Christmas is a public holiday in Korea! People celebrate it completely differently from Japan.

Author: YEPPURIKO Editorial Team•12/19/2025

Differences Between Japanese and Korean Christmas Culture to Know Before Your December Trip to Korea🎄

Although they may seem similar to Japan, the ways people spend the holiday and what gets everyone excited are actually quite different.

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A Huge Difference from Japan! Did You Know Christmas Is a National Holiday in Korea? 🎅

If you are planning a trip to Seoul in December, Christmas in Korea is actually quite different from Christmas in Japan.

While Christmas in Japan has a strong “event” feel, in Korea, December 25 is a statutory holiday (public holiday).

Many public institutions, including government offices, banks, post offices, and schools, will be closed.

This time, we will explain the surprisingly little-known “Christmas situation in Korea” in an easy-to-understand way for travelers ✨

📌 December 25 Is Officially a “Statutory Holiday” in Korea

In Korea, Christmas is treated not merely as an event day, but as a national holiday.

Therefore, you need to keep the following points in mind on December 25.

Government offices, banks, and post offices: Generally closed
Schools: Closed (often overlapping with the winter vacation period)
Hospitals: Large hospitals focus mainly on emergency care, and clinics may be closed
Restaurants and cafés: Chain establishments are often open／independent establishments may be closed

✅ If you need to exchange money or complete any procedures, it is recommended to take care of them by the 24th.

The major difference from Japan｜In Korea, “the 25th is the main event”

In Japan, the 24th (Christmas Eve) is often the more festive day, while the 25th marks a return to the usual weekday routine…

In Korea, however, because the 25th itself is a public holiday, it tends to be a day for couples, families, and friends to “spend quality time together.”

Popular restaurants and hotel dinners in particular tend to fill up quickly, so if you have plans, making an early reservation is recommended.

🌍 A rare “Christmas public holiday” in East Asia

There are not many countries in East Asia where Christmas is officially recognized as a public holiday “as Christmas.”

(Some regions, such as Hong Kong and Macau, also treat it as a public holiday.)

Korea is one of the few places in Asia where Christmas has become established as a public holiday.

Christmas in East Asian countries

China: Regular weekday

In mainland China, December 25 is usually a regular weekday.

However, Christmas is a public holiday in Hong Kong and Macau due to their history as former British and Portuguese territories.

Japan: Regular weekday

In Japan, December 25 is a regular weekday as usual.

Christmas is widely enjoyed as a commercial event, but it is not a national holiday.

Taiwan: Public holiday for Constitution Day

December 25 is also a public holiday in Taiwan, but this is because of “Constitution Day.”

It is not directly related to Christmas.

South Korea: Officially celebrated as Christmas

In South Korea, December 25 is officially designated as a statutory holiday called “Christmas.”

It is a very rare example in East Asia of Christmas as a religious event being designated as a national holiday.

Among countries that were not subjected to Western colonial rule, the reason this system continues is rooted in South Korea’s unique historical and cultural background.

📜 Why did Christmas become a public holiday in South Korea?

Historically, it is understood that the system was established after the postwar period of governance, with Christmas becoming established as a statutory holiday in 1949.

Today, many people enjoy it not only as a religious event but also as a “seasonal event,” regardless of their religion.

⚖️ A Holiday System Designed with Religious Balance in Mind

Christmas is a public holiday in Korea, but the system actually also takes religious fairness into consideration.

Religious Demographics in Korea (as of 2023)

Christianity: Approximately 25–30%
Buddhism: Approximately 25%
No religion: Approximately half

Korea is a country where diverse religions coexist. It cannot favor Christianity alone.

A Buddhist Holiday Was Also Established

To maintain balance with Christmas being a public holiday, “Buddha’s Birthday” is also designated as a statutory public holiday.

Buddha’s Birthday falls on the 8th day of the 4th month in the lunar calendar, so the date changes every year. In 2025, Buddha’s Birthday holiday falls on May 5.

In this way, Korea has established a holiday system that respects diverse cultures while maintaining fairness among religions.

🎁 A New System Introduced in 2023

Korea’s holiday system is evolving even further!

Now Eligible for Substitute Holidays

Since 2023, Christmas and Buddha’s Birthday have been eligible for “substitute holidays.”

Previously, there were no substitute holidays even when a public holiday fell on a Saturday or Sunday.

But now, when Christmas falls on a weekend, the following weekday becomes a substitute holiday🎉

A Chance for a Longer Break

Thanks to this system, depending on the timing, it can result in a three-day or four-day weekend.

It is a welcome change for Koreans, making it easier to plan year-end trips.

🎅 How Do People Spend Christmas in Korea?

✨ The City Is Filled with Illuminations & Date-Night Vibes

In December, major areas of Seoul become dazzling with illuminations.

Since the days are shorter, another highlight is that the atmosphere starts to come alive early in the evening.

The most famous spots include…

Gwanghwamun Square: A giant Christmas tree and a tunnel of lights
Cheonggyecheon: A stroll along the stream surrounded by illuminations
Yeouido: Illuminations at Hangang Park
Myeongdong: The entire shopping district sparkles

These spots are extremely popular for dates while enjoying the night view💕

💕 It Strongly Feels Like “A Day to Spend with Your Partner”

In Korea, Christmas is strongly associated with spending time as a couple,

and restaurants and hotels offer plenty of “couple-oriented” plans as well.

