Since Christmas is just around the corner, I thought I’d make a public service announcement on where to find a Christmas market in Seoul, South Korea this year. Events in Seoul are almost always poorly marketed and they were canceled for peak Covid years, so here we are.
I find Christmas to be a very low-key affair in South Korea if you exclude the blaring Mariah Carey holiday music from the shops — and if you’re unlucky like I am, in the office. There are hardly any holiday decorations in South Korea and no pumpkin spice lattes to mark the seasonal shift. Nevertheless, my Scrooge demeanor usually melts with an offer of hot, mulled wine at one of the few Christmas markets in Seoul before I, like many other expats avoiding the loneliness of being away from home, book a trip to Southeast Asia or Europe.
As always, if you have any more to add, please let me know in the comments!
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Contents
Marché de Noël in Seorae Village
This French-sponsored Christmas market will take place in none other than the French village of Seoul, Seorae Village. There will activities for children and adults, gift stands, mulled wine, oysters, Santa Claus, and a raffle. Santa will available for photos with visitors from 11:30 am for 3 hours. Tickets for the lucky draw are available on-site for purchase, and the draw will be at 3:30 pm.
Date: Saturday, December 3rd, 2022
Time: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Seoraemaeul Park
Will there be mulled (hot) wine? Yes, there will be mulled wine.
European Christmas Market
There will be live performances throughout the day and food booths. It is sponsored by several European embassies. Below, I’ve attached a guide from 2018, showing the various stalls and the types of food available. I suspect that this year won’t be much different as they tend to be more or less the same every year. If you’re looking for goulash, crepes, mulled wine, and more, go quickly!
I would recommend going early-ish if you want to avoid the long queues for food and snacks, however, the performances start later. It gets busy fast and you won’t be able to find a free table. Don’t forget to dress warmly, depending on the forecast. As you will be standing outdoors, the cold will get to you!
Date: Saturday and Sunday, December 10th and 11th, 2022
Time: 12 PM – 7 PM
Location: Seongbukcheon Fountain Square (성북천분수광장), Hansung University Station Exit 2
Will there be mulled (hot) wine? Yes, there will be mulled wine.
Holiday Market Itaewon
This Christmas event is hosted by Handmade Market Korea which is an expat-run Facebook group selling handmade goods in Korea.
Date: Saturday, December 17th, 2022
Time: 1 PM – 6 PM
Location: Lit Lounge in Itaewon at 34-65 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (이태원동 34-65)
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