With the holidays almost here, I’ve been reflecting back to 2023, when I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend Christmas in Seoul, South Korea. My husband was deployed there at the time so a friend and I flew over to visit him for a week. I had an unforgettable time exploring Seoul and enjoying the city’s festive spirit. If you’re planning a December trip to South Korea, these are some of my favorite things to do in Seoul around the holidays!

1. Tour a Temple

Touring various temples and shrines was one of my favorite aspects of visiting Seoul. There are many centuries-old temples throughout the city known for their beautiful architecture and cultural significance. I got to see Jongmyo Shrine and Changdeokgung Palace during my trip to South Korea. Even in the freezing temperatures, it was an incredible experience to walk through these sacred religious sites.

2. Plan a Cafe Crawl

Seoul has an incredible cafe culture, with aesthetic coffeeshops around every corner. Since many of these hidden gems are located within walking distance of each other, it’s easy to plan an entire afternoon of cafe-hopping.

Escape the cold and warm up with a hot cup of specialty coffee or tea. Don’t forget to sample the equally stunning and delicious baked goods offered in many of these cafes. Most of the spots we visited were in and around Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, a charming area famous for its traditional buildings.

3. Go Shopping

Shopping is an essential holiday activity, and Seoul is an excellent place to do it. The city has numerous malls and shopping centers with everything from luxury brands to local boutiques. Even if you aren’t looking for anything specific, browsing the unique selection is entertaining enough. I recommend the Starfield Coex Mall, Lotte World Mall, and The Hyundai Seoul, but expect crowds around Christmas!

4. See the City from Above

Gain a unique perspective on Seoul by seeing the city from above. There are several skyscrapers and landmarks that grant visitors unobstructed views of the bustling city streets. During my trip, I was able to go to the top of Lotte World Tower, the fifth-tallest building in the world. It was fascinating to admire Seoul from that high in the sky—plus, it helped me better understand the city’s layout and infrastructure.

5. Cozy Up with a Comforting Meal

I was incredibly excited to try new foods while in South Korea, and the cuisine did not disappoint. Korean food is bold and flavorful, full of unexpected textures and ingredients. From hearty bowls of ramen to fried chicken and taro hand pies, I had an amazing time eating my way through the city and sampling all the unique dishes I could get my hands on.

We used the app Naver to find restaurants and also had good luck popping into random ones we stumbled across while walking around. While we tried to stick to local restaurants, we did visit some international chains like Starbucks and McDonald’s to try the Korea-specific offerings.

6. Admire the Decorations

Before arriving in South Korea, I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as Christmas decorations. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Seoul goes all out for the holidays! We stumbled across many beautiful trees and light displays while exploring the city.

Seoul also hosts many festive holiday markets and villages in December. Some require tickets and timed entry reservations, so research beforehand to maximize your Christmas cheer.