Christmas in Korea

Christmas in Korea isn't nearly as big of a deal as it is back home. While it is celebrated with presents and decorations, the enthusiasm and significance of the whole holiday seems a little muted. Nevertheless, Seoul has some incredible Christmas displays set up around the city. It was a little weird not seeing a single nativity for the first time I can remember.

Here is a rundown of how we managed to celebrate and enjoy our first Christmas away from home. Rob had everyone over to do some tree decorating a couple of weeks before Christmas.

From Christmas in Korea

Next, we went around the city looking at some of the various light displays. There is a stream that runs along a major street in central Seoul. At the beginning of this stream is a large display of netted lcd lights synchronized to various Christmas songs. I think whoever picked out the music might have gone for Christian songs in general because after a few minutes watching the show, we heard "Swing Low," not exactly a song with a whole lot of celebration behind it.

From Christmas in Korea

From Christmas in Korea

At the start of the stream is a waterfall and several hanging light displays.

From Christmas in Korea

From Christmas in Korea

From Christmas in Korea

From Christmas in Korea

As you walk along the stream you first come across a laser light show projected onto a screen made of water mist. It's a process invented by a French artist and the show goes on all year long with different themes throughout the year.



The history of this stream is explained through pictures. Here is a panoramic of the gallery.

From Christmas in Korea

Next is projection display of palm trees. I'm not really sure how these fit into the Christmas theme, but it looked cool.

Towards the end of the stream is a large bank building with a Christmas animation projected onto the side of the building itself.





Beneath that building are several Christmas light displays.

From Christmas in Korea

From Christmas in Korea

Here is a picture of the Samsung building lit up at night. Not exactly Chirstmasy, but still an impressive building to look at from the street.

From Christmas in Korea

Finally, a major part of Christmas here is the Christmas cake. This year, a Christmas cake came with a service (free) hat. It reminds me of the Whos from Whoville.

From Christmas in Korea