Christmas in Seoul 2024

This Christmas was about presence over presents. Basically, it was all about spending quality time with each other. Christmas in Korea is quite different than the United States. It is basically what you make of it. Why is it so different and how?

Christmas in South Korea presents a unique blend of Western influences and local customs, distinguishing it from celebrations in countries like the United States. While Christmas is a national holiday in South Korea, its observance leans more towards a romantic occasion for couples rather than a family-centric event. (KCCNJ)

In the U.S., Christmas is traditionally a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and exchanging gifts among relatives. In contrast, South Korean culture emphasizes couple activities during this season. Many couples plan special dates, exchange gifts, and enjoy the festive ambiance together, akin to Valentine’s Day celebrations. (Korea JoongAng Daily)

This difference stems partly from the religious demographics of South Korea. Although approximately 30% of the population identifies as Christian, the majority are non-religious or adhere to other faiths. Consequently, the religious significance of Christmas is less pronounced, allowing secular and romantic interpretations to flourish. (KCCNJ)

Additionally, South Korea has its own family-oriented holidays, such as Chuseok and Seollal (Lunar New Year), which are deeply rooted in tradition and involve family reunions and ancestral rites. With these established family holidays, Christmas has evolved to fill a different cultural niche, focusing on romantic and social engagements. (90 Day Korean)

My family is actually from South America so our Christmases are very much more about family time and our religion than anything else. However, with so many of my family members traveling this holiday season without the linchpin of our grandparents, the celebrations this year were a bit more fractured. My sister traveled to spend Christmas with her in-laws since she spent Christmas with our family last year. So, it made the most sense for my mother to come to me in Korea! And boy, was I ever so excited when she told me the news! So, traditions or not, Christmas felt complete in my heart because I had my mom!

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into what my mom and I got up to this Christmas. I, for one, miss having panettone paired with a warm cup of Abuelita hot chocolate. However, we had an awesome Christmas anyway! Keep reading!

Xenia Clinic

On Christmas morning, we began our day with a nutritious breakfast (as my mom always insists haha) before heading to Xenia Clinic in Gangnam for our skin care treatments (received as a collaboration deal). My mom received the Aqua Peel treatment, while I experienced the 6-minute LDM treatment—both known for leaving skin refreshed and glowing.

I’ll be sharing a dedicated blog post and a more in-depth YouTube video about our experience at Xenia Clinic, so keep an eye out for those!

Important Note: Xenia Clinic has two locations in Gangnam:

• Location 1: 5th Floor, KI Tower, 8 Gangnam-daero 69-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Location 2: 10th Floor, Gangnam Tower, 396 Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Website: Xenia Clinic English Website

We visited the one located behind the branch near Sinnonhyeon Station. Both are close together, but double-check your appointment details to avoid confusion.

My mom thought it was interesting and impressive how intensive and precise the treatments were and I was also satisfied with getting pampered and being able to share that experience with my mom. A dream come true!

Lunch and Shopping Adventures

Post-clinic, we were glowing but starving. Though my mom isn’t typically a fan of burgers, I am a huge fan and we grabbed a quick lunch at a familiar burger chain. Interestingly, I’ve found the same burger tastes fresher and better in Korea compared to the U.S., where it often feels rushed and bland. Do you like cheeseburgers? They’re my favorite food along with lasagna and anything my mom makes me!

After lunch, we explored the Gangnam Underground Shopping Mall. While the clothes were beautiful, many had sleeves that were too long for my mom’s frame. However, she did find a stunning white, fluffy short jacket that fit her perfectly. We walked up and down every single one of the aisles and my mom saw a lot of pretty clothes that she liked. I usually don’t visit unless I want accessories or hats because my frame is much larger and it is hard to find clothes that 1) I like and, 2) that fit. However, it was really fun to show my mom everything and tell her all the stories and memories I have of the place since I’ve been here multiple times with a multitude of different people.

Next, we took Line 2 to Hongdae, one of Seoul’s trendiest districts for shopping. While my mom admired the styles, she didn’t make any purchases. My mom values a good deal and high quality and while the clothes were not bad, she is very particular on what she will spend her money on– a value I am still trying to learn. On our way back, we visited a pop-up snow globe market and walked around outside where we took a festive picture with a Christmas tree next to some rain-ready frogs—one of my mom’s favorite details despite the crowds.

