📢 IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
✍️COLUMN: All I Want for Christmas is Cake, or Someone Sweet to Share It With
🎎 PLAYLIST: Christmas K-pop Playlist (with November newsletter quiz's answers)
🇰🇷 Funday Korea Upcoming Events
|
|
|
Can you believe it's already December? We're diving headfirst into the holiday spirit, and this month, we are studying the uniqueness of Christmas celebrations in Korea. Here's a cool fact for you: did you know that South Korea is the only East Asian country where Christmas is recognized as an official public holiday? In this merry edition, we're unwrapping the magical vibes that make Christmas in Korea one-of-a-kind. |
|
|
1️⃣ Celebrate Love this Christmas |
|
|
Christmas in Korea is a celebration of romance! Unlike family-focused traditions, it's practically Valentine's Day meets Santa! Couples plan special dinners, enjoy staycations, or go ice skating, exchanging sentimental presents to add an extra touch of warmth to the season. Fancy dinners with prix fixe menus, sharing sweet treats, and hotels offering romantic packages define the Christmas experience. Single friends have their own style, gathering in cozy apartments for "home parties" with finger foods, cream cakes, and group selfies. Despite the lack of family-centered traditions, the holiday is marked by a festive atmosphere in public spaces. |
|
|
Seoul's shopping districts are transformed into enchanting wonderlands. They will take full advantage of the festivities. Twinkling lights and festive decorations create a magical atmosphere, inviting shoppers to buy some of the Christmas spirit. Lighting festivals, holiday decor, and Christmas events in Korea are truly spectacular. Public places, such as department stores and malls, become Christmas-themed spectacles every December. However, this festive spirit doesn't extend much further.
Even though westernization was primarily driven by the urban intelligentsia and the Japanese government at the time, the mass popularity of Christmas wasn't just a result of top-down modernization but also of “commercial exploitation.” The strong commercial interest of manufacturers speeded up the popularity of national rituals and ceremonies.
|
|
|
3️⃣ All I Want for Christmas is Cake |
|
|
Christmas in Korea has a unique flavor. The focus shifts toward the meaningful messages underlying the holiday season. While not widely observed as a religious holiday, it's cherished as a day for loved ones. Christmas is not a primary reason for traveling to hometowns as with Korean traditional holidays. Instead, it's a time for intimate gatherings and creating joyful memories with loved ones.
A popular Christmas treat often shared between couples and friends is the Christmas cake. In Korea, the Christmas cake differs significantly from the Western classic, drawing inspiration from Japan’s Christmas cake, adorned with freshly whipped cream and winter strawberries.
|
|
|
📚 Suneung Savvy Challenge: ANSWERS✨
Let's check your answers to our last newsletter quiz: |
|
|
- What is the significance of the third Thursday of November in Korea?
Correct answer: b) Suneung CSAT day
- What does Suneung stand for?
Correct answer: b) Korean College Entrance Exam
- CSAT Celebrations:
In Korea, what is a common tradition for students to do after completing the CSAT exam?
Correct answer: b) Ring a bell at a temple for success
- Famous Exam Day Snack:
What popular snack is often consumed by students on exam day for good luck?
Correct answer: a) Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
- Post-CSAT Plans:
What is a common post-CSAT tradition for high school seniors in Korea?
Correct answer: c) Joining study groups for other exams |
|
|
Christmas K-pop Playlist
Now that all the exams are complete, let’s celebrate the holidays! Here is a K-Pop Christmas Playlist, we have prepared for you. Check it out!
Every year, popular K-pop bands release new Christmas songs. In our playlist, some are recent releases, while others have become Korean Christmas classics. Use it for our parties or when walking around the streets of Korea during the holiday season. |
|
|
- EXO - “Miracles in December”
- Red Velvet X aespa - “Beautiful Christmas”
- Stray Kids - "Christmas EveL"
- MONSTA X - “Lonely Christmas”
- LAY - “Goodbye Christmas”
- TAEYEON - “This Christmas”
- SMTOWN - “Santa U Are The One”
- Stray Kids - "Winter Falls"
- Chuu & George - “Dear My Winter”
- Starship Planet - “Christmas Time”
- NCT DREAM - “Candy”
- Apink - “PINK CHRISTMAS”
- TWICE - “Merry & Happy"
- JANNABI - Made In Christmas (Feat. SUHYUN of AKMU)
- DAVICHI - “Everyday Christmas”
- GOT7 - "Miracle"
- Stray Kids - "24 to 25”
- BTS - “Sing 'Dynamite' with me”
|
|
|
It Is Not Too Late to Visit The Hyundai Seoul Gift Shop!
The Funday team has been looking back on all the programs we had this year. We've made some good memories together, and it's been an absolute blast sharing those moments with each of you. We want to plan more fun programs for next year, so get ready for some exciting times ahead!
And there's a Posting Event taking place at the Hyundai Seoul for visitors. Don't miss the chance to participate in this event, running until the 17th, perfect for the Instagram enthusiasts out there!
|
|
|
As we wrap up another incredible year at Funday, we find ourselves filled with gratitude for the memories we've created together. Your enthusiasm and participation have made each program unforgettable.
From laughter-filled moments to exciting adventures, it's been a blast sharing the joy of Funday with you. As the year comes to a close, we wish you a heartwarming holiday season, surrounded by loved ones and happiness.
Thank you for being a vital part of our Funday Korea family. Your presence has made this year truly special. We look forward to more fun and laughter in the coming year.
Wishing you a joyful end to the year, and we can't wait to see you next year for even more exciting programs and memories!
|
|
|
|
