Introduction
Going to Seoul during Christmas or having Korean friends or family that you want to greet this holiday?
So apart from winter gear, cards, and gifts, there are a few things you must pack for spending a good Korean Christmas.
Well, it’s time to add how to say Merry Christmas in Korean language to your to-do list.
Here’s a complete guide on how to say Merry Christmas in South Korea and all about Korean Merry Christmas.
You’ll also learn the Korean Christmas greetings,beautifully weird traditions, and vocabulary that will make wish your loved ones Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Korean like natives
Alright world, let’s learn how to say Merry Christmas in South Korea.
Table of Contents
What is Christmas in Korean language?
Before you know how do you say Merry Christmas in South Korea, it’s important to know how to say the word “Christmas” in Korean.
Christmas is translated in Hangul as 성탄절 (seongtanjeol).”성(Seong)” is the Chinese character that means “holy”,”탄(Tan)” means “birth.” and “절” means holiday. So together 성탄절(seongtanjeol) means “the festive day the holy person was born.”
You can also say the loan word 크리스마스 (keuriseumaseu) to say Merry Christmas in South Korean
People do not really say 성탄절(seongtanjeol) very often.
The Korean word for Christmas is “크리스마스(Keuriseumaseu),” which is quite widely used in daily conversation.
You can use those while wishing your parents, friends, or people you meet during Christmas.
Thanks to Koreans, it is easy to remember because the word to say merry Christmas in Korea sounds pretty similar to the English word for Christmas.
The only difference between Korean Merry Christmas and Western Christmas is that Merry Christmas in Korean word is Koreanized.
but how do you say Merry Christmas in Korean?
Here’s how
How To Say Merry Christmas In Korean
Merry Christmas in Korean is 크리스마스 잘 보내세요 (keu-ri-seu-ma-seu jal bo-ne-say-yo) means ‘Please spend Christmas well‘.It is made up of the words “크리스마스” which means (Christmas)”, “잘” means “well” and “보내세요” means “please spend time.”
To friends, you can use the casual form 메리 크리스마스 (meri keuriseumaseu)/크리스마스 잘 보내 (keuriseumaseu jal bonae) .
In formal situation, use 행복한 크리스마스 되십시오 (haengbokan keuriseumaseu doesipsio)
Here’s how to to say Merry Christmas in Korean language depending on the age of the person and the situation.
- The standard way- 크리스마스 잘 보내세요 (keu-ri-seu-ma-seu jal bo-ne-say-yo)./즐거운 성탄절 보내세요 (jeulgeoun seongtanjeol bonaeseyo)
- The informal way-메리 크리스마스 (meri keuriseumaseu)/크리스마스 잘 보내 (keuriseumaseu jal bonae)
- The formal way- 행복한 크리스마스 되십시오 (haengbokan keuriseumaseu doesipsio)/
In Korean culture, politeness is a must-have.
Let’s learn in detail how do you say Merry Christmas in South Korea.
Standard Korean Christmas Greetings| How do you say Merry Christmas in Korean
The most common way to say Merry Christmas in Korean is 크리스마스 잘 보내세요 (keu-ri-seu-ma-seu jal bo-ne-say-yo) means ‘Please spend Christmas well’.
This is made up of the words 크리스마스 (Christmas), 잘 which means ‘well’, and 보내세요 which means ‘please spend time’.
크리스마스 잘 보내요 (keuriseumaseu jal bonaeyo)
Another way is to use the phrase 크리스마스 잘 보내요 (keuriseumaseu jal bonaeyo), which has the same meaning but without the extra politeness of the “세 (se)”.
you can use this greeting with siblings, parents, colleagues, grandparents, and even strangers
But it’s okay to use the commonly used greeting phrase “크리스마스 잘 보내세요” instead of this.
