Around the world, December is synonymous with Christmas celebrations and Christmas related activities. However, in Korea, the month of December offers more than Christmas. December is celebrated as month of cultural festivals bringing people together to celebrate winter from the perspective of Korean culture. These festivals make the winter experience unique, offering a blend of modern creativity with deep-rooted local traditions. The winter in Korea offers an experience like nowhere else in the world.
Lantern festivals
Seoul Lantern Festival is among the most popular festivals in Korea. It is currently taking place from December 12, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Every December, Seoul Lantern Festival turns Seoul into a magical land where lanterns light up the night sky and sculptures make the city glow. They provide an immersive experience that connects current innovation with Korean folk culture. It is indeed a one-of-a-kind way to experience stories from Korean culture in winter.
Busan, Korea’s trade hub, also lights up in winter with Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree Festival and Haeundae Light Festival. The Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree Festival is lightening up the heart of Busan from December 5, 2025 to February 22, 2026. It perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas with beautifully decorated glowing trees. It is like walking into a Christmas wonderland.

Futuristic Korean culture experience
When talking about Korea, there is no way we can miss the Korean art. FUTUREGROUND is a visionary Korean culture premiere that combines Korean art with technological innovations of today to create a cultural experience of tomorrow. This initiative perfectly showcases Korea’s role as global leader in creative industries. Whether you are interested in art or technology, FUTUREGROUND has something for everyone. It creates a cultural experience through interactive workshops, and fascinating exhibitions paired with culinary events that reflect the Korea’s creative scene.
Christmas in Korea
Christmas season in Korea comes with a touch of Kpop. Kpop stars release Christmas songs, Christmas dance challenges trend online, and seasonal concerts are popular. Many department stores offer Christmas promotions. This Grand Sale is the commercial highlight of the year.
Christmas season also brings with it the spirit of charity and volunteerism. Local churches organize volunteer programs in Christmas. On Christmas eve, volunteers dress as Santa to cheer up the marginalized children and bring the gifts to them. These volunteers play a key role in bringing Christmas spirit to all.
Foods to enjoy in Winter
Korean Street food is the best highlight of winter in Korea. The Odeng (Fish Cake Skewers, Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes), Hotteok (Sweet Pancake), Gyeranppang (Egg Bread), Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Pastry) and Gun Goguma (Roasted Sweet Potato) are among the most popular street foods in Korea. They are mandatory for Korean experience in winter.

Every season brings unique Korean experience. However, Korean winters stands out as a month of festivals with experiences beyond Christmas. Whether it is entertainment, innovation, food, arts or culture, Korea has something in store for everyone visiting it in the winter season.
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