Seoul transforms into a magical wonderland during Christmas. Twinkling lights adorn streets, shopping districts become dazzling displays, and iconic landmarks boast festive decorations.
While Christmas isn't traditionally celebrated by many Koreans, it's gaining popularity among the younger generation, seen as a cozy and romantic season to gather with friends and loved ones.
If you're in Seoul this winter, here are the best spots to capture your holiday memories.
The Hyundai Seoul
Located near Yeouido Hangang Park and the Han River, The Hyundai Seoul is a massive department store, one of the largest in South Korea. It boasts over 89,000 square meters of retail space, offering a diverse range of products, including fashion, beauty, electronics, home goods, and more.
During the Christmas season, the 5th floor Sounds Forest space is transformed into a picturesque Christmas Village, only accessible through online reservation through a link provided in The Hyundai Seoul's Instagram page. The theme set for this year is called La Boutique D’ Harry. You'll find enchanting boutique stores with select products and the perfect backdrop for your pictures. If you're unable to get a reservation, you can still enjoy the view and ambiance from the surrounding area and photo zone located on the floor above.
Date: November 1 - December 31, 2023
Address: 5F 108 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:30 - 20:00 / Weekends 10:30 - 20:30
Admission: Reservation only
Shinsegae Department Store Myeongdong
The Shinsegae Department Flagship Store, located in the vibrant Myeongdong shopping district of Seoul, is a landmark destination for both locals and tourists, offering a diverse range of luxury and premium products.
The flagship store celebrates Christmas each year with a spectacular media facade made up of 3.75 million LED lights. The theme this year is 'SHINSEGAE THEATER: from legacy to fantasy' and a 3-minute Christmas film is continuously displayed between 5:30pm to 10:30pm on the exterior of the building. You'll get the best view from across the street and you'll also be able to see the N Seoul Tower on the opposite side.
There's said to be a Christmas market themed space on the 3rd floor passage way that connects the two buildings, so be sure to check that out!
Date: November 9, 2023 - January 31, 2024
Address: 63, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:30 - 20:00 / Weekends 10:30 - 20:30 (Media: 17:30 - 22:30)
Admission: Free
Lotte Department Store Myeongdong
Five minutes down the street from The Shinsegae Department Flagship Store, you'll find The Lotte Department Store's Main Branch, offering a diverse range of premium and contemporary products.
The Lotte Department Store's Christmas theme for this year is My Dearest Wish, and you'll find the exterior elaborately decorated with lights that will immerse you in a festive mood. You can also find a retro 15-meter-tall Christmas tree by the main entrance for the perfect photo op!
Date: November 1, 2023 - TBD
Address: 81 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:30 - 20:00 / Weekends 10:30 - 20:30
Admission: Free
Gwanghwamun Square Market
Gwanghwamun Square is a significant public space located in the heart of Seoul in Jongno-gu, South Korea. It stands at the doorstep of Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Seoul's most iconic historical landmarks. The square serves as a cultural and historical focal point, showcasing various statues, cultural events, and providing a space for locals and visitors to relax and appreciate the city's heritage.
A European-style Christmas market will be taking place with experience programs, photo zones, delicious food, drinks, and more.
Date: December 15, 2023 - January 21, 2024
Address: 172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 18:00 - 22:00
Admission: Free
Cheongye Plaza
A short walk from Gwanghwamun Square is Cheonggye Plaza. Another prominent public space located in Jongno-gu. This public space serves as the starting point for the renowned Cheonggyecheon Stream, a 10.9-kilometer-long ecological park that flows through the city center. Along the stream, you can find numerous art installations, and sculptures all year long, making it a great place to walk, explore, and learn about Korean culture.
Cheonggye Plaza transforms into a festive wonderland during the winter holidays. The plaza is decked out in twinkling lights, giant Christmas trees, and themed decorations, creating a magical atmosphere for families and couples. The plaza also hosts various holiday events and performances, making it a popular destination for celebrating the season.
Date: December 15, 2023 - January 21, 2024
Address: 148 Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: N/A
Admission: Free
Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink
The Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink is a seasonal attraction that transforms the heart of Seoul into a winter wonderland. Nestled in front of the iconic Seoul City Hall, the rink offers a fun and festive experience for locals and tourists alike.
Date: December 21, 2023 - February 12, 2024
Address: 110 Sejong-daero, Euljiro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: Sun-Thur 10:00 - 21:30 / Fri, Sat, Public Holidays 10:00 - 23:00
Admission: 1,000 KRW for 1 hour + skates rental
DDP Christmas Market
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a major landmark and architectural marvel situated in the Dongdaemun area of Seoul. It stands as a significant cultural and design hub in the city, known for its innovative architecture, cultural exhibitions, and events.
This Christmas, a spectacular media facade light show will cover the exterior of the building at night and a Christmas market will be held indoors for visitors to shop from a variety of local businesses.
Date: December 21, 2023 - December 30, 2023
Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Admission: Free
Lotte World Adventure
Lotte World Adventure is a major entertainment complex and theme park located in Seoul, South Korea. It stands as one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world, providing a wide range of attractions and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Lotte Adventure Park undergoes a dramatic transformation during the Christmas season, becoming a dazzling winter wonderland filled with festive cheer. From twinkling lights and snow-dusted landscapes to enchanting shows and delicious treats, the park offers a magical experience for everyone.
Date: November 25, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:30 - 20:00 / Weekends 10:30 - 20:30
Admission: See website for ticket prices
Lotte World Mall Christmas Market
Lotte World Mall is a massive shopping and entertainment complex located in the Songpa District of Seoul, South Korea. It is a true destination in itself, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Next to the lake park, visitors will find a beautifully lit tree, a massive 7 meter high glass house Christmas Market, and a dreamy merry-go-round. It's located next to Lotte World Adventure and the indoor ice skating rink, making it an ideal location to spend the day.
Date: November 24, 2023 - December 25, 2023
Address: 30 Sincheon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 10:30 - 22:00
Admission: Waiting queue with QR code
Starfield Library COEX Mall
Located in the heart of COEX Mall, a large shopping and entertainment complex in Gangnam, Seoul, you'll find yourself in a literary wonderland adorned with festive book displays, twinkling lights, and a 11-meter-tall golden Christmas tree.
Everyday between 6pm and 10pm, a captivating light show is projected onto the book shelves of the library at 15-minute intervals (except on Wednesdays and Fridays between 7pm-8:30pm where a lecture will take place). This Instagram-worthy spot offers endless opportunities for unique holiday photos.
Date: November 19, 2023 - TBD
Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 10:30 - 22:00
Admission: Free
Times Square
Times Square Seoul is a large-scale shopping and entertainment complex situated in the Yeongdeungpo District of Seoul. It stands as a prominent landmark, offering a diverse range of retail stores, dining options, entertainment facilities, and more.
Outside, you'll find a dazzling 8-meter-tall tree and Santa's Station, while inside, Santa's House and a snowy mountain stand at 8 meters high.
Date: December 1, 2023 - TBD
Address: 15 Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 10:30 - 22:00
Admission: Free
Photo Source: Instagram @timessquare.mall
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