Did you know that in South Korea, Christmas is more of a romantic holiday than a family celebration?
While many people around the world spend Christmas with their families, in Korea, it’s common for couples to celebrate with fancy dinners and sweet gifts.
In this article, you'll learn how to say Merry Christmas in Korean, Korean Christmas vocabulary, and some of the special ways Koreans celebrate this festive time of year.
Whether you’re learning Korean or just curious about Korean culture, you’re in for a holiday treat!
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Sidenote: Want to learn more about Korean culture and language? Then check out our Korean blog for more articles like these below!
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Table of Contents
1. Is Christmas A National Holiday In Korea?
2. How To Say Merry Christmas In Korean?
3. Christmas Vocabulary In Korean
4. How Is Christmas Celebrated In Korea?
5. Christmas-themed Korean Dramas and Movies
6. Learn Korean For Christmas With Lingopie!
7. FAQs About Christmas In Korea
Is Christmas A National Holiday In Korea?
Yes, Christmas is a national holiday in Korea. In fact, it is one of the few Western holidays that’s officially recognized as a national holiday. While not everyone celebrates it for religious reasons, most people enjoy the festive atmosphere, and it’s a day off for many workers and students.
How To Say Merry Christmas In Korean?
The most common way to say Merry Christmas in Korean is "메리 크리스마스" (Me-ri Keu-ri-seu-ma-seu). If it sounds familiar, that’s because it’s a direct transliteration of the English phrase! Koreans often use borrowed words from English, especially for modern or global celebrations, which makes this phrase easy to remember and pronounce.
For a more formal or traditional greeting, you can say:
"즐거운 성탄절 보내세요" (Jeul-geo-un Seong-tan-jeol Bo-nae-se-yo), which translates to “Have a joyful Christmas.” This version is often used in cards, formal settings, or among people who prefer using Korean words for the holiday.
Both phrases are perfect for spreading Christmas cheer—just pick the one that matches your style or the situation!
Other Ways To Say Merry Christmas In Korean
Here are some alternative phrases to wish someone a Merry Christmas in Korean:
| Korean Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 메리 크리스마스 | Me-ri Keu-ri-seu-ma-seu | Merry Christmas (direct transliteration) |
| 즐거운 성탄절 보내세요 | Jeul-geo-un Seong-tan-jeol Bo-nae-se-yo | Have a joyful Christmas |
| 행복한 성탄절 되세요 | Haeng-bok-han Seong-tan-jeol Dwae-se-yo | Wishing you a happy Christmas |
| 따뜻한 크리스마스 되세요 | Tta-tteut-han Keu-ri-seu-ma-seu Dwae-se-yo | Have a warm Christmas |
| 평화로운 성탄절 보내세요 | Pyeong-hwa-ro-un Seong-tan-jeol Bo-nae-se-yo | Have a peaceful Christmas |
| 기쁜 성탄절 보내세요 | Gi-ppeun Seong-tan-jeol Bo-nae-se-yo | Have a joyful Christmas |
Notes:
- These phrases are great for greeting cards or speaking in formal settings.
- For a casual setting, 메리 크리스마스 (Me-ri Keu-ri-seu-ma-seu) is perfectly fine and widely used.
- Add "그리고 새해 복 많이 받으세요" (Geu-ri-go Sae-hae Bok Man-i Ba-deu-se-yo) to say “And have a Happy New Year” for an extra festive touch!
Christmas Vocabulary In Korean
| English | Korean (Hangul) | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas | 크리스마스 | Keu-ri-seu-ma-seu |
| Christmas tree | 크리스마스 트리 | Keu-ri-seu-ma-seu Teu-ri |
| Santa Claus | 산타클로스 | San-ta-keul-lo-seu |
| Rudolph | 루돌프 | Ru-dol-peu |
| Snowman | 눈사람 | Nun-sa-ram |
| Gift | 선물 | Seon-mul |
| Snow | 눈 | Nun |
| Winter | 겨울 | Gyeo-ul |
| Happy New Year | 행복한 새해 되세요 | Haeng-bok-han Sae-hae Dwae-se-yo |
| Merry Christmas | 메리 크리스마스 | Me-ri Keu-ri-seu-ma-seu |
| Joyful Christmas | 즐거운 성탄절 | Jeul-geo-un Seong-tan-jeol |
| Christmas Eve | 크리스마스 이브 | Keu-ri-seu-ma-seu I-beu |
| Holiday | 휴일 | Hyu-il |
| Decoration | 장식 | Jang-sik |
| Reindeer | 순록 | Sun-nok |
Read Also:
How Is Christmas Celebrated In Korea?