⛪ Church Services and Masses

For Christians, it is also an important religious day. Special services are held at churches.

Exchanging Gifts with Family and Friends🎁

Just like in Japan, there is also a tradition of giving gifts to one another.

Families gather for meals, while friends get together to throw parties.

Children especially look forward to receiving gifts from Santa Claus.

Christmas Cake Culture Is Also Well Established

Christmas cakes are also popular in Korea!

Bakery chains such as パリバゲット and トゥレジュール sell special Christmas cakes available by reservation.

Their designs are slightly different from Japanese Christmas cakes, featuring cute Korean-style decorations🍰

💡 Trivia You Should Know

The Time of Year with the Shortest Days

Christmas falls on “the day with the shortest amount of daylight” among Korea’s public holidays.

Since it comes right after the winter solstice, it is the time of year when daytime is shortest. It starts getting dark at around 4:30 p.m.

That’s exactly why the illuminations look so beautiful✨

Christmas Songs Are Also Classics in Korea

In Korea too, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and Wham!’s “Last Christmas” are absolute Christmas classics.

Christmas songs can be heard playing from cafés and shops around town.

Recently, Christmas songs by K-POP idols have also become popular, with groups such as BTS and TWICE releasing Christmas songs as well🎵

🏪 Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling to Korea in December

The fact that Christmas is a public holiday has some impact on travelers as well.

① Public institutions and banks are closed

On December 25, public institutions such as government offices, banks, and post offices are generally closed.

If you need to exchange currency or take care of postal procedures, it is recommended to do so by the day before.

② Some restaurants and cafes may also be closed

While major chain restaurants and restaurants inside hotels are often open,

independently owned establishments may be closed, so it is a good idea to check their business hours in advance.

③ Tourist attractions are often open (but crowded)

Many shops in major areas such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, and Hongdae are open.

However, since more people go out on public holidays, these areas may be more crowded than usual.

④ Book hotels and transportation early

The Christmas season is a time when travel demand also increases within South Korea.

It is a good idea to book hotels and KTX (high-speed trains) early 🚄

🎄 Recommended places to visit in Seoul in December

If you want to fully enjoy South Korea during the Christmas season, don’t miss the following spots ✨

① Mass and illuminations at Myeongdong Cathedral

Known as South Korea’s oldest Gothic-style church, Myeongdong Cathedral.

During the Christmas season, it is illuminated and enveloped in a magical atmosphere.

Even if you do not attend Mass, you can enjoy it simply by admiring the exterior.

② Lotte World Tower Observatory (Seoul Sky)

Lotte World Tower boasts the greatest height in South Korea.

From the observatory, “Seoul Sky,” you can enjoy a panoramic view of Seoul’s nightscape illuminated with colorful lights.

It’s also perfect for a night-view date💕

③ Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

The futuristic architecture of DDP is famous.

During winter, special light displays are held, and Christmas markets may also be hosted depending on the season.

It’s also extremely popular as a photogenic spot📸

④ Hongdae Christmas Market

In the Hongdae area, known as a neighborhood for young people, European-style Christmas markets may be held.

It’s also fun to stroll around while holding a cup of hot chocolate and browsing handmade goods☕️

Frequently Asked Questions Q&A

Q1. Are shops open on December 25?

A. Shops in large shopping malls and major tourist attractions are often open.

However, small independently owned shops and restaurants may be closed, so it’s recommended that you check their business hours in advance.

Q2. Is Korea cold during the Christmas season?

A. In Seoul in December, temperatures often drop to around 0°C on average, so you’ll need to dress warmly.

Especially when viewing illuminations at night, the perceived temperature feels even lower, so be sure to prepare a thick coat, gloves, scarf, and other warm clothing.

Q3. Do I need to make a reservation for Christmas dinner?

A. Dinners at popular restaurants and hotels start filling up with reservations once December begins.

December 24 and 25 are especially likely to be crowded, so if possible, making a reservation at least two weeks in advance is recommended.

Q4. Can I bring Christmas presents from Japan?

A. Basically, bringing items in is allowed.

However, alcohol, tobacco, and high-value items may be subject to duty-free limits or declaration requirements. For peace of mind, check the latest rules in the “Korea Customs Service Guide” or official information for travelers before your trip.

Q5. Are there also many public holidays during the year-end and New Year period?

A. In Korea, January 1 (New Year's Day) is a public holiday, but long year-end and New Year holidays like those in Japan are not common.

Instead, the Lunar New Year (Seollal) period is more likely to be a long holiday.

Summary: Enjoy Christmas Culture on Your December Trip to Korea🎅

What did you think?

Even though Japan and Korea are neighboring countries, it's interesting that the ways they celebrate Christmas are so different, isn't it?

There are historical and religious reasons why Christmas became a public holiday in Korea,

and today it has become established as a national event enjoyed by many people regardless of religion.

If you are planning a trip to Korea in December, be sure to keep the following points in mind.

✅ December 25 is a public holiday, so public institutions and some shops may be closed

✅ Many tourist attractions and shopping areas remain open (but be prepared for crowds)

✅ It is the season when illuminations and night views are beautiful

✅ Make hotel and restaurant reservations early

✅ Be sure to prepare thoroughly for the cold

Keep these points in mind and enjoy Christmas in Korea.

A romantic Christmas experience unique to Korea is sure to become a wonderful memory✨