Myeongdong Square is lit up. Christmas season has arrived. It would be a shame to let the season pass without getting excited about Christmas decorations and lights. So, where and how should you celebrate Christmas with your significant other?
1. Christmas tree spots
Christmas trees and lights are lighting up downtown Seoul one by one. The holiday atmosphere on the streets is great, but if you want to feel the full Christmas spirit, why not take your date to a Christmas tree spot?
- Shinsegae Department Store Myeongdong
- COEX Byeolmadang Library
- Yeongdeungpo Times Square
- Hyundai Department Store Trade Center
- The Hyundai Seoul Christmas Village
- Lotte World Magic Castle
Want more Christmas tree spots ? Check out our roundup of Christmas tree spots in Seoul to get in the holiday spirit
2. Ice Rink Date
If you’re looking for a fun and romantic date, why not skate on an ice rink? There are five ice rinks in Seoul. There are five ice rinks in Seoul, and they’re opening up all the time, so you can visit them with your significant other.
- Seoul City Hall Plaza Ice Rink
- Lotte World Ice Rink
- Hyatt Hotel Ice Rink
- Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul
- Mokdong Ice Rink
Looking for something other than ice skating ? Learn more about ski resorts near Seoul
3. Aquarium Date at Dongshim
No matter how warm and cozy Christmas is with family, friends, or your significant other, it’s hard not to want to stay indoors. Head to the aquarium for an indoor date. COEX Aquarium organizes a special event every year to coincide with the Christmas season. Home to the largest shark colony in Korea, you can see marine life roaming freely in the main tank and undersea tunnel.
4. Outlet Shopping Date Decorated Like a Christmas Market
There are more outlets in and around Seoul than you might think. Especially during the year-end and New Year holidays, many of them are decorated in a Christmas market concept, so you can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. With a wide variety of brands and price ranges, you can pick up a gift for yourself or your loved one after a hard year. Check out the list of outlets here.
5. Skiing, boarding, and sledding dates
Why we look forward to winter. It’s all about skiing, boarding, and sledding. For Christmas and New Year’s holidays, go on a date to a ski resort. Check out our list of ski resorts near you that have excellent snow conditions and are loved by skiers and boarders, including Gonjiam Resort Ski Resort in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do.
6. Take a 2-day, 1-night trip to the suburbs
For a change of pace, why not head out of Seoul for the holidays? While Yangyang, Gangneung, and Busan are popular destinations, there are also suburbs such as Pyeongchang and Ganghwado that can be reached by train or train from Seoul. We also recommend warming up in a hanok in Jeonggangwon, warmed up by the warmth of a guduljang ondol on a snowy winter day! If you’re not sure where to go, check out our guide here.
7. Date a show the week of Christmas
캔들라이트: 크리스마스 클래식
8. Date to Seoul Winterfesta, a massive winter festival
Seoul’s biggest winter festival celebrates the many facets of Seoul under the theme of light: traditional and modern, art and technology, city and nature. The 2024-2025 Seoul Winterfesta will be held from Friday, December 13 to Sunday, January 5. Seoul’s landmarks, including DDP, Gwanghwamun Plaza, Open Songhyeon Green Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul Plaza, Boshin Gak, Sejong-daero, and more, will feature spectacular views created by media facade mapping. Learn more here.
9. Date an open-air hot spring bath
The water is warm and the wind is cold. ‘Tis the season to enjoy an open-air bath. If you’re looking for a romantic setting for your Christmas date, an open-air bath is the way to go. You want to sit in a warm pool and relax while taking in the view. Whether you’re in or around Seoul, or even if you’re traveling a bit farther afield, visit one for a true wellness experience. Check out the list of open-air baths here.