Christmas in Korea has a unique charm, blending global influences with local traditions. While it shares similarities with Western celebrations, there are key differences that make the holiday season in Korea distinct.
1. A Holiday for Couples
Unlike in many countries where Christmas is centered around family gatherings, in Korea, it’s often celebrated as a romantic holiday. Couples go out for fancy dinners, exchange thoughtful gifts, and enjoy quality time together, much like Valentine’s Day.
2. Church Services for Christians
For the Christian community in Korea, Christmas is a deeply religious holiday. Many people attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to reflect on the spiritual significance of the season.
3. Popular Holiday Activities
Koreans love to embrace the festive spirit with activities like:
- Visiting theme parks such as Lotte World or Everland, which are beautifully decorated with Christmas lights.
- Taking walks through Christmas light displays in popular areas like Myeongdong or along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
- Shopping at Christmas markets for unique gifts and holiday treats.
4. Holiday Markets and Festive Displays
Korea goes all out when it comes to decorating for the holidays. Some of the most popular spots to enjoy the Christmas spirit include:
- Myeongdong: This bustling shopping district features stunning Christmas lights, themed displays, and lively holiday markets where you can find gifts, treats, and seasonal items.
- Lotte World: This theme park transforms into a winter wonderland with elaborate decorations, festive parades, and special Christmas performances.
5. Seasonal Foods
Christmas in Korea isn’t complete without delicious food!
- 케이크 (Cake): Elaborate, beautifully decorated Christmas cakes are a popular treat and often shared among friends, couples, or families.
- 호떡 (Hotteok): Sweet, stuffed pancakes filled with brown sugar, nuts, and cinnamon—perfect for the winter season.
- 붕어빵 (Bungeoppang): Fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean paste, a classic winter street food that adds a festive touch to the season.
6. K-Pop Adds A Musical Twist
Christmas in Korea wouldn’t be complete without the influence of K-pop. Many artists release special Christmas-themed albums, singles, or music videos during the holiday season. These songs often become seasonal hits, blending catchy melodies with holiday cheer. Fans also celebrate by exchanging fan-made gifts and sharing holiday greetings inspired by their favorite idols.
Here are a couple of popular Christmas-themed K-pop songs:
- "Christmas Day" by EXO – A beautiful holiday ballad from one of K-pop’s top groups.
- "The Lonely Christmas" by MONSTA X – A mix of upbeat and sentimental holiday vibes.
Christmas in Korea is a vibrant mix of global traditions and local creativity, making it a truly unique holiday experience! 🎄
Christmas-themed Korean Dramas and Movies
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Here are my favorite Christmas-themed Korean movies that are perfect to watch with a cup of hot chocolate during the winter holiday!
- "My Love from the Star" (별에서 온 그대) – Features memorable Christmas scenes and a winter romance vibe.
- "White Christmas" (화이트 크리스마스) – A suspenseful drama set during the holiday season.
- "A Werewolf Boy" (늑대소년) – A heartwarming, winter-themed movie that’s perfect for the holidays.
Read Also:
Learn Korean For Christmas With Lingopie!
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Christmas in Korea is truly special, with unique traditions, festive foods, and beautiful phrases to learn. Whether you’re saying "메리 크리스마스" (Merry Christmas) or enjoying treats like 호떡 (Hotteok), the holiday is full of fun and warmth.
Now that you know how to celebrate it like a local, why not take your Korean learning further?
One great way to do this is with Lingopie, a fun resource where you can learn Korean by watching movies and shows with subtitles. It’s perfect for picking up festive vocabulary and practicing real-life conversations.
Try Lingopie now and start celebrating Christmas the Korean way!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Korea
1. How does Korea celebrate Christmas?
In Korea, Christmas is celebrated mostly by couples with romantic dinners, gift exchanges, and visits to Christmas light displays. It’s also a religious holiday for Christians, with many attending church services. There are fun activities like visiting theme parks and enjoying seasonal treats.
2. Do Koreans celebrate Christmas on the 24th or 25th?
Koreans celebrate Christmas primarily on the 25th of December. However, some couples might have special dates or romantic moments on Christmas Eve (the 24th) as well.
3. Is Christmas a good time to visit Korea?
Yes, Christmas is a great time to visit Korea! The festive lights, special events, and beautiful winter scenery make it a magical experience. Just be prepared for cold weather, as it’s winter during this time.
4. Where is the best place to spend Christmas in Korea?
The best places to spend Christmas in Korea are in major cities like Seoul and Busan. In Seoul, areas like Myeongdong and Lotte World are famous for their Christmas lights, shopping, and festive activities.
