Christmas Day Description
Christmas Day (크리스마스/성탄절) on December 25th is a public holiday in South Korea, though the Christian population is approximately 27-30% of the country (roughly evenly split between Protestant and Catholic). Christmas is celebrated both as a religious holiday and, increasingly, as a secular cultural event — especially among younger Koreans for whom it functions as a romantic couples' holiday similar to Valentine's Day. Churches hold Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, with Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul being a notable focal point for midnight mass. Streets in major shopping districts such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam are decorated with elaborate Christmas lights and displays from late November. Department stores run major Christmas promotions. Government offices, banks, and schools are closed. Many private companies also observe the holiday, though retail, entertainment, and food and beverage businesses overwhelmingly remain open and busy. Restaurants, especially Western-style and fine dining, are heavily booked for Christmas Eve dinners. Bakeries sell Christmas cakes — a tradition adopted from Japan. Public transport operates on a holiday schedule.
