Christmas falls on the 25th of December in Korea; just like everywhere else. Christianity is quite young in Korea compared to other nations, with only 2% of the population identifying with the religion in 1945 after almost 200 years of contact from western missionaries. However, following the end of World War II in 1945 and Korea's independence from Japanese occupation, Christianity saw a rapid growth in Korea with the total percentage of Christians in South Korea today being 29.2%. Therefore, it is no surprise that Christmas is celebrated as a religious event, as well as a social one (the majority of the population is non-religious).
Christmas sees many services held across churches in Korea in the days leading up to the 25th; Protestant and Catholic alike. For the Christian family, Christmas is a time to come together to celebrate Christ's birth as well as wishing good cheer and blessings. However, unlike western traditions, Christmas doesn't hold as strong an emphasis on the family coming together. Rather, Christmas, like Halloween, has been adopted as a key day on the calendar for couples and love; which isn't so surprising considering the nation's obsession with romance.
Christmas in big cities such as Seoul and Busan will see immense displays of decorative lights. Every shop, cafe, and building will be lined with festive decorations and of course, have an endless stream of Christmas songs. Even the many bridges that link the banks of the Han river in Seoul are decked with festive lights. It is customary for the exchanging of gifts to occur, and to celebrate with a 'Christmas cake' which would be purchased from your local bakery or cafe.
In short, Christmas is a most festive occasion in Korea for the young and old; the religious and non-religious. It is celebrated with food, company, and a break from the long work hours of South Korea.
-David
Sources:
http://seoulbeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/20121212_seoulbeats_xmas3.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8352/8303951912_778049287c_z.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiULgLw1kuBrizRBwekUvNE7mHcWjmIHsEystmNDU540AH4wxx9WDGcWdU22F6QPio3EhGK5AyVh86E1iWCTBMHlOW-kQo8IYc6c7icEIGF8RSAa25O-STtpTLtslM-xcBZwqqRY_y4mY/s320/IMG_3051-.jpg
Sources:
http://seoulbeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/20121212_seoulbeats_xmas3.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8352/8303951912_778049287c_z.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiULgLw1kuBrizRBwekUvNE7mHcWjmIHsEystmNDU540AH4wxx9WDGcWdU22F6QPio3EhGK5AyVh86E1iWCTBMHlOW-kQo8IYc6c7icEIGF8RSAa25O-STtpTLtslM-xcBZwqqRY_y4mY/s320/IMG_3051-.jpg
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