즐거운 성탄절 보내세요 (jeulgeoun seongtanjeol bonaeseyo)
If you want to use the Korean word (성탄절 | seongtanjeol) instead of 크리스마스 but also be polite, then say 즐거운 성탄절 보내세요 (jeulgeoun seongtanjeol bonaeseyo) to say “Merry Christmas in Korean”.
Hardly Koreans use this kind of Korean Christmas greetings in daily life conversation. So you can skip it without feeling sorry.
But how does South Korea say Merry Christmas when talking with friends
Informal Korean Christmas Greetings| How to say Merry Christmas in South Korea
메리 크리스마스 (meri keuriseumaseu) is the informal way to say Merry Christmas in Korean on 25th December.
It is the English version of Merry Christmas but the pronunciation is Koreanized.
But, take note that Korean for Merry Christmas is informal and Christmas is pronounced in a Korean way.
크리스마스 잘 보내 (keuriseumaseu jal bonae) is the informal version of Korean Christmas greetings and can only be used with close friends.
If you are not sure how to say Merry Christmas in Korean, just stick to the standard and formal versions of Merry Christmas in Korean language.
So, never use this while talking with your parents, elders, or strangers. it’s better to use a polite or formal way.
Formal Korean Christmas Greetings| How do you say Merry Christmas in South Korean
즐거운 성탄절 보내십시오 (jeulgeoun seongtanjeol bonaesipsio) is the formal version of “Merry Christmas”.
it is made up of three words “성탄절 (seongtanjeol)” which means “Christmas,” and “즐거운” come from “즐겁다 (jeulgeopda)” means “pleasant” and the formal ending “–십시오 (sipsio)”.
but it’s not used as often as 크리스마스 (keuriseumaseu).
Another formal way of saying “Merry Christmas” is 행복한 크리스마스 되십시오 (haengbokan keuriseumaseu doesipsio).
행복한(haengbokan) comes from 행복하다(haengbokada) means happy or blissful with the formal ending –십시오 (sipsio).
You might see this on signs, posters, or cards.
You can safely use it with all groups of people, and nobody will get offended.
That’s it. You finally know how to say Merry Christmas in South Korea
So, what’s next?
크리스마스 이브 | How To Say Christmas Eve In Korean
Now that you know how to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Korean, it’s time to learn some related Korean Christmas vocabulary
성탄절 전야 (Seongtanjeol Jeonnya) is the Korean word for “Christmas eve.” You can combine 성탄절 means Christmas and 전야 means Eve in Korean to say 성탄절 전야 or shortly 성탄 전야[seongtan jeonnya]
On the night of the 24th of December, families gather around to celebrate Merry Christmas in Korea.
They welcome the 25th of December by eating with the whole family, and gift-giving occurs to show their gratitude to their loved ones.
but not everyone has the opportunity to celebrate this since some have their families in the province.
So if you miss your family these days, it is the best time to connect with them.
Now you finally know Christmas traditions in Korea and how South Korea says Merry Christmas.
So what’s next?
Merry Christmas in Hangul | How to write Merry Christmas in Korean language
How do you write Merry Christmas in Korean?
There are different ways to say Merry Christmas in South Korean.
But 메리 크리스마스” (meri keuriseumaseu) is one you need to use to write Merry Christmas in Hangul while sending cards to friends
“메리 크리스마스” is the way to write Merry Christmas in the Korean language using the Romanization system.
Here is how to write Merry Christmas in Korean using the hangul writing system:”메리 크리스마스”
- The first syllable, “메” (me), is written using the consonants ㅁ and ㅔ.
- The second syllable, “리” (ri), is written using the consonants ㄹ and ㅣ.
- The third syllable, “크” (keu), is written using the consonants ㄱ and ㅡ.
- The fourth syllable, “리” (ri), is written using the consonants ㄹ and ㅣ.
- The fifth syllable, “스” (seu), is written using the consonants ㅅ and ㅡ.
- The sixth syllable, “마” (ma), is written using the consonants ㅁ and ㅏ.
