I have only ever had one White Christmas, and heading into the festive season; I’m bringing back memories of White Christmas in South Korea.
As someone who has spent many Christmases in warmer climates, experiencing a white Christmas was a dream. I was in awe of how fresh snow transformed everything it touched, making even the most simple landscapes look like a winter wonderland.
The town of Muju-Gun, in central South Korea, was the perfect location for our winter getaway. We spent our days ice-skating, skiing, and building snowmen – all activities I never thought I’d be able to enjoy on Christmas day. It was indeed a magical experience that I will never forget.
So, if you can spend Christmas in a snow-covered wonderland, I highly recommend taking advantage of it. You won’t regret it, and you’ll see why as you read further into the article about my first white Christmas in South Korea!
Fun in the snow during a white Christmas in South Korea.
Why does a White Christmas in South Korea mean so much?
I am an Aussie, and that means Christmas is snagged on a Barbie, beer out in the sky, swimming at the beach as the melting sun scorches your skin, and you are dressing down rather than rugging up. Yes, Christmas in Australia doesn’t sound so bad; it’s excellent, to be truthful. But you know the saying, a change is as good as a holiday.
I am not a winter fan; I wouldn’t say I like it. The part of Australia I live in during winter gets cold, wet, windy and just plain old-miserable. But it doesn’t snow; to me, the snow adds something extra to an occasion like winter, an added tinge of excitement, even happiness. I know that was my feelings for my family and me.
Others who live in such a climate may tell me I am crazy; perhaps you are sick of the snow and cold, and maybe you have the endeavour of having Christmas in the heat of summer. Not me, however, how I would long for another White Christmas.
Family fun in Muju is a blast in the Winter Snow.
What is about Muju?
Muju was something special. Tucked away in the middle of South Korea, the scenery was divine. Mountains saturated the region with blissful white snow covering the peaks. It was a site to see.
The township was friendly, laid back and unique. It didn’t come with the hustle and bustle of the capital city of Seoul or the modern features. It had a small-town feel, where all the locals knew each other, and everyone wasn’t in a hurry.
Old ladies would stand in front of their restaurants, willing people to come and eat at their shop, almost begging. The town offered plenty of little guesthouses, restaurants, ski shops and general stores.
Muju is spectacular in the white snow and ice.
Hiking is the first thing to do in Muju, along with skiing in the winter. And for a good reason too. The breathtaking scenery as you slug through the thick snow, into the forest, up the mountain and along the valley was pure delight. Ensure you bring your camera, as a million pictures wouldn’t be enough in Muju.
Your only sense of modernity in Muju is the Deogyusan Resort. A European-style resort is where you go for the ski slopes, fine dining and your only escape from Western food, not that you particularly need it when Korean food is so good. The resort is expensive, but you will be in the right place if you like being where the action is.
Deogyusan Resort is the go-to accommodation in the mountains of Muju-Gun.
Christmas time in Muju?
Although Christmas may not be celebrated in the township, the magic of a White Christmas in South Korea cannot be denied. The snow transforms everything, creating a winter wonderland that is magical and picturesque. Whether you’re building a snowman with the kids, having a snowball fight, or simply taking a walk through the glistening landscape, the beauty and romance of the season are undeniable.
While there may be few decorations and little fanfare, the joy of spending time with loved ones in a winter wonderland is an exceptional experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else. So, embrace the season’s beauty and make the most of a very merry White Christmas.
Enjoying a White Christmas in South Korea.
If you want a little Christmas touch, all you need to do is head to the resort. Decorations are on show, and at night the resort is lit up and looks spectacular in its Christmas lights. Melodies can be heard throughout the resort, belting out popular Christmas carols; whether in Korean or English, it doesn’t matter. You still know the song and sing to the tune.
Now maybe other regions in the world do their White Christmas more passionately. I am sure it is the case. But it won’t stop me from having an unusual attraction towards Muju and my only Christmas in the cold snow.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas to all you travellers from your Fair Dinkum Traveller.
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White Christmas in South Korea, what more could you ask for in fun, family fun?
In 11 years in Korea I have yet to make it to Muju but each year my students go there to ski and they love it! Have you been to Boseong? In the winter they put Christmas lights on the green tea fields and if it snows, it is as Christmasy as they come!~
Oh how lucky it is that you live there. Been to Korea 3 times. My favourite country.
Such a sweet story! I particularly despise cold weather, too, but I can imagine that the snow gave you and your family more warmth in this case! Thanks for sharing this story about a different kind of place in Korea than most would be used to. Snow is much more fun when you don’t have to shovel it from your driveway and scrape ice from your windshield at 6am before you have to go to work 🙂
I could imagine Taiss that living in the snow maybe a little different to a visit. Have a merry Christmas.
Muju looks like an awesome place to celebrate Xmas. I live in South Korea and have seen many hidden gems but never heard of Muju. I hope you have a wonderful xmas even without the snow!
Another one who lives in Korea. Envy. And merry Christmas to you to Mike. Keep safe.
I can totally totally understand..this is like my dream too.. I haven’t so far been somewhere completely white with snow. I would love to spend my year end weekend at such a place
It certainly has this different vibe about it.
I immediately feel nostalgic for a white Christmas and Bing Crosby, so you could have started singing haha! Enjoy South Korea, it’s been on my list for ages.
I always look forward going to somewhere with snow during winter especially on Christmas. Although yes, all scenes seem to look the same, all plain white. Lol.
Love this!
As a fellow Aussie I can definitely see the appeal of a white Christmas. Even if just got something different. I do love Xmas in Sydney though and the hotter the better
There sure is a great appeal about having a beer by the pool at Christmas time.
Wow that’s some serious snow! We’re Brits so were a bit more accustomed to White Christmases than yourself, though usually its rain not snow greeting us on Christmas morning.
Hey, an Australian xmas isn’t half bad though fella!
Australian christmas is certainly not bad thing. You know the saying, “you don’t know what you got until it’s gone” i guess that applies to a summer christmas.
I am spending my first Christmas in Australia this year and will miss the usual snow of my Canadian home (if it actually falls due to global warming!). An Aussie Christmas sounds really lovely in the warm climate. I know what you mean though about a change of pace. South Korea does look like a lovely place to celebrate. I have always wanted to go there!
Good luck having an Aussie christmas, I am sure you will like the change.
I’m an Aussie too so white Xmas’ are a dream… I’ve had a few in Canada, China & Sweden, they felt so surreal, especially as I wasn’t celebrating with my family. This year I’ll be in Nicaragua, how about you?