DIARY

Hallyu Diary Vol.16

With Christmas coming upon us,
we’re all feeling that sense of excitement seems to be universal around the world!
But winter in Korea has its own K-Christmas mood that sets it apart.
For this journey, I set off on a K-Christmas road trip to soak in that feeling!

From a Santa village to the East Sea, drama filming locations, and sparkling winter festivals—
I was amazed that a single trip could capture so many different winter vibes.
Let me take you through my very special K-Christmas journey!

The Buncheon Santa Village is a special place where it’s Christmas all year long.
Come winter, the entire town turns into a winter kingdom
that makes you wonder, Am I in a movie?

Photo credit: Bonghwa County Office

It's a themed village built around an actual railway stop, Buncheon Station,
and in fact, it’s officially twinned with Switzerland’s Zermatt Station,
the departure point of the famous Glacier Express that crosses the Alps.
It’s the perfect spot to experience a true Korean Christmas.

Inside, I saw that every corner was filled with Christmas decorations and photo zones,
so wherever I looked, it was as if I’d stepped right into a winter fairy tale.
Buncheon Station itself serves as the entrance to the Santa Village,
so the moment I stepped into the concourse, I was greeted by twinkling lights, trees, and wreaths.

The Buncheon Photo Studio is also located inside the village,
where I admired a photo exhibition showcasing the Santa Village through all four seasons.
Next to the studio was the Santa Post Office, which I had to check out.

At the post office, visitors could take photos wearing Santa costumes,
and even send Santa postcards that actually get delivered!
Excitedly, I grabbed a Santa hat and wrote a postcard next to the mailbox.
In that moment, I felt like I was fully immersed in pure K-winter vibes.

Photo credit: Gyeongsangbuk-do Tour (Kim Seungjin)

During the winter festival season, the whole village transforms into its own Christmas edition,
with busking performances, Santa sleigh rides, and even a pop-up playground.
The variety show 2 Days & 1 Night also brought its stars out to play games dressed as Santa,
and after visiting, I totally understand why they were so excited.
Just strolling through the magical village made me feel like the main character in a fairy tale.

After a good look around the village, I headed to my next winter location,
just like the members of 2 Days & 1 Night!
Channeling them, I climbed aboard the East sea & Santa village Train from Buncheon Station!

This train runs from Buncheon Station to Gangneung and has a unique variety of cabin types.
There are panoramic seats where you can take in sweeping views of the East Sea,
cozy café seats and table seats for relaxing on the ride,
and even Cabin No. 3 featuring a Santa bench photo zone, couple seats, and family room,
which are perfect for capturing special winter photos no matter who you’re traveling with.

No wonder I became swept up in the Christmas atmosphere as soon as I boarded.
It was as if I’d hopped onto a moving Santa sleigh.

Outside the window, I saw rolling views of the East Sea, snow-covered mountains,
and winding rivers, so with K-carols playing in my earphones,
the ride truly felt like the highlight of my K-Christmas trip.

The cup of hot cocoa I had on board… was perfection itself,
and though I was simply sitting on a train,
the warmth of winter and the excitement of Christmas filled me with true happiness.

When the train took me to Gangneung, I first headed to Jumunjin Beach.
A short walk from there to Hyanghohaebyeon Beach took me
to that all-famous bus stop where the album cover for BTS’ Spring Day was shot!

When I arrived, I saw the winter sea sprawled out before me,
and the cold wind felt brisk and refreshing.
The sun had almost set, leaving just a trace of dusk,
and the soft glow made every photo come out effortlessly gorgeous.

If you want to feel that warm, Christmas atmosphere at a winter beach,
I recommend walking the shore during sunset,
with the last bit of sunlight glowing in the sky.

I slowly made my way toward the bus stop, with the sea breeze against my face,
and sat on the bench where the album photo was shot to listen to BTS’s “Spring Day.”
As the sound of the waves blended with the music, I felt a small ache in my heart.
It felt like that bittersweet emotion you get when Christmas slips by
and you wait for warmer days to come, which deepened the mood of this place.

Carrying that emotion with me, I started walking,
and in about twenty minutes, came upon Sodol Port.
With the waves crashing against the breakwater, the stillness of winter caught in the air,
and the cold air across the harbor, the entire landscape felt unusually deep.

This is where the characters Moon Dong-eun and Joo Yeo-jeong
from the K-drama The Glory filmed their scene on a snowy night,
talking together as they looked out over the sea.

Standing there with the same view in front of me,
I found myself wanting to recite some of the drama’s iconic lines.
The winter breeze was cold yet strangely warm, as if it carried the emotions of the drama.

While my stay at the beach was short,
the moment I felt during my Christmas trip will stay with me for a long time.
It felt like a small new story had been added to my own journey.

Once the sun set, downtown Gangneung transformed into a whole new world.
It was for the Gangneung Christmas Winter Festival!

Snowflake lights, a Milky Way tunnel, a giant Christmas tree,
and photo zones lit up the glittering street.
Walking through the Milky Way tunnel felt like stepping into a winter romance drama!
In front of the big tree, the crowd—myself included—was busy taking photos,
and off to one side there was even a free station
where you could write and send Christmas and New Year greeting cards.

There were still a few weeks left until Christmas,
but Wolhwa Street was already full of different activity booths and small market stands.
From winter items like scarves and gloves that were perfect for Christmas,
to cute trinkets like music boxes and small ornaments—
just browsing made me feel the holiday spirit, and my wallet barely survived the temptation.

Once Christmas draws closer, the festive mood is expected to get even brighter!
Street buskers and carol performances will fill every corner,
making winter nights in Gangneung feel cozier and more romantic.
If I came back then, I would feel a completely different kind of charm.

Plus, the Gangneung Jungang Market on the same Wolhwa Street
is the place where the mother and daughter share a “date” in the drama Love, Take Two.
Just like in the drama, you can snack your way through the market
or stroll together with family, a partner, or friends for a warm, joyful Christmas!