older.

• 1 lb sliced rice cakes (tteok)
• 8 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 lb beef brisket, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak the rice cakes in water for about 10 minutes, then drain.
2. In a pot, bring the beef broth to a boil and add the minced garlic, soy sauce, and beef brisket. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the drained rice cakes and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the rice cakes become soft.
4. Slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup gently to create egg ribbons.
5. Season with sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Bulgogi (Marinated Korean Beef)

Bulgogi, or Korean BBQ beef, is a popular dish during holiday celebrations, loved for its sweet and savory flavors.

• 1 lb beef ribeye, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 Asian pear, grated
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated pear, green onion, and black pepper to create the marinade.
2. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and mix well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
3. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated beef until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. Serve with steamed rice or lettuce leaves for wrapping.

Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancakes)

Hotteok is a popular winter street food in South Korea, enjoyed during the holiday season. These sweet pancakes are filled with sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or peanuts

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
3. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts for the filling.
4. Once the dough has risen, divide it into small balls. Flatten each ball and place a spoonful of the filling in the center. Pinch the edges to seal the dough around the filling.
5. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

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