- The seventh syllable, “스” (seu), is written using the consonants ㅅ and ㅡ.
- When combined, these syllables form the phrase “메리 크리스마스,” which means “Merry Christmas in Korean language”.
Now you know all about how to say Merry Christmas in South Korea and write Merry Christmas in Hangul.
Then it’s time to say yes to learn some Korean Merry Christmas vocabulary.
25 Essential Korean merry Christmas vocabulary and Korean Christmas traditions.
Do you know how to say “Santa” in Korean? How about “Snow” in Korean? If you don’t much about Korean Christmas vocabulary, then we’ve got you covered.
Well, there are a lot of words but you don’t have to remember them all.
Here are some common Korean Merry Christmas words related to Christmas in Korea that you can use while talking about Merry Christmas in the Korean language or the holiday seasons in Korea.
- Santa -산타(santa)
- Grandfather Santa – 산타 할아버지 (santa-hallabeoji)
- gift/Present – 선물 (seonmul)
- Decoration – 장식 (jangsik)
- Christmas Tree – 크리스마스 트리 (keuriseumaseu teuri)
- Wreath – 화환 (hwahwan)
- Snow: 눈 (nun)
- Christmas card – 크리스마스 카드(keuriseumaseu kadeu)
- Christmas carol – 크리스마스 캐롤(keuriseumaseu kaerol)
- Turkey: 칠면조 고기 (chilmyeonjo gogi)
- Santa: 산타 (santa)
- Pine tree: 소나무 (sonamu)
- Elf – 꼬마 요정(kkoma yojeong)
- Bell – 크리스마스 종(keuriseumaseu jong)
- Chimney – 굴뚝(gulttuk)
- Fireplace – 벽난로(byeognanro)
- Stocking – 크리스마스 양말 (keuriseumaseu yangmal)
- Candy Cane – 사탕 지팡이 (satang jipangi)
- Rudolph- 루돌프 (rudolpeu)
- Reindeer – 순록 (sunnok)
- North Pole – 북극 (bukgeuk)
- Mistletoe – 겨우살이 (gyeousari)
- Snowman: 눈사람 (nunsaram)
- Sled – 썰매(sseolmae)
- Snowflake – 눈송이(nunsongi)
Is Christmas a holiday in South Korea?
Yes, Christmas is a holiday in South Korea. Korean Christmas celebrations don’t differ greatly from those in North America or Europe.
It is considered a time for families and friends to get together and exchange gifts.
if you ever visit to celebrate Christmas in Korea, you’ll notice that there are Christmas trees and decorations everywhere; giant ones in churches, malls, and squares.
You’ll also hear carols, stores will have decorations hanging on every corner.
Small Christmas trees will be sold for cheap prices, and if you’re lucky, you’ll even see people dressed as Santa Claus taking pictures with children.
It’s not that common for Santa Claus to be sitting in malls here, but it does happen occasionally.
Some people also decorate their homes and put up Christmas trees.
Since Koreans mostly live in apartments, it’s difficult to spare enough space for a real, big tree.
So instead, some people affordable plastic trees and decorate them together. I’ve seen some big households have huge trees (almost the size of a real one) sitting in the living room.
‘Santa Claus’ exists in Korea, too.
Parents wake up discreetly at night in chilly weather to leave presents for small children under the Christmas tree.
Christmas is not as widely celebrated in South Korea as it is in other countries, but it has become more popular in recent years, especially among younger people.
In South Korea, Christmas is often seen as a time for romantic relationships and couples often exchange gifts and go out on dates.
Merry Christmas in Korea | Learn Korean culture and Christmas traditions in Korea.
Just learning how to say Merry Christmas in Korean and some common Korean Christmas greetings is not enough to have a real-life conversation
So you need things like
How do Koreans celebrate Christmas? what are the special Korean Christmas traditions in South Korea?
Is there any difference between Western Christmas and Korean Merry Christmas?
