It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Seoul and the rest of Korea right now. And yes…Korea does celebrate Christmas and it gets pretty festive, but it’s not quite the same as Western countries. In Korea, Christmas is considered to be more of a “couple” thing than an occasion celebrated with the whole family.
But don’t let the couple’s mayhem discourage you! There are plenty of ways for you to spend the best Christmas ever with your family and friends, or even alone! If you want to find out, read on!
Even if you are with someone special, you may want to check this list out because these can be adorable date options that can add more romance between you and your other half. 😘
> Check out even more winter festivals & tours in Korea <
See the Illuminated Christmas Trees & Decorations
1) N Seoul Tower
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N Seoul Tower is another Christmassy spot where you can find a beautiful Christmas tree and thousands of love padlocks. It’s a great place to visit with your friends and family as you can peer down the entire city of Seoul from the observatory.
If you are a couple, buy the padlocks to celebrate your relationship and promise each other everlasting love!
Get Your Tickets to N Seoul Tower Now!
2) Jamsil Lotte World Mall Square
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Whether you need a place to stay during Christmas Eve or just want to swing by for a sneak peek, Lotte World Mall Square Christmas Market has a dazzling display of adorned trees, glowing reindeer, and towering Christmas trees.
Things to do around Lotte World:
- Get Your Tickets to Lotte World
- 2 in 1: Lotte World + Lotte World Aquarium
- Get the Best Views at Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky
- Korean School Uniform Rental near Lotte World
Read our guide to the Lotte World Theme Park Winter Festival!
3) COEX Mall Starfield Library
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The Starfield Library at COEX Mall in Samseong-dong features a stunning Christmas tree every year. It has become one of the most popular Instagram-worthy spots in Seoul, beautifully surrounded by festive decorations and countless books.
Things to do Around COEX Mall:
- COEX Aquarium Discount Ticket
- VAUNCE Trampoline Park Discount Ticket (Seoul & Incheon)
- K-pop Dance & Vocal Training 1 Day Class + Video Shooting Experience in Gangnam
- Seoul Hallyu K-pop Full Day Tour
4) Shinsegae Department Store
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Shinsegae Department Store in the Myeongdong district holds a light show for all Seoulites to enjoy every year. Renowned as the first department store to be established in the country, Shinsegae has been supplying Seoul with affluent fashion since the 1930s and continues to do so.
Things to do Around Shinsegae Department Store:
- O HUI & Whoo Spa Beauty Care Package
- Women’s Only Mud Massage & Sauna Experience in Myeongdong
- JUNO HAIR Salon in Myeongdong/ Hongdae/ Gangnam/ Garosu-gil
- Silver Ring Making Experience in Hongdae/ Myeongdong
5) Seoul City Hall Plaza
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Every year, Seoul City Hall Plaza never fails to bring Christmas cheer to the city and it brings it hard. As a bustling area with festivals happening nearly every day, it’s no wonder that City Hall goes full force with the Christmas spirit. Just like last year, you will find an enormous Christmas tree lit up at the plaza.
Things to do Around Seoul City Hall Plaza:
- Deoksugung Palace Half Day Tour
- Seoul Walking Tour: Gyeonghuigung & Deoksugung Palace
- Seoul City Walking Tour or Small Group Tour (Half Day/Full Day)
- Seoul Travel Snap Photoshoot (Day/ Night)
6) Cheonggyecheon Stream Lantern Festival
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The Cheonggyecheon Stream Lantern Festival, part of the larger Seoul Lantern Festival, is a beloved winter event that transforms the Cheonggyecheon Stream into a dazzling display of light and color. This year, the festival will take place from December 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026, marking its 16th anniversary.
Check out these fun night tours nearby:
7) Everland Theme Park
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Whether you are single or a couple, Everland is one of the best places to feel rich Christmas vibes. With a gigantic Christmas tree and a fantastic display of lights and fireworks, you and all your significant ones are sure to have a Merry Christmas at Everland.
If you want to go to Everland, make sure you check the best deals at Everland on Trazy.com. Make sure you reserve your seats in advance if you need transportation!
Grab a Ticket or Two to the Land of Wonders Everland!
Read our guide to the Everland Winter Festival!
Treat Yourself with Warm Winter Treats
1) Roasted Chestnuts
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In Korea, you won’t find your traditional Christmas fixings such as eggnog, cranberry sauce, or candy canes. Not even a jolly red Santa Claus!
However, you will definitely find roasted chestnuts among the street food vendors. Known as “gunbam” (군밤), this is an all-time favorite winter snack. They may not be roasted over an open fire, but you will find these tiny treats roasting on street-side grills under the tender care of a sweet “ajumma (a middle-aged Korean woman)”.
2) Roasted Sweet Potatoes
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Often seen in Korean dramas, these roasted sweet potatoes, or “gun-goguma (군고구마)” in Korean, are a winter staple in Korea that you will sure to come across while traveling Seoul. Just look for a large round barrel! The sweet potatoes are roasting inside while becoming juicier.
Have Fun at the Outdoor Ice Skating Rink
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Get a pair of ice skates and glide on the ice! This may sound like a cliche, but ice skating is one of the Christmas classics that people never get sick of.
In Seoul, you can find marvelous ice skating rinks, but you’ll definitely want to check out the Grand Hyatt Seoul Ice Rink. Not only is it breathtakingly gorgeous, but you can get all kinds of discounts and specials if you go during the weekdays!
Things to do near the Grand Hyatt Seoul:
- Make Traditional Korean Accessories with Korean Traditional Paper ‘Hanji’
- Seoul Nightlife Tour: Pub Crawl
- Seoul Nightlife Tour & Premium Pub Crawl in Itaewon/ Haebangchon
- K-pop Concept Photoshoot near Itaewon, Seoul
Read our guide to Sledding & Ice Skating in and around Seoul!
Check out more Trazy Blogs on Christmas in Korea!
- Best Places to See the Christmas Lights & Decor in Korea 2025
- Top 5 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Korea 2025
- Top Things to Do in Korea This December 2025
Hope our list of Christmas ideas makes your holiday in Seoul wonderful! As always, make sure to stop by Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, Trazy.com, to discover the latest, trendiest, and newest things to do in South Korea!
