Snow falls on the Christmas tree at the Lotte Town Christmas Market in Seoul, South Korea. (Lotte Property & Development)
Looking for a place to enjoy your Christmas in South Korea this year?
Unlike European countries that celebrate the season with large outdoor markets and festive street lighting, South Korea has typically kept holiday decorations limited to malls or department stores.
The history of Christmas markets in South Korea is relatively short. The 2013 Sinchon Christmas Market is one of its early examples.
Fortunately, this year offers a great opportunity to experience one of South Korea’s largest Christmas markets.
The 2025 Lotte Town Christmas Market in Seoul is open through Jan. 4 at Lotte World Tower’s World Park. Admission is free during the day, but there is a 5,000 won, or $3.50, entrance fee after 4 p.m.
Traditionally, Christmas in South Korea is a holiday for couples rather than cause for a family gathering, and a trip to the market makes for a warm, romantic setting.
The Lotte Town Christmas Market is the largest in Seoul, South Korea. (Lotte Property & Development)
A premium pass, which includes a bottle of wine, a cake and access to a private lounge, can be purchased online in advance. An English-available information booth on-site offers help to foreign customers.
I visited the market around 4 p.m. on a weekday and a line was already forming at the entrance. A nearly 43-foot Christmas tree at the entrance greets visitors. It was decorated with lightning hearts, and many people took pictures from every angle.
Five times a day, the Snow Shower event releases artificial snow over the Christmas tree – at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
A variety of Christmas-themed snacks and shops are lined with twinkling lights, attracting families and friends celebrating the season.
Fifty-one booths, including 26 food and beverage vendors, are set up throughout the market.
Oberkampf sells egg tarts at the Lotte Town Christmas Market in Seoul, South Korea. (Yoojin Lee/Stars and Stripes)
Visitors can enjoy global foods ranging from spicy rice cake tteokbokki and dumplings to sausage stew and Belgian fries priced between 5,000 and 15,000 won. Desserts such as doughnuts, egg tarts and chocolate cakes are also available.
Popular brands such as LEGO, Olive Young and smaller shops selling ornaments and holiday gifts draw large crowds. An indoor dining area set up in the market’s center allows customers to enjoy their food away from the cold.
On one side of the venue, a two-story merry-go-round decorated with bright, festive lights attracted both families and couples. The ride is included in the admission.
The long line made me skip the ride, but seeing the smiles on people’s faces was enough to make me feel happy and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
On the QT
Directions: Lawn Square, World Park, Lotte World Tower, Songpa-gu, South Korea. A 30-minute drive from the Millet Gate at Camp Humphreys.
Times: Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with last entry at 9:30 p.m.
Costs: Free in the daytime; 5,000 won for those entering after 4 p.m.
Food: Visitors can enjoy global foods ranging from spicy rice cake tteokbokki and dumplings to sausage stew and Belgian fries.
Information: 070-7842-5632
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