There aren’t any big South Korean Christmas traditions for most of the natives(unlike Chuseok and Seollal). but you can expect a lot of interesting things during Merry Christmas in Korea.
South Korea is the only East Asian country to recognize Christmas as a national holiday, so schools, businesses, and government offices are closed on Christmas Day. Stores remain open.
Christians in the country, usually go to church on Christmas Eve to celebrate Merry Christmas in Korea and get together with their families on Christmas Day, watch Christmas movies, go out on a date or hang with friends.
Some families put up Christmas trees, people exchange presents, and stores put up holiday decorations.
Christmas lights and decorations are common during Christmas in Korea.
Families may attend mass or church service on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (or both), and caroling parties are popular for young Christians on Christmas Eve and wish each other Christmas wishes in Korean
So it’s a good idea to know about some merry Christmas greetings in Korean
Santa Haraboji or Grandpa Santa: Learn Korean Christmas traditions and Korean Santa
You have already learned how to say Merry Christmas in Korea. it’s time to look at Korean Santa (Santa Haraboji)
In Korea, Santa Claus goes by another name; he’s called “Grandfather Santa.” or 산타 할아버지 (santa-hallabeoji) .
This South Korean Santa wears mainly green or blue – occasionally red. with his top hat or ‘gat’ and is popular with children in Korea.
Stores employ Santas to greet shoppers and hand out chocolate and candies.
These days, sometimes you can also see or hear about Grandmother Santa or 산타 할머니(santa halmeoni).
Korean Christmas Food
No matter where you are in the world and how South Korea says Merry Christmas, food and holidays go together!
There are a few more Korean Christmas traditions and foods that deserve an honorable mention during Christmas in Korea.
There is no typical Korean Christmas food in Korea. Most Koreans will eat a typical Korean meal, but it’s becoming a trend to go out for Western food or cook Western food at home and wish each other a happy Christmas in Korea.
Cream sponge cake is served instead of delicious fruit cake. And Koreans prefer kimchi, noodles, and beef bulgogi. Korean beef bulgogi is a staple of Christmas feasts in Korea.
Christmas buffets are popular in Seoul where you can find everything from traditional roasted turkey to sushi and crab legs at Christmas buffets.
South Korean Christmas is romantic(not a family holiday)
Unlike Seollal or Chuseok, The holiday is frequently billed as “Valentine’s Day with Santa” with residents enjoying their time with their partners, rather than the wider family.
Non-Christians reap the benefits of the year’s last day off by traveling, shopping, and hanging with friends and family.
Since most Koreans live in apartments, few people can or do decorate the outside of their home or have a Christmas tree inside.
However, churches, shopping malls, and streets are lit up beautifully during the festive season.
Gift-giving is a tradition
People in Korea usually exchange presents on Christmas Eve, and instead of piles of presents, one present (or a gift of money) is customary.
but money’s also given. And the custom of the country is only to give Christmas gifts to close family and friends.
Other Korean Christmas greetings| How to say Merry Christmas in South Korea
Even if we know how to say Merry Christmas in South Korea, sometimes it’s not enough to wish everyone a happy Christmas in Korea.
it’s time to deep deeper into Korean Merry Christmas.
So you need to spice up things a little by saying some Korean Christmas greetings in a more fancy way to wish your loved ones Happy Christmas in Korean
Here’s how South Korea says Merry Christmas and now you can do it too
- Have a happy Christmas.’ in Korean
- 즐거운 성탄절 되세요. – jeulgoun songtanjol dweseyo
- Please spend Christmas happily.
- 크리스마스 즐겁게 보내세요 – keuriseumaseu jeulgopkke bonaeseyo
- Please have a happy and enjoyable Christmas.
