by Ji-woo, age 9 from Seoul, South Korea, asks Santa about Christmas dresses, the Han River, and Christmas as an official Korean holiday.
Dear Santa, my name is Ji-woo, and I am nine years old. I live in Seoul, South Korea, where the Han River gets lined with sparkling lights every December, and my appa says the whole riverside looks like a long glowing ribbon.
Dear Ji-woo, that glowing ribbon along the Han River is one of my favorite sights flying into Seoul, your appa described it perfectly.
Santa, I have three questions.
Can I wear a Christmas dress? My unnie says it might be too cold outside for one without a big coat.
Of course you can, Ji-woo, and your unnie makes a fair point about the cold. Wear your favorite Christmas dress proudly, just layer up with a warm coat on top, style and warmth can absolutely work together.
My teacher says the Han River runs right through the middle of Seoul. Is that true?
It is true, Ji-woo, the Han River splits Seoul in two as it winds toward the Yellow Sea, and I always follow its curve to find my way to your rooftop among all those bright city lights.
My appa says Christmas is actually an official holiday here in South Korea, even though it is not in a lot of other Asian countries. Is that true?
It is true, Ji-woo. South Korea is one of the few countries in Asia where Christmas Day is an official public holiday, thanks in part to a sizable Christian community that has celebrated it for generations. However a country marks the day, gathering with family and showing kindness is really what makes it Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Ji