13 Dec
The holiday season in Korea is one of my favorite times of year. Christmas and New Years is always a reason to celebrate, and Korea offers no shortage of sights to see and festivities to enjoy with your Creverse coworkers and friends. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through some of my favorite activities to do during December and January to give those holiday warm and fuzzies. Bundle up and let’s dive into the holiday magic!
Hit the Slopes Near Seoul
Even as a beginner skier, there’s nothing like being outside to enjoy the winter weather and get active. I went to Vivaldi Ski Park last year with my coworkers who range from beginners like me to experienced snowboarders, and there was something for everyone. The most convenient way to reach Vivaldi Park is via shuttle bus services that depart from popular areas like Myeongdong or Hongdae. These buses run daily during the ski season and gave us a direct route to and from the resort. Our skiing pass for the day was about 73,000 won (@ $50 USD), and you can bring your own gear or rent everything you need on site. Vivaldi is a perfect day trip for anyone looking to enjoy Korea’s mountain ranges and the natural beauty of the country.
The Christmas Tree at Lotte Mall
The Lotte Christmas Market at Lotte Mall in Jamsil is another one of my favorite things to do in the holiday season. The mall and the area around it transforms into a winter wonderland. It features an incredible Christmas tree surrounded by festive attractions like a merry-go-round, and even an ice rink sponsored by Chanel. As I strolled through the market, I enjoyed the food booths and decided to get some mulled wine to add a little spice to the atmosphere. The Christmas lights and the carols playing over the speakers truly made me feel like I was going to have my “Love Actually” moment! The market runs from November 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Visit Gwanghwamun Market’s Holiday Village
I plan to attend this market on Christmas eve this year with my boyfriend. We plan to take pictures with Santa Claus and shop at the artisanal craft booths for stocking stuffers. The market is one of the bigger European-style Christmas markets in Seoul and features a large selection of vendors who bring their handicrafts and homemade products. Supporting local businesses for the holiday season is always a great choice, so I can’t wait to check it out! I heard they serve hotteok, a hot and sweet Korean pancake, so I will definitely be on the lookout for this treat.
Creverse White Elephant
This year our branch manager decided it would be a fun idea to host a white elephant gift exchange to get everyone into the holiday spirit. We made a reasonable spending limit and decided that the gifts should all be household or useful items that anyone could enjoy. While our branch manager is super sweet for coming up with the idea, I think that any teacher in Korea could organize this at their own school or among a group of friends . I also recommend going to a Noraebang to sing Christmas carols, which is something my friends and I do every holiday season! It’s a great way to bring some of the holiday spirit from home to Korea!
Outside of these events around Korea, I recommend writing cards to loved ones at home, and make time to watch your favorite holiday movies. These small, but simple, actions can make a big difference when it comes to any feelings of homesickness during the holidays. Any way that helps me feel more in tune with not only my Korean community, but also my Canadian community, is a win-win. I hope that this guide gives you some inspiration on how to celebrate the holiday season in Korea with maximum cheer!
Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant
Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.