Yejin Franchesca Seong

Yonsei GSIS Newsletter, Editor

Korea has been overtaken by chilly winds and below-freezing temperatures. And though Korea is going to get less snow than in previous years this winter season, there is plenty to do to enjoy the winter season in Korea. 

The Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival

Held annually, Seoul City loves to decorate the chilly Cheonggyechen stream with LEDs, traditional lanterns, and cultural themes to attract people of all ages and cultures to enjoy the display. Perfect to enjoy until January 4th, 100 (잉어킹) Magikarp from Pokemon are currently on display from 6PM to 10PM. In association with the special Magikarp display, there is a special Magikarp shop and a Pokemon GO event nearby. While Magikarp will leave Sunday, the Lantern Festival itself has been extended until the 18th with a new exhibition taking Magikarp’s place: Magical Lights Walking Through Seoul!

To rest and avoid the cold weather for a moment, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants lining the sides of the stream to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or down a delicious meal. 

For Next Year: Annual Holiday Markets

Though South Korea has no official religion and Christmas is celebrated as a lover’s holiday, Korea loves to celebrate the Christmas spirit and cheer. You’ll see plenty of Christmas decorations across Seoul, but there are popular places to get a Christmas photoshoot done, such as: the Lotte Town Christmas Market, the Shinsegae Department Store display, Gwanghwamun Square Christmas Market, and The Hyundai Seoul’s Atelier de Noël. 

You can also go to Everland and Seoul Land throughout the holiday season to see a special Christmas decoration and parade. 

The Seongbuk Global Village Center also hosted the 14th European Christmas Market on December 6th and 7th near Sungshin Women’s University Station with association with the Embassies of Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Having gone this year, I highly recommend that you go early in the day or they will run out of food. To get news about next year’s European Christmas Market, make sure to follow the Seongbuk Global Village Center’s news!

Water Parks in the Winter

If your Korean friend invites you to a water park in the dead of winter, it is their attempt to freeze you to death. Instead, the biggest water parks in Korea, such as Lotte Water Park and Caribbean Bay, are still open for the winter in their indoor section, where you can enjoy the water all heated to a comfortable temperature. And, no, not all of the water is as hot as a hot tub or a sauna. 

In fact, water parks are similar to a jjimjilbang (찜질방) in the winter, offering saunas, spa areas, massages, and hot tubs while still getting the same experience you want out of a water park: epic slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and more! 

Despite the cold weather, Korea still thrives off the cold weather. So with your iced americanos in hand, consider trying out these things!