Don’t get concerned, and I am not about to start singing Bing Crosby’s White Christmas. I will need a few more drinks before I start singing. But the song does remind me of my one and only Christmas in the magic of snow.
I remember it as it was yesterday. The first white Christmas happened in Muju-Gun, a town in the central part of South Korea and it was simply breathtaking, bringing a whole new meaning to Christmas. At least for myself and family.
Fun in the snow.
Why does a White Christmas mean so much?
I am an Aussie, and that means Christmas is snags on a barbie, beer out in the esky, 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 great to be truthful. But you know the saying, a change is as good as a holiday.
Now I am not a winter fan; I despise it. The part of Australia that I live in during winter time, of course, gets cold, wet, windy and just plain old-miserable. But it doesn’t snow, and 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, sick of the 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
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 in Seoul or the modern features. It had a small town feel about it, 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 itself offered plenty of little guesthouses, restaurants, ski shop and general stores.
Muju is spectacular in the white snow and ice.
Hiking is the number one thing to do in Muju along with skiing in the winter. And for a good reason too. The breathtaking scenery as you slug your way through the thick snow, into the forest, up to the mountain and along the valley was pure delight. Make sure you bring your camera as a million pictures wouldn’t be enough in Muju.
Your only sense of modern in Muju is the Deogyusan Resort. A European style resorts it is where you go for the ski slopes, fine dining and your only escape of Western food, not that you particularly need it when Korean food is so good. The resort is expensive, but if you like being where the action is, you will be in the right place.
Deogyusan Resort.
Christmas time in Muju?
It is different. You could easily be forgiven that Christmas doesn’t exist. There is a little celebration going on in the township and decoration are limited. Still, it didn’t take away from the romance of a very merry White Christmas.
How could it? Everything was white, from mountain tops to the trees, to the railings and houses. Then you add the enjoyment of making a snowman with the kids and of course snowball fights, it brings family fun goes to another level — the only type of fun you can only enjoy when snow is involved.
Enjoying White Christmas in South Korea.
If you do 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 well and truly lit up and looking spectacular in its Christmas lights. Carols can be heard throughout the resort, belting out popular Christmas carols, whether it is 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 with a little bit more passion. I am sure it is the case. But it won’t stop me from having an unusual attraction towards Muju and my only ever Christmas in the cold snow.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas to all you travellers, from your Fair Dinkum Traveller.
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?