Travel Guide
Christmas in Seoul: Picture Perfect Places to Visit in 2023
Irene
December 7, 2023
Seoul transforms into a magical wonderland during Christmas. Twinkling lights adorn the streets, shopping districts become dazzling displays, and iconic landmarks are dressed to impress. While Christmas isn't traditionally celebrated by many Koreans, it's gaining popularity among younger generations, who see it as a cozy and romantic time to spend with friends and loved ones. If you're in Seoul this winter, here are the best spots to capture your holiday memories.
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.
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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
The Shinsegae Department Flagship Store, located in the vibrant Myeongdong shopping district, 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!
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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
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, where you'll find the exterior elaborately decorated with lights that will instantly put you in a festive mood. The stunning 15-meter-tall retro Christmas tree by the main entrance makes the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos.
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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 is a notable public space located in the heart of Seoul in Jongno-gu District. 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.
At the square, a European-style Christmas market will be taking place with experience programs, photo zones, delicious food, drinks, and more.
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Date: December 15, 2023 - January 21, 2024
Address: 172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 18:00 - 22:00
Admission: Free
A short walk from Gwanghwamun Square is Cheonggye Plaza. Another prominent public space located in Jongno-gu District. 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.
During the winter, Cheonggye Plaza transforms into a festive wonderland. 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.
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Date: December 15, 2023 - January 21, 2024
Address: 148 Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: N/A
Admission: Free
The Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink is a seasonal attraction that transforms Seoul Plaza into a winter wonderland. Located in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Library and the Seoul City Hall, the rink offers a fun and festive experience for locals and tourists.
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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
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a major landmark and architectural marvel situated in the Dongdaemun area. 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.
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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 is a major entertainment complex and theme park located in Songpa District. It stands as one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. During the Christmas season, the park undergoes a magical transformation, becoming a winter wonderland brimming with festive cheer. From dazzling lights and enchanting decorations to captivating shows and festive treats, Lotte World Adventure offers an unforgettable holiday experience for visitors of all ages.
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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 is a massive shopping and entertainment complex in Songpa District. It's 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.
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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
Located in the heart of COEX Mall, a large shopping and entertainment complex in Gangnam, 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.
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Date: November 19, 2023 - TBD
Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 10:30 - 22:00
Admission: Free
Times Square Seoul is a large-scale shopping and entertainment complex situated in the Yeongdeungpo District. It stands as a prominent landmark, offering a diverse range of retail stores, dining options, entertainment facilities, and more. During the winter months, you'll find a dazzling 8-meter-tall tree and Santa's Station outside by the main entrance, and Santa's House and a snowy mountain stand at 8 meters high inside.
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Date: December 1, 2023 - TBD
Address: 15 Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 10:30 - 22:00
Admission: Free
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