Shocking South Korean Christmas Traditions Which Are Unique

lewishooper1
Dec 6, 2025
3 min read

Curious to know why Santa wears green, and couples claim the day? We unwrap the South Korean holiday phenomenon!

Image: K-drama GOBLIN Christmas Scene - Photo: https://www.gmanetwork.com/

Every country around the world celebrates Christmas in a different way. In Asia, Christmas is a holiday that is not as widely celebrated as it is in the West. Korea celebrates Christmas in a very unique way! Let's check them out!

Santa's Green Costume Twist

First up is all about Santa! So, before Coca Cola changed the costume's color, to the red Santa Claus we know and love today, his costume traditionally was green, and this tradition continues in Korea today!

Actually, Santa Claus is sometimes depicted wearing a green suit, and this variation, often called "Santa Haraboji" (Grandfather Santa), is a common sight in commercial decorations and media in Korea. He still brings gifts and cheer, but the slight color difference provides a unique, localized aesthetic to the classic figure, which we think is a great reflection on the past, while at the same time being open to embracing modern times.

The Day for Couples, Not Just Family

Koreans, unlike in the West, treat Christmas Day as a day for couples , more than a family event. This showcases a big cultural difference, and it's almost treated like a second

Valentine's Day.

After the big family holidays, which are focused on families' Chuseok and Seollal , this cultural focus is frequently mirrored in K-dramas, such as in Goblin, where the beautifully lit Christmas setting serves as the dramatic backdrop for pivotal and romantic, rather than familial, scenes. As a result, major city centers, theme parks, and restaurants become booked solid by dating pairs eager to celebrate the holiday with special outings and intimate exchanges. Really, this is a holiday to feel the essence of joy and celebration, in what is otherwise known as a "harsh winter".

Christmas Cake, Not Turkey

Forget the traditional turkey, which is served in the West during this time of year, and instead adapt to the cultural difference of having a light, elaborately decorated, fresh sponge Christmas cake . Although it might sound really weird at first, if you buy one from a local bakery (like Paris Baguette or Tous les Jours) as the central festive food item in your celebrations, it will not disappoint you.

It is a unique, adopted East Asian Christmas tradition, contrasting strongly with the heavy fruitcakes, pies, or roasted meats (like turkey or ham) found in the West, and a little similar to the British Christmas pudding, which we all know and love.

Focus on the City, Not the Home

Last on our list is the focus in Korea when it comes to decorating the city, rather than the home! Unlike countries where Christmas centers on decorating a private home with trees, stockings, and mantel displays, as we do in the UK or the US, for example, the Korean celebration is much more focused on the public urban space.

Koreans have been found to spend their money and time going out to enjoy the external festive environments, visiting decorated cafes, department stores, and entertainment venues, as well as town centers, and enjoying the moment together rather than just with their family . While small decorations are common, and can be found in supermarkets and store, the societal emphasis is on participating in the vibrant, dazzling holiday atmosphere outside their own doors, which the Dojeon team feel is more collective and celebrative.