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Illumination and Christmas markets: Seoul transforms into a winter wonderland during December, with streets and buildings adorned with festive lights and decorations. Several Christmas markets are held throughout the city, offering a variety of holiday-themed goods, food, and entertainment.
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Ice skating rinks: Many outdoor ice skating rinks are set up in Seoul during December, providing a fun and festive way to enjoy the winter weather. Some popular locations for ice skating include the Seoul Plaza Ice Rink, the Lotte World Ice Rink, and the COEX Ice Rink.
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Skiing and snowboarding: If you’re looking for more adventurous winter activities, Seoul is home to several ski resorts within easy reach of the city. Some popular resorts include the Yangpyeong Ski Resort, the Jisan Ski Resort, and the Konjiam Ski Resort.
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Cultural events and festivals: December is a time for many cultural events and festivals in Seoul. Some notable events include the Seoul Lantern Festival, the Cheonggye Plaza Christmas Market, and the Boryeong Mud Festival.
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Shopping: Seoul is a shopper’s paradise, and December is a great time to take advantage of the many sales and discounts offered by stores throughout the city. Some popular shopping destinations include the Myeongdong shopping district, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and the Lotte Department Store.
Weather In Seoul During December
South Korea
Things To Do In Seoul In December
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Snowmen Festival: Seoul holds this festival in late December, often at Dongdaemun Design Plaza or Lindbergh Plaza. Visitors can enjoy snow sledding, see ice sculptures, and take part in various winter-themed activities.
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Christmas Illuminations: Seoul transforms many of its public spaces into dazzling winter wonderlands with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations. You can find these illuminations in places like Myeongdong Cathedral, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and Cheonggyecheon Stream.
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Seoul Land Christmas Fantasy: Seoul Land, an amusement park in Gwacheon, holds a special Christmas Fantasy event in December. Festivities include a Christmas market, Christmas-themed rides and attractions, and performances by Christmas carolers.
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Nanta Cooking Class: Nanta, a popular Korean percussion show, offers cooking classes in December, allowing visitors to learn how to make traditional Korean dishes while enjoying the dynamic rhythm of the Nanta performance.
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Winter Sonata Festival: If you’re a fan of the Korean drama “Winter Sonata,” you can visit Nami Island in December and relive some of the iconic scenes from the show. The island is decorated with winter lights, and there are special events and performances related to the drama.
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Everland Theme Park Christmas Fantasy: Everland, one of South Korea’s largest theme parks, is adorned with festive decorations and a giant Christmas tree during December. Visitors can enjoy Christmas-themed shows, rides, and attractions, as well as special holiday events.
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New Year’s Eve Celebration at Gyeongbokgung Palace: Gyeongbokgung Palace hosts a grand New Year’s Eve celebration with traditional Korean performances, fireworks, and a countdown to the New Year.
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Lotte World Winter Festival: Lotte World, a large indoor-outdoor amusement park, hosts a Winter Festival in December. The park is decorated with festive lights, and there are special holiday-themed events, performances, and attractions.
Tourism In Seoul, “Korea During December
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: Experience the grandeur of traditional Korean architecture and history at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Don’t miss the changing of the guards ceremony held daily at the Gwanghwamun Gate.
- Changdeokgung Palace: Visit Changdeokgung Palace, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its serene gardens and elegant pavilions. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque grounds, especially beautiful in the winter with a blanket of snow.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: Step back in time in Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighborhood where traditional Korean houses, known as hanok, are preserved. Wander through the narrow streets, admiring the well-preserved architecture and experiencing the unique charm of this historical area.
- N Seoul Tower: Ascend to the N Seoul Tower, located on Namsan Mountain, for breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul. Enjoy the observatory deck, indulge in a romantic dinner at the revolving restaurant, or secure a love lock on the tower’s fence as a symbol of your affection.
- Hangang River Cruise: Take a leisurely cruise along the Hangang River, the heart of Seoul. Admire the vibrant city skyline, pass under iconic bridges, and enjoy the scenic riverside parks. Various cruise options are available, ranging from short sightseeing cruises to romantic dinner cruises.
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): Explore the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a cultural hub known for its striking architecture and innovative exhibitions. Attend fashion shows, art exhibitions, or simply marvel at the unique design of this iconic landmark.
- Lotte World: Escape to Lotte World, the largest indoor amusement park in the world. Thrill-seekers can enjoy exhilarating rides, while families can explore the various themed zones, including Adventure, Magic Island, and Folk Village.
- Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant shopping districts of Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market. From high-end fashion stores to traditional Korean souvenirs, these bustling markets offer a diverse range of goods to suit every taste and budget.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream: Stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a restored urban waterway that flows through the heart of Seoul. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, admire the public art installations, and take a break at one of the many cafes or restaurants lining the stream.
- Insadong: Explore the charming streets of Insadong, known for its art galleries, traditional crafts, and antique shops. Discover unique souvenirs, admire the works of local artists, and soak in the vibrant cultural atmosphere.
