Christmas in South Korea

Korea and Christmas, what I've been waiting for.

Christmas, a festival that many people look forward to, including us. And one of the countries on our list to celebrate Christmas is... Korea...

With over 29% of the population adhering to the Christian faith (data from 2010), and this number seemingly on the rise, it is no surprise that we find ourselves drawn closer to Christmas.

Embark on a journey to experience a festival of joy, love, and hope.

... South Korea with Christmas, that I've been waiting for ...

A Chilly Start in Seoul: Exploring Christmas Markets and Churches

The day began in Seoul with a brisk -2 degrees Celsius, a temperature that could be described as "bone-chillingly cold." Our itinerary for the day included a visit to the Myeongdong Cathedral, followed by the Christmas Miracle event at Lotte World, and finally, a stroll through the Christmas decorations at Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Myeongdong Cathedral (서울 명동성당 - โบสถ์เมียงดง)

This sentence appears to be a name in Korean, English, and Thai, all referring to the same entity: Myeongdong Cathedral.

Here's a breakdown:

• 서울 명동성당 (Seoul Myeongdong Seongdang): This is the Korean name for Myeongdong Cathedral.
• โบสถ์เมียงดง (Borot Miang Dong): This is the Thai name for Myeongdong Cathedral.
• Myeongdong Cathedral: This is the English name for the cathedral.

Therefore, the sentence simply provides the name of the cathedral in three different languages.

Having prepared ourselves for the cold, we set off from our accommodation in Hongdae to our destination in Myeongdong: Myeong-dong Cathedral (서울 명동성당).

Warning: Google Maps is not available in Korea.

Note the GPS coordinates and open them in a map application (iOS devices have a built-in map application besides Google Maps). You can search for it.

GPS Coordinates: 37.563252, 126.987201

Travel directions: Take subway line 4 to Myeong-dong Station, exit 8. Follow the GPS for further directions.

Myeongdong Cathedral, located in the heart of Seoul's Myeongdong district, serves as the historical birthplace of Roman Catholicism in Korea. It has played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of the Catholic faith within the country. The cathedral stands as a testament to the significant presence of Roman Catholicism among the Christian denominations in Korea, alongside Protestantism. Notably, Myeongdong Cathedral has been the seat of prominent figures within the Roman Catholic Church, including Bishop Laurent Joseph Marie Imbert, Peter Simon, James, and Pourthie Jean Antoine Charles.

On Christmas Day, this church will be adorned with festive decorations to commemorate this joyous occasion of happiness, love, and hope.

The indispensable Grotto of the Child Jesus (familiar to those who attended Christian schools) reveals much about Christianity beyond its beauty and familiarity...

In addition, the trees are decorated with various prayers.

After visiting the church in Myeongdong, we headed to Lotte World for the Christmas Miracle event!

Lotte World, a renowned amusement park in Korea, is not typically a place one would consider visiting. However, on Christmas Day, it becomes an unmissable destination. The park is adorned with Christmas decorations and hosts special performances from November 11th to December 31st, creating a truly festive atmosphere.

• Lotte World

Note: You need to purchase a ticket to enter, which covers both indoor and outdoor zones. This ticket allows access to both areas. (The castle is located in the outdoor zone. Once you enter Lotte World, take the escalator and exit through the side door on the top floor. There will be a bridge that leads directly to the other zone.)

GPS coordinates: -

Travel Directions: Take the Seoul Subway Line 2 or 8 to Jamsil Station. Exit through Exit 4 and walk straight ahead. You will find the entrance to the Lotte World Mall. Take the elevator to access Lotte World.

Alright, the final plan for Christmas is to celebrate at Cheonggyecheon Stream!

Christmas is a time for couples, so being alone can feel a bit lonely. There are many street food vendors along the way, so you can try a little bit from each one to get the most out of your experience.

GPS Coordinates: 37.569254, 126.977935

Transportation:

• Subway Line 1: City Hall Station, Jonggak Station, Jongno 3-ga Station, Jongno 5-ga Station, Dongdaemun Station, Sinseol-dong Station.

Subway Line 2: City Hall, Euljiro 1-ga, Euljiro 3-ga, Euljiro 4-ga, Sindang, Sangwangsimni

- Subway lines 1, 3, and 5, Jongno 3-ga Station

• Subway Line 4, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station

• Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station

Christmas is a time for beautiful Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and, most notably, the recent trend of clear, decorative balloons.

Christmas has passed, a day of love, joy, and celebration. Don't forget to recharge yourself and you will love yourself and the world even more.

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