Korean Job Discussion Forums

ppcg4 · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

This is my first Christmas away from home. I don't really have anyone who I'm comfortable traveling with. So I'll likely spend Christmas break in my apartment, pretty much alone.

What have you guys done in the past?

losing_touch · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Location: Ulsan - I think!

This year I will be late to go to Thailand. I have gone for the past several years. However, I leave on the 27th thanks to airfare. I reckon I'll sit at home with a keyboard, some music, and a bottle of wine or two.

VanIslander · Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2008 5:48 pm Post subject:

I figure homesickness will be hard to feel if I'm on a beach on an island in the South Pacific from Xmas thru New Year's. Cool

An experiment.

ciccone_youth · Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Location: Japan

HBCCanuck · Joined: 19 Oct 2008 Location: HBC, Seoul

i've spent 3 chirstmas' here. it's always a bit lonely and the most homesick time of the year for me, but there is still some good times spent with friends in there. i hope you make some friends that will be kicking around in your area before then and good luck.

xCustomx · Joined: 06 Jan 2006

If you're not travelling back home or to a beach somewhere in SE Asia, then I'd recommend getting together with some friends and hit up one of the christmas dinners that are offered at various hotels throughout Seoul. The food is good, and it's nice to be in the company of others rather than sit at home (unless there aren't any other foreigners where you live, or you just want some peace and quiet)

BS.Dos. · Joined: 29 Mar 2007

My school gave me 10-days off over last christmas, which I spent in China with my GF. This year, I'll be alone on account that my GF has gone back home. I think I'll only get xmas day off, but will only have to wait about a week before the end of semester 2 anyways. Once that happens, I won't then have any classes until early March.

As for xmas day itself; I haven't given it any thought to be honest.

Beeyee · Joined: 29 May 2007

Last year I went to McDonalds and had a Big Mac set before going to Starbucks and drinking some coffee.

I live a fun life.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

Christmas in Korea can be a remarkably restful time, compared to the stress of Christmas back at home (depending on your situation). In Canada, you have to worry about weather (will it snow storm the day I want to travel home) in particular. There's presents to buy. Lots and lots of stress. Christmas in Korea by contrast is remarkably stress free. You just don' have to go to work one day. Christmas is not a big family day in Korea so loads of Koreans are out and enjoying their rare time off.

aquagirl · Joined: 09 Jan 2007

I second the hotel Christmas buffet idea. I went to the COEX Intercontinental for Christmas lunch 2 years ago and it was really good. I've heard good things about the Hilton Hotel's Christmas meal and also Toque Diner in Itaewon. It's nice to do something special and have something to look forward to when you're feeling a little homesick during the festive season. Make sure you book in advance though because seats sell out fast.
Korean couples/ younger ppl tend to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve and don't do much on Christmas Day - usually a movie or something low key.

aquagirl · Joined: 09 Jan 2007

I second the hotel Christmas buffet idea. I went to the COEX Intercontinental for Christmas lunch 2 years ago and it was really good. I've heard good things about the Hilton Hotel's Christmas meal and also Toque Diner in Itaewon. It's nice to do something special and have something to look forward to when you're feeling a little homesick during the festive season. Make sure you book in advance though because seats sell out fast.
Korean couples/ younger ppl tend to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve and don't do much on Christmas Day - usually a movie or something low key.

aquagirl · Joined: 09 Jan 2007

I second the hotel Christmas buffet idea. I went to the COEX Intercontinental for Christmas lunch 2 years ago and it was really good. I've heard good things about the Hilton Hotel's Christmas meal and also Toque Diner in Itaewon. It's nice to do something special and have something to look forward to when you're feeling a little homesick during the festive season. Make sure you book in advance though because seats sell out fast.
Korean couples/ younger ppl tend to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve and don't do much on Christmas Day - usually a movie or something low key.

aquagirl · Joined: 09 Jan 2007

I second the hotel Christmas buffet idea. I went to the COEX Intercontinental for Christmas lunch 2 years ago and it was really good. I've heard good things about the Hilton Hotel's Christmas meal and also Toque Diner in Itaewon. It's nice to do something special and have something to look forward to when you're feeling a little homesick during the festive season. Make sure you book in advance though because seats sell out fast.
Korean couples/ younger ppl tend to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve and don't do much on Christmas Day - usually a movie or something low key.

jjk · Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:51 am Post subject:

My wife and I went to the Park Hyatt for Christmas lunch in 2006, and thought it was excellent.

We were home last year, and will be home for three weeks over Christmas this year too, suffering the heat of an Australian Christmas once more.

If we were staying in Korea over Christmas, we would have been at the Park Hyatt again.

Oreovictim · Joined: 23 Aug 2006

I was planning on going to Thailand, but now I'm not so sure. I got an e-mail from that Xanadu travel agency. Round-trip tickets to Thailand - a little over 1,000,000 won. And that price doesn't include additional plane tickets further south. Plus, I'll have to have more money for hotels, food, etc.