The first three pictures above were taken in Gangnam and the bottom three in Hongdae! Why did we go to two very different areas? Well, the clinic was in Gangnam but, I live closer to Hongdae. So, after we were done with the treatments, eating lunch and shopping, we decided to get on the subway since the green line (Line 2) goes around the whole city practically and is the fastest way to get across town! Did you know that the Line 2 is now represented by a circle on the subway map? That’s why staying along this line is recommended so much because you can go to most of the most important and popular places in the city along that line… or should I say, circle?

A Savory Stop at Jayeondo Salt Bread

Since we were already in the area and shopping turned out to be a bust, we visited Jayeondo Salt Bread 자연도소금빵, a must-visit for its famous salt bread. My mom tried it but let me have most of it, which I was more than happy about! We waited 30 minutes in line, but the taste was worth it, especially with the mild winter weather. December is a great time to visit because it isn’t too cold yet. Usually we get the wind chills, snow, and general winter misery in January. I am glad because I didn’t want my mom to have to go through a painfully uncomfortable time!

• Learn more: Jayeondo Salt Bread

Stocking Up at HomePlus

Before heading home, we stopped by HomePlus because my mom insisted on buying me plenty of vegetables and fruits to stock my fridge. To say she was shocked that my fridge and pantry were practically empty is an understatement. To be fair, I was trying to finish everything so I can start a new diet plan (when am I not on one?) and I got pretty close to finishing almost everything I had. That wasn’t going to fly for my mom though because she has to eat a lot of vegetables every day so she made sure to get me stocked up. That’s why I always thank God for my mother. He always knows what I need and when I need it.

By the way, for transportation, we used the Seoul Climate Card:

• Cost: 58,000 won (~$44 USD) for a monthly pass.
• Short-Term Options: One-day and two-day passes are also available.
• How to Load: You can recharge it at subway stations using a credit card or cash.
• Official Website: Seoul Climate Card

Whether you are a local or a visitor in Korea, I would recommend getting this card because you don’t have to worry about stopping to reload. Remember to tap in and tap out and don’t lose it! Even though my mom left Korea, I am still using it and it really helps me to save money! I commute a lot for work and my average transportation spending is usually around 100,000 per month if not more. That means this card effectively cuts that cost in half. With day passes also available, it just makes sense!

Wrapping Up with KFC and a Facial

After a busy day, we took a taxi home since our grocery bags were too heavy. My mom craved KFC, so we set out on foot to the nearest branch. The cold got the best of us, and we took a cab instead. When we got home with the KFC (safely tucked into my coat to keep it hot), my mom prepared a huge salad to balance the meal, and we enjoyed it while watching Rebel Ridge on Netflix. My mom is picky about food (which explains why I am so picky, too) but she LOVED the chicken here. Safe to say that KFC Korea made a lasting impression! She got an 8-piece and then some chicken tenders because she knows I don’t like meat with bones in it. And, just like when I was a kid, she ripped little pieces of chicken breast off the bones of her chicken and gave it to me to eat. She also insisted I eat most of the salad. We both enjoyed our untraditional Christmas meal for sure!

We had initially planned to go out afterward (I wanted to take her to see the Christmas Market at Gwanghwamun Square) but we were too exhausted from the day’s activities. So, I gave my mom a relaxing facial at home. She loved it so much that she fell asleep with the sheet mask on while I cleaned up around the house. Afterward, she felt relaxed and refreshed, ready for the next day’s adventure!

Curious about the facial routine I used for my mom? Drop a comment below if you’d like to know the steps and products I used!

Stay Tuned for Day 4!

Our Christmas Day was filled with self-care, shopping, and cozy moments. Stay tuned for Day 4, where we explore the vibrant neighborhood of Seongsu! Don’t forget to follow me on all my social channels at @melodyofherseoul for more stories, travel tips, and skincare insights.

https://www.instagram.com/melodyofherseoul/

From December 23rd to December 28th, my mom came to visit me in Korea for five unforgettable days. This blog series will take you through our journey together, starting with her arrival and our first day. Whether you’re planning to visit Korea or host a loved one, I’ll share some tips and heartfelt moments to inspire your travels.

What to Expect: December Weather and Air Quality in Korea

If you’re visiting Korea in late December, prepare for chilly but manageable weather. On December 23rd, the temperature in Incheon ranged from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), with West Seoul seeing similar conditions. The air quality was moderate, so while masks weren’t absolutely necessary, they’re always a good idea if you’re sensitive to air pollution.

