Halloween in South Korea

Day and History: Halloween is not a traditional Korean celebration, but it has gained popularity in South Korea, especially in the urban areas and among the younger generation. The influence of Western culture through American TV shows, movies, and the presence of expatriates has played a significant role in introducing Halloween to South Korea.

Traditions: Unlike the more ingrained Chuseok or Seollal (Korean Thanksgiving and Lunar New Year), Halloween is less about cultural traditions and more about fun and entertainment. There are no specific Korean traditions associated with Halloween.

Activities:

• Costume Parties: Many young adults and children dress up in costumes ranging from spooky to whimsical characters and attend parties.
• Club Events: Major clubs in cities like Seoul host Halloween-themed parties that attract a large number of partygoers.
• Theme Parks: Popular theme parks like Everland and Lotte World hold special Halloween events with decorations, parades, and haunted houses.
• Trick-or-Treating: This is not widespread but can be found in some expat communities where children may go trick-or-treating.
• Special Events: Some areas may have special events such as horror movie marathons, live performances, or costume contests.

In summary, while not deeply rooted in Korean culture, Halloween is an occasion for festive fun particularly embraced by younger Koreans and expatriate communities.