December is the month when cities light up with festive cheer and cafes and pop-up shops alike transform into magical holiday destinations. From glittering Christmas trees to cozy sunset-inspired interiors, following are some suggestions for those looking for warm and elegant backdrops to the season‘s memorable moments.
Christmas festival around Gwanghwamun, Seoul City Hall
The Gwanghwamun area and the vicinity of Seoul City Hall, located in the heart of the capital, are filled with Christmas spirit.
Gwanghwamun Square is illuminated by a 14-meter-tall Christmas tree, around which has opened the Gwanghwamun Christmas Market. The market, featuring a variety of handmade crafts and accessories sold by about 150 small business owners, will be open until Jan. 5.
Nearby, the Seoul Lantern Festival, one of the city’s biggest light displays, is taking place at the Cheonggye Stream. This year’s festival, under the theme “Soul Lantern: Seoul, Playing With the Light of Seoul,” will feature “interactive lanterns” that light up or make sounds when visitors approach.
The Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink opens Friday, running through Feb. 9. Operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Sunday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and public holidays. Since it first opened in 2004, the admission fee has remained at 1,000 won, which includes rental of skates, a helmet and knee pads.
Golden Tree
Golden Tree is not only famous for its stunning Christmas decorations, but also for its unique architectural design. The cafe, located in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, has been featured as the backdrop for several commercials with actors Gong Yoo and Lee Na-young, as well as in a number of TV shows.
The three-story building of ivory-colored bricks resembles a stack of rectangular blocks. At the entrance, a shallow water stream flows peacefully, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Inside, a staircase leading to the second floor features a mirror decorated with Christmas ornaments.
Golden Tree‘s architectural beauty was recognized when with an award at the 2022 Gyeonggi Architecture Festival.
From the large glass windows, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Bukhan River and the mountains beyond. If you don’t mind the chilly weather, the terrace is also open. Occasionally, you may spot a cruise ship passing along the river below.
Inside the cafe, a tree adorned with golden ornaments and Christmas lights stands as a centerpiece, while the garden is decorated with red berry-themed Christmas trees in various sizes.
The cafe is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. Each adult visitor is required to purchase at least one drink.
326-124 Bukhangangbyeonro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province
Forest Outings
Located in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, just northwest of Seoul, Forest Outings is a cafe known for its festive Christmas decorations.
The cafe‘s large red brick facade attracts visitors from the suburban streets into the spacious three-floor interior. Parking is available in front of the cafe and underground.
True to the description on its website -- “a cafe reminiscent of a botanical garden with towering ceilings and vast space” -- the first floor is filled with lush plants, a fountain and small bridges crossing the water, creating a tropical ambiance. Turf-style seating is available on the central staircase connecting the first and second floors.
Forest Outings is renowned for its seasonal aesthetic transformations. Currently, the space is adorned with massive Christmas decorations, including giant lights cascading from the glass ceiling and Christmas trees placed throughout the cafe.
The menu includes brunch, as well as pasta, pizza and salads. There is also a wide selection of drinks and baked goods.
The cafe is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch is available until 4 p.m., the main food menu until 8 p.m. and drink orders until 9 p.m.
Another branch of Forest Outings is also located in Songdo, Incheon.
1124 Goyangdaero, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province
Dusk Blue
While Christmas is brightest at night, Dusk Blue offers the unique opportunity to enjoy the season under the glow of a fiery sunset.
Located near Yeongdeungpo-gu Office Station on Subway Line Nos. 2 and 5, Dusk Blue’s understated exterior features a simple sign on the second-floor wall.
Inside, warm wood-toned furniture blends with charming Christmas decorations. The standout feature is a large wall entirely lit by an orange sunset-inspired light display.
The menu includes scones and cream cheese-based desserts, along with a variety of coffees, drinks and whiskeys.
Dusk Blue is open from noon to midnight and closes on the first and third Tuesday of each month. During peak times there is a waiting list and visits are limited to two hours.
2nd floor, 10 Dangsan-ro 38-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Rose Stella
Heading west of Seoul to Incheon, you can discover Cafe Rose Stella, a quaint cafe with a seasonal garden that transforms throughout the year.
The cafe is decorated with red poinsettias, Christmas wreaths and trees of various sizes. Entry costs 8,000 won, which includes an Americano. Other drinks are available for a little more. If you‘d like to view the garden but not order a drink, admission is 5,000 won.
The cafe’s cozy interior features light-hued brick walls and wooden window frames, and the space is filled with the smell of fresh flowers. This is because the cafe is run by a mother and daughter who also operate a flower shop. Visitors can purchase fresh flower bouquets directly from the cafe.
The cafe is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and is closed on weekends. Check the cafe‘s official social media for up-to-date information on operating hours.
12 Danamro 143beongil, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon
Agagil Bakery
A 30-minute drive north of Seoul will take you to Agagil Bakery, famous for its gigantic Christmas tree and festive decorations.
The bakery is located in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, an area known for its concentration of textile factories. True to this heritage, the cafe repurposed two former textile factory buildings to create the expansive space. Parking is available for up to 100 vehicles.
One building serves as the bakery and beverage ordering area, while the other provides ample seating. Between the two buildings stands a massive Christmas tree adorned with red and green ornaments, serving as a popular photo spot.
The interior is also decorated with wreaths, gift boxes and giant teddy bears, offering visitors plenty of photo opportunities.
Agagil Bakery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pets are not allowed inside.
72 Agagil, Gunnae-myeon, Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province
Lego Santa pop-up store
At Starfield Goyang and Starfield Anseong in the respective Gyeonggi Province cities, whimsical Lego Santa Villages bring holiday magic to life with some of the world‘s most beloved toys -- Lego bricks.
The villages feature giant Lego Christmas trees and snowflake-patterned floors, creating a fairytale atmosphere. Visitors can snap photos with the decorations or build their own Christmas ornaments using Lego bricks.
The villages are highlighted by an 8-meter-tall Lego Christmas Wish Tree, installed at both Starfield Goyang and Anseong.
This masterpiece was created by Korea’s first Lego certified professional, Kim Sung-wan. Recognized by Lego’s Denmark headquarters in 2018, Kim has since crafted numerous Lego-based works of art. Made with approximately 300,000 Lego bricks, the tree is meticulously detailed with ornaments and snow-covered branches, offering a stunning holiday centerpiece for all to enjoy.
jy@heraldcorp.com
