A Christmasy Night in Seoul
This is rather judgemental of me but when asked if I’d ever want to live in Seoul I always respond with a quick “No Way!” (and I get this question a lot). Right now I live in the southern most point of the peninsula and everything you’ll see about Korea on socials/movies is mostly Seoul based. They’ve got all the great restaurants, most people speak English, there’s a ton of subway lines and the list goes on.
But Seoul is also where over 50% of the country’s population live…just think about that for a second. Half of the entire population live in one city! That’s an INSANE amount of people, and that’s my biggest issue with Seoul.
That many people in one city means traffic every hour of everyday, packed subways at all times, lines for anything remotely good and crowding everywhere! My anxiety just doesn’t cope well. Korea already has a fast paced culture, but in Seoul it’s on steroids!
Having got all that off my chest I can’t deny (begrudgingly so) that Seoul, well…it’s a city of pure limitless magic!
I’ve only ever had the chance to explore Seoul a handful of times and every single visit, without fail that city steals my heart. There’s something in the air, something about the atmosphere and something almost inexplicable about the soul of Seoul. I know, I’ve very clearly contradicted myself but I blame Seoul…it’s our love-hate relationship.
This year Christmas just hasn’t felt like Christmas to me. So to remedy this I planned a weekend in Seoul which according to instagram is the place to be in winter. And let me just tell you, there ain’t nothing like Seoul at Christmas! Even for the Grinch’iest of people, there’s no way you can be there and not feel that genuine Christmas spirit. Everyone embraces it to the fullest! You’ll find restaurants furnished with trees, presents and tinsel. Some places even add special Christmas items to their menus! It’s all just such a treat for anyone not quite used to winter Christmases.
Standing on the sidewalks at the Shinsegae Department Store and looking up at all the twinkly lights, it’s just special. Then there’s the Santa’s Village set up! I never knew how much my inner child was craving a movie like Christmas until I was immersed in it all.
You’ve gotta remember, my whole life I’d only ever known summer Christmas but every movie I loved showed me white Christmases with hot cocoa and chunky sweaters. I guess I’d always wanted to know what it all felt like. So ya, little 7 year old Jessie was finally feeling the magic she’d only ever seen in movies.
Korea overall is known for prioritising it’s Instagram aesthetics and Seoul never disappoints. The department stores especially go above and beyond with their embrace of the Christmas season. Go during the day and you’ll see what looks and feels like Santa’s toy factory, but go at night and the glittery lights may bring a tear to your eyes. There’s a romance to it all that even the single folks can’t help but appreciate.
If you’re ever lucky enough to have the time to see Seoul in winter, I promise it’ll be worth it.
