Christmas in Korea may bring to mind Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You and George Michael’s Last Christmas, but the history of Christmas in South Korea is rich and fascinating, shaped by its own unique journey over the last century. From early Christian missions to commercialized holiday celebrations, Korea has crafted its own holiday traditions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Christmas in Korea, including the first Christmas celebrations, how they’ve evolved, and some quirky controversies surrounding the holiday.
The Birth of Christmas in Korea
Christmas made its way to Korea in the late 19th century through Christian missionaries, marking the beginning of a new holiday tradition. In 1887, both the Jeong-dong Methodist and Presbyterian churches were established, and missionaries like Henry Appenzeller and Mary F. Scranton played key roles in introducing Christmas. Appenzeller even dressed as Santa Claus, giving children gifts in socks, while Scranton created the first Christmas tree in Korea at Ehwa Hakdang.
By 1894, the first Christmas tree in the royal palace was installed, with Empress Myeongseong (Queen Min) curious about the new tradition after her interactions with missionaries. Christmas also marked a time for increased missionary activity, with clinics being established and religious services offering more opportunities to evangelize.
Christmas as a Festival
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Christmas evolved into a public celebration. The first official Christmas festival was held in 1897 at Baejae Hakdang, featuring plays, lotus lanterns, and gifts for children. By the 1920s and 1930s, Christmas had become commercialized during the Japanese colonial era, with gift exchanges, department store displays, and a rise in the “Modern Boy” and “Modern Girl” culture.
This period also saw the introduction of Christmas seals, such as the one created by Dr. Sherwood Hall in 1932 to raise awareness about tuberculosis. However, the onset of World War II and the Sino-Japanese War caused a lull in celebrations, as Christmas became overshadowed by the looming tensions of the times.
Post-War Christmas and the Influence of the U.S.
After the Korean War and Korea’s liberation, Christmas became an official holiday in South Korea. U.S. forces stationed in Korea played a significant role in this transformation, as they observed Christmas during their time in the country. The U.S. government lifted curfews on Christmas Day, and in 1949, President Syngman Rhee officially recognized Christmas as a national holiday. During the Korean War, the holiday was marked by the “Miracle of Christmas,” when both U.N. and North Korean civilians were evacuated from Hungnam, which took place between December 15-24, 1950.
A Holiday for Couples
By the 1960s, Christmas had solidified its place as a holiday for couples in Korea. While the holiday was still connected to Christian religious traditions, the rise of consumerism and the spread of Western pop culture transformed the way Christmas was celebrated. Many young people saw it as a day to go on dates and enjoy entertainment. This commercialization of Christmas was exemplified by the Salvation Army charity pot in the 1920s, which continues to be a part of Korean Christmas culture today.
Korea’s Christmas Songs and Album Covers
Over the years, Christmas songs have become an integral part of the holiday season in South Korea. You’ll hear the familiar sounds of All I Want for Christmas Is You and Last Christmas on repeat during the holiday season. However, Korea has its own Christmas music history, including the first recorded Christmas song in 1926 by Yoon Shim-deok, Faustnoel Blue Galilee, and later, the Silent Night performance by the Jung Sisters in the 1950s.
As Korea’s Christmas music scene developed, humorous and strange Christmas albums emerged, such as the infamous 1984 album by Shim Hyung-rae, which is often cited as one of the worst Christmas album covers of all time.
Modern-Day Christmas
Today, Christmas in Korea is a lively mix of both religious observance and festive commercialism. Christmas trees are displayed in front of major landmarks like City Hall and the National Assembly, while skating rinks and Christmas lantern festivals light up the Cheonggyecheon Stream. However, Christmas can also be marked by somber events. The tragic murders of students during Christmas in 2007 and political protests in the 2010s, including the “All I Want for Christmas Is Impeachment” movement, have added darker undertones to the holiday.
Media Recommendations for a Unique Christmas Experience
If you’re in the mood for a different kind of holiday viewing, check out some of these unique Christmas-themed films:
- A Christmas Horror Story
- Day of the Beast
- Rare Exports
- Treevenge
- The Lodge
- BBC’s A Ghost Story for Christmas (on YouTube)
Christmas Trivia and Fun Facts
- The last white Christmas in Seoul was in 2002, with a 20-30% chance of snow on Christmas Day.
- 20-30% of children born on Christmas Day are given names like “Ye-eun” (Jesus Grace) or “Yechan” (Jesus Praise).
- Seoul’s Christmas events include the Busan Citizen Tree Culture Festival, the National Assembly’s Christmas tree, and public skating rinks.
Christmas in Korea has evolved from a religious observance to a commercialized, couple-centric celebration, but it also has its unique flavors and fascinating history. Whether you’re exploring Korea’s Christmas legends, enjoying a festive meal with loved ones, or reflecting on the country’s political history, there’s much to discover about this holiday in Korea.
Tune into our podcast for more insights into the history, culture, and surprising twists of Christmas in Korea.
Leave a Reply