Korea’s “Alone Christmas” Is Becoming the New Normal

Once a season of couple-centric romance, Christmas in Korea is undergoing a quiet transformation. For a growing number of Koreans—especially in their 20s and 30s—“Alone Christmas” is no longer something to hide. It’s a lifestyle choice.

Coffee shops and cinemas now market solo packages. Hotels offer one-person holiday deals with journals, wine sets, and Netflix subscriptions. Hashtags like #혼크리스마스 (Hon-Christmas) are trending across social media, often filled with cozy setups: a good book, cake for one, and quiet reflection.

“I used to feel pressure to go out and be seen,” says 28-year-old Jeon Hyeri. “Now I look forward to staying in and enjoying myself—no makeup, no reservation stress, no fake smiles.”

This shift reflects deeper trends. Korea’s single-person households now make up 34.5% of the population. Meanwhile, emotional autonomy and social fatigue are leading many to redefine what holidays should look like. “Solitude has been destigmatized,” says cultural psychologist Dr. Nam Seonghwan. “Alone doesn’t mean lonely anymore.”

Businesses are catching on. Luxury dessert brands now sell individual-size Christmas cakes. Streaming platforms curate holiday playlists for one. Even traditional department stores are setting up “혼자 찍는 포토존” (solo photo zones).

Still, some worry the trend reflects deeper alienation. “Are we choosing solitude—or are we just exhausted by connection?” asks professor Lee Nayoung.

Perhaps the answer lies in balance. For some, Alone Christmas offers a pause from a noisy world. For others, it’s a chance to reclaim a holiday on their own terms.

Date: 2024-12-23

Reporter: 박근홍