Halloween in Korea: How to Celebrate This Popular Event

Introduction

Over the past few years, Halloween has become more and more popular in Korea, moving from being a niche celebration to one that the younger generation recognizes as a national holiday. Although Halloween isn't a traditional Korean holiday, Western culture, K-pop, and international media have all had an impact on its incorporation into the social calendar, particularly in big cities like Seoul. Here are some ideas for getting into the Halloween spirit if you're visiting Korea!

 

1. Dressing Up in Costumes

Koreans are huge fans of costume and fashion, and Halloween provides the ideal occasion to dress to impress. People are dressed as everything from zombies and ghosts for horror-themed costumes to more whimsical choices like beloved K-pop idols or anime and film characters. Well-known neighborhoods like Itaewon, Gangnam, and Hongdae develop into colorful centers for costumed crowds. There's much of opportunity for creativity and enjoyment, even if you're not into scary costumes.

Pro tip: You may quickly put together your outfit with the inexpensive Halloween cosmetics, decorations, and costumes found at many retailers including Daiso and Artbox.

 

2. Attending Halloween Festivals & Events

Halloween is only one of the spectacular festivities that Korea is known for. Every city in the nation has a variety of events. Throughout October, locations, such as Everland and Lotte World, host unique Halloween-themed activities, such as scary shows, haunted homes, and Halloween parades.

Where to go:

1. Everland's Horror Nights: A theme park that changes into a terrifying wonderland with zombies, haunting mazes, and terrifying attractions.

2. Lotte World's Happy Halloween Party: A more family-friendly choice that is ideal for both kids and adults, featuring Halloween-themed parades, events, and decorations.

 

3. Go To Cafés & Restaurants 

The culture of Korean cafés is well-known, and many bakeries and cafés prepare special menus for Halloween to commemorate the macabre holiday. It's the ideal way to celebrate Halloween in a more laid-back atmosphere, with everything from pumpkin-flavored cocktails to treats with a Halloween theme. To create a nice Halloween ambiance, some restaurants and cafés even go above and above by decorating their interiors with ghosts, cobwebs, and jack-o'-lanterns.

Check out this previous blog to find some specific places you can try here!

 

4. Explore Haunted Locations

Korea offers a number of haunted locations with spooky legends if you're looking for an authentic thrill. If you're courageous enough to investigate these places, they're great for Halloween adventures. Even if going to these areas isn't just for Halloween, a lot of residents and visitors enjoy the eerie atmosphere by visiting these enigmatic locales.

One example is the Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, one of the most haunted places in South Korea. Read more about it on one of our blogs, here!

 

5. Trick-or-Treat for Kids

Although trick-or-treating isn't as popular in Korea as it is in the West, kids can still enjoy the custom in some places. Trick-or-treating events are frequently organized by international schools, English-language academies, and specific neighborhoods inhabited by foreign nationals. Families that want to introduce their kids to the joys of candy collection should attend these activities.

Speaking of fun sweet treats, get your own taste of Korea's this month from our October Seoulbox! 

 

 

 

 

6. Halloween Movie Night

If you'd rather celebrate Halloween in a more low-key manner, think about throwing a movie night for your buddies. With their dark and eerie past, Korean horror films are ideal for a frightful night in. There is a lot of suspense and excitement in movies like "The Wailing" and "Train to Busan".

 

Conclusion

Halloween in Korea is a unique celebration that combines Western and Korean customs, making it enjoyable for visitors as well as residents. There are plenty of ways to celebrate, like dressing up for an amusement park trip, going on a haunted house, or just sipping a latte at a café with a Halloween theme.

Take advantage of the eerie weather, have fun with your costume, and celebrate the holiday that is swiftly gaining popularity in Korean culture!

 

Image Credits:

https://www.koreaboo.com/news/twice-2021-halloween-costumes-6th-anniversary-explained/

https://blog.trazy.com/guide-to-everland-halloween/

http://www.coffeeteaimagazine.com/trick-or-treat-starbucks-launches-limited-edition-halloween-ranges-worldwide/

https://www.curiousarchive.com/haunted-gonjiam-psychiatric-hospital/

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2014/10/31/socialAffairs/Trick-or-treat-/2996735.html

Movie Posters - IMDB profiles

 

Author: Ella