Christmas in Korea!
Merry Christmas from Korea! Actually, since about mid September, it's already started to look a lot like Christmas. For better or worse, Koreans have embraced every aspect of the holiday season, from over-the-top consumerism to holiday decorations, music, gift-giving and other traditions. Religiously, South Korea is about 33% Christian, 25% Buddhist and the rest are secular or no religious affiliation. But nearly all Koreans - Christian or not - have embraced some aspect of Christmas. Downtown Seoul is decorated in lights and tinsel. The grounds of Seoul City Hall have been transformed into Korea's version of the Rockefeller Center -- a Winter Wonderland with a giant Christmas tree and ice skating rink! A few scenes from around Seoul:
Shinsegae - Korea's most high-end department store, decorated a la Macy's or Harrod's.
Giant Christmas tree in front of Seoul City Hall.
Mr. & Mrs. Korean Frosty, at Incheon International Airport.
Scenes around Itaewon, Seoul.
A snowy day last week outside of Gyeongbokgung - Seoul's main palace.
And a few scenes from the Two Crabs' Christmas tree and our collection of ornaments from around the world. And in case you're wondering, the U.S. Passport ornament came from Pottery Barn's travel ornament collection. The Union Jack on the Maryland Blue Crab shell was handmade by my awesome brother-in-law.