Personally, I always wear masks on planes because sharing the contained air with a bunch of strangers is not my favorite thing and it is usually very dry and cold on the plane so wearing a mask makes breathing easier and more comfortable for me. I also bring extra masks with me in my daily life just in case the air gets bad or if the subway or bus is overly crowded. Safety first!

Dress warmly with layers, a good coat, and comfortable shoes to stay cozy as you explore. My mom mentioned it wasn’t as cold as she had expected, which was a pleasant surprise. However, December really is the beginning of winter here and Seoul is usually warmer than outside because it is such a busy city. The coldest months are January and February but the wind makes it brutal sometimes and almost unbearbale. Thankfully, while my mom was here, the air and weather were better than usual.

Picking Up Mom at the Airport

After finishing work, I headed to the airport to pick up my mom, whose flight arrived in the early evening. I took the convenient airport bus, which cost 17,000 won (approximately $12.75 USD). It used to be only 10,000 won but even the bus fare couldn’t escape inflation. The buses only take cash or T-Money cards (and your credit cards and debit cards that act as transport cards if you are a local). I used my Korean credit card that has a transportation option so I just used that to board the bus. If you are not a local or have any of the aforementioned cards, it’s best for you to use cash.

Where to Find Bus Info: For locals and non-locals looking for bus schedules and ticket prices, you can check the Korean Bus Information System (BIS) online or use apps like Naver Maps or Kakao Maps for real-time updates on routes and schedules. Most airports also have multilingual information kiosks to assist travelers.

I personally use Naver Maps and type in the number of the bus I want to take. It will pull up the route and the schedule. If you don’t know which bus number, you can also look up “airport bus” directly in the app and it will show you a list of bus numbers. For locals, keep a keen eye out whenever you walk around your neighborhood. You may see an airport bus stop there!

The bus ride to the airport took about an hour. After I found my mom, we used the ticket machines—which accept card payments—to get return tickets for the bus. Another hour later, we were back home. My mom said it was so easy that next time she will just take the bus herself and wait for me at my home instead of having to wait for me to get off work. We’ll see next time if she actually does it.

When we got on the bus, we sat in the front two seats which, for my plus size girlies, are smaller than the ones behind them. I was slightly uncomfortable but I didn’t mind. Also, they do require us to wear our seatbelts. I didn’t ask if they had seatbelt extenders, but at a little over 250 pounds, it still fit around me so most people should be ok with it. On my trip back home after my mom left, I sat behind the seats behind the first wheel and it was much more comfortable so if you are on the bigger side, don’t ride in the first two seats behind the bus driver!

Incheon Airport Tip: There are two terminals at Incheon Airport. Terminal 2 is newer and serves airlines like Korean Air, while Terminal 1 handles a wider range of international airlines. The airport bus boards first at Terminal 2 and then at Terminal 1 before heading into the city. It takes about 20 minutes to travel between the terminals, so plan accordingly for layovers or pickups.

Travelers flying in from the US, like my mom, should anticipate needing some rest after a long flight and crossing time zones. I recommend booking an evening arrival to allow for a good night’s sleep and a fresh start the next day. Jet lag recovery made easy!

A Cozy Dinner at Home

Too tired to go out, we decided to order dinner through CoupangEats. My mom loves hot soup, so we opted for pho and a noodle dish from 포메인 (Pho Mein):

• Chicken noodle pho (12,500 won/~$9.40 USD)
• Beef fillet noodles (소고기 플레트 누들) (15,000 won/~$11.30 USD)

The pho was tasty but different from what my mom was used to in the US. It lacked the abundant vegetables and lime she loves, so we made a quick trip to a nearby grocery mart to grab lemons.

A tip for travelers: while larger markets often have limes, smaller ones may not, so plan accordingly.

Despite her disappointment with the pho, my mom enjoyed the beef noodles, which became an instant favorite.

One of the most special moments of the evening was holding hands with my mom to pray before our meal. It brought back memories of home and reminded me how much I missed sharing our faith and these simple but meaningful rituals together.

Wrapping Up the Day

After dinner, my mom was ready to rest, and I could see how much the travel had taken a toll. While she slept, I visited a friend and neighbor to finalize our plans for the next day—Christmas Eve at the Garden of Morning Calm. Stay tuned for the next post, where I’ll share all about this magical holiday experience!

Stay Connected!

If you enjoyed this post, follow me on all my socials at @melodyofherseoul for more stories, travel tips, and heartfelt moments. Let’s continue this journey together! 🌟