Christmas Day

Christmas was introduced to Korea by Western missionaries in the late 19th century, coinciding with the spread of Christianity. The first Christmas service in Korea was held in 1885 at the Jeongdong Anglican Church in Seoul. After the Korean War, Christmas was officially designated as a public holiday in 1949, reflecting the growing influence of Christianity in South Korea. Today, about 30% of South Koreans are Christian, and the holiday has become widely observed even by non-Christians as a cultural event.

South Korean Christmas customs include decorating homes and public spaces with lights and Christmas trees. Many people attend church services, especially on Christmas Eve. Couples often celebrate romantic dates, exchanging gifts and enjoying special meals at restaurants or cafes. A popular tradition is eating a Christmas cake, often a fresh cream or strawberry shortcake. Children look forward to presents from Santa Claus (산타 할아버지), though the gift-giving is less extravagant than in Western countries. Unlike in the West, Christmas in South Korea is not a major family holiday; instead, it is more focused on romantic couples and friends.

For Christians in South Korea, Christmas is a deeply religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, marked by special church services and nativity plays. For the broader population, it has become a secular winter festival that marks the end of the year and provides a festive atmosphere. It is a day for socializing, expressing affection through gifts, and enjoying the holiday spirit, distinct from the more family-centric Korean New Year (Seollal) and Chuseok.