Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas 크리스마스

Since Christianity is relatively new to Korea (roughly 30% of Koreans are Christian), Christmas is not as popular as it is in other parts of the world.  It definitely isn't celebrated with as much craziness as here in the states.  Christmas decorations and music don't start up until a week prior to Christmas.

Those that celebrate Christmas primarily do so as a religious holiday.  Services are held on Christmas eve and Christmas day.  Gifts are exchanged typically on Christmas eve but not the piles of presents we do here.  One present or money gift is customary.

Santa is popular, but he is called Grandpa Santa.  He wears either a red or blue suit and can be found giving out gifts at stores.  Koreans often celebrate Christmas day with a family meal at home, but just as often eat out.  A lot of Koreans eat out on Christmas with friends and then eat a big family meal at home on new years - kind of the opposite as here.

South Korea is the only East Asian country where Christmas is recognized as a national holiday.  Christmas in North Korea, by contrast, is not allowed.  Since you can go to jail for practicing Christianity or carrying a bible, any celebrating of Christmas must be done in secrecy.

Want to learn more about Christmas in Korea?  Go here:
http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/south_korea.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_worldwide

Also, here is a cute video I found teaching about Korean holidays, including Christmas:



Merry Christmas everyone!

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