- 즐겁고 행복한 크리스마스 보내세요
- We wish you a Merry Christmas
- 행복한 성탄절 보내길 바랍니다.- haengbokan songtanjol bonaegil baramnida
- Please have a happy Christmas
- 즐거운 크리스마스 되세요 – jeulgoun keuriseumaseu dweseyo
- Please spend a warm Christmas together with your friends and family
- 가족, 친구와 함께 따뜻한 크리스마스 보내세요.
How do you say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Korean?
To say “Merry Christmas” in Korean, you can say “Meri keuriseumaseu” (메리 크리스마스).
To say “Happy New Year” in Korean, you can say “Saehae bok mani baduseyo” (새해 복 많이 받으세요).
what if you want to wish someone both the same holiday at the same time but how to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Korean
Here is how you can say “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Korean “.
you can just say “Yeorobun Seontanjeol jal bonaego sae hae bok manhi paduseyo” which means Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and Merry Christmas everyone in Korean
This is how you greet Merry Christmas in South Korea. Though it means “spend your Korean Christmas well” and have a happy new year everyone.
Note: The pronunciation of these phrases may vary slightly depending on the speaker’s regional accent.
Korean Christmas Songs| How do you say Merry Christmas in Korean with K-pop?
How do you say Merry Christmas in Korean with K-pop?
Well, it’s time to sing some Korean songs
Many popular Korean Christmas songs go well with Christmas greetings in Korean
Here are a few examples:
- “White Christmas” – Kim Yeon-woo and Lim Jeong-hee.
- “Merry Christmas, Mr. Mo” – by Kim Yeon-woo.
- “Merry Christmas” – cheerful Christmas song sung by Red Velvet.
- “Winter Love” – Christmas ballad sung by Super Junior.
- Snow Candy – Starship Planet
- All I Want for Christmas is You – Bom and Hi
- Lonely Christmas – Crayon Pop
- Miracles in December – EXO
- Christmas Wishes – Mystic89 Family
Korean Christmas movies|How to say Merry Christmas in South Korea with movies
How can Christmas be completed with movies, drama, and popcorn?
Korean Merry Christmas isn’t all about food, Korean Christmas traditions, and wishing each other Merry Christmas in South Korea either.
It’s time to do some fun
Several Korean Christmas movies are popular in South Korea and around the world that you can enjoy during Christmas in Korea.
Here are a few examples:
- “Love, Again” – This is a romantic comedy about a man who reconnects with his first love during the holiday season.
- “My Annoying Brother” – This is a comedy-drama about a man who reconnects with his estranged brother during the holiday season.
- “A Muse” – This is a romantic drama about a man who falls in love with a muse who appears in his dreams during the holiday season.
- “Miracle in Cell No. 7” – This is a heartwarming drama about a man who is wrongfully convicted of a crime and his relationship with his daughter. The movie takes place during the holiday season.
- “Like for Likes” – This is a romantic comedy about three couples who find love during the holiday season.
- “The Man Standing Next” – This is a historical drama about the assassination of South Korean President Park Chung-hee and the events leading up to it. The movie takes place during the holiday season.
here’s all about how to say Merry Christmas in Korea
So what’s next?
We are all done now
Conclusion
Voila! you now know how to say Merry Christmas in South Korea and a few other good options, besides!
As the end of the year approaches and to make the season even more special, you need the perfect Korean Christmas greetings to say to your loved ones.
Maybe you can wish them in advance Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Korean
Choice is yours
I hope the Korean Christmas greetings listed in this article will help you write a Christmas card, a business email, or a wish in person.
Now that you know how to say Merry Christmas in Korea, go and greet your friends and loved ones!
Still in the holiday spirit? Check out our articles on For more related articles,
10 Korean dramas for Christmas
https://fluenttongue.com/cheers-in-korean/
https://fluenttongue.com/cute-in-korean/
Have you ever celebrated Christmas in Korea or been invited to a Christmas party? What was it like?
Share your special experience with us in the comment below. We can’t wait to hear from you
Thanks for reading till the end. merry christmas everyone(크리스마스 잘 보내세요 )
