Table of Contents
Introduction
Korea knows how to put on a great show when it comes to Christmas lights and decorations even though Christmas is more of a romantic holiday than a family one in the country.
There are so many places to visit during the festive time of the year that it’s difficult to know where to start. Luckily, I’ve made a list of the most worthwhile places to visit to see Christmas lights and decor in Korea.
What to Wear
Most people will find Seoul’s winters bitterly cold. I made the mistake of not wearing thick enough clothing during my first trip to Seoul for New Year’s Eve. Don’t make the same mistake as me.
You should aim to wear a coat with thick padding like Koreans do. Don’t forget to wear warm gloves, and a hat too. I also suggest wearing a face cover like a mask (this will also protect you from Covid-19 and bad air quality) to keep your face warm. It really makes a difference.
Do invest in thermal clothing as well. And for the ladies who hate wearing jeans, wear thermal leggings.
In and Around Seoul (Free Places)
1. Seoul City Hall
Seoul City hall is a great venue to visit any time of the year, but it gets festive during the Christmas season by having a different themed Christmas tree every year.
Address: 110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
2. Lotte Department Store
Lotte Department store always has a beautiful display of Christmas decorations, but the brand has really outdone itself this year with its Christmas lights and decorations. The best branches to visit are the ones in Myeongdong and Jamsil, especially because they’re close to other Christmas lights locations.
Address (Jamsil): 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Myeongdong: 81, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
3. Times Square
Times Square in Yeongdeungpo is another large and popular mall in Seoul. Its Christmas decorations are very romantic but it’s also wonderful to visit with friends and family members.
Address: 15, Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
4. Shinesegae Department Store
I prefer the Christmas decor Lotte Department Store displays but Shinesegae Department Store in Myeongdong still doesn’t do a bad job. Its Christmas lights are displayed by a gorgeous fountain, so you’ll have plenty of insta-worthy shots.
5. Coex Mall Starfield Library
Starfield Library is iconic for its futuristic look and relaxing atmosphere and it looks even better during Christmas time. There are several cafes you can visit, too, which offer views of the library and its interesting books.
Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
6. The Hyundai Seoul
The Hyundai Seoul has set up some magnificent Christmas village (H Village) in its Sounds Forest located on the 5th floor. It’s free to enter but to prevent overcrowding you need to enter a digital queue.
As you approach one of the H Village entrances, you should see some iPads where you can input your phone number to enter the queue. Bear in mind that the lines during weekends are busy so arrive early to avoid this.
If you do find yourself at the Hyundai Seoul’s Christmas decorations during a busy time then you should head straight to the signup iPads and then spend your time waiting by walking around the mall. You could also head over to Yeouido Hangang Park which is about a 10-minute walk away.
Address: 10, Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
7. Siheung Premium Outlets
Siheung Premium Outlets is a relaxing mall run by Shinesegae. Every year it runs a cute Christmas market. This year’s theme is Cookie Run in Wonderland. It’s worth a visit since Siheung is so close to Seoul. It’s also close to Wolmido Park in Incheon, so you could visit that after if you have time.
Address: 699 Seohaean-ro, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do
8. Yeouido Hangang Park
Yeouido Hangang Park is a fantastic place to visit all year round, but it’s especially romantic at night during Christmas. Other than the beautiful city lights reflecting off the river and the city cruise boat lights, you can also see some cute Christmas decorations at Yeouido Hangang
Address: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Places with Ticketed Entry
1. Garden of the Morning Calm
Many people suggest visiting the Garden of the Morning Calm during spring or autumn due to the beautiful spring flowers and autumn foliage, but winter is also another excellent time to visit. During winter, the Garden of the Morning Calm hosts a wonderful lights festival full of festive spirit.
Address: 432 Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
2. Pocheon Herb Island
Herb Island has a very romantic light display. It’s also worth visiting with friends, family members or alone as there are many cool photo ops.
Address: 35, Cheongsin-ro 947beon-gil, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Other Areas (Free Places)
1. Gwangju U-Square
You can find Gwangju’s main bus terminal here, but USquare is also a small shopping mall, so you’ll find restaurants, clothes stores and a cinema here. Every year, you can find a beautiful Christmas display outside of Gwangju U-Square, which is worth a visit if you’re in the area!
Address: 49-1 Gwangcheon-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju
2. Busan Gamcheon Culture Village
You can see Gamcheon Culture Village lit up by gorgeous lanterns this Christmas. You’d better hurry up and visit as Christmas Day is the last day the lanterns will be up.
Address: 200 Gamnae 1(il)-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
3. Busan Christmas Festival
This is one of Busan’s biggest Christmas celebrations. Head on over to Nampo-dong to enjoy wonderful Christmas lights and decorations as well as performances from choirs and bands.
Address: 58-2, Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
4. Haeundae Light Festival
Haeundae Beach and its surroundings transform into a gorgeous Christmas scene at night during the Haeundae light festival. It’ll surely make the cold winter nights warmer.
Address: Gunam-ro, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu
Places with Ticketed Entry
1. Daegu E-World
E-world is a famous amusement park in Daegu, which offers more than just rollercoaster experiences every season. However, you can see 10 million wonderful lights, an LED rose garden, a beautiful Christmas tree and more at Daegu E-World Starlight Festival, if you visit during the winter!
Address: 200, Duryugongwon-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
Conclusion
Christmas may be a little different in Korea but there are still amazing places to visit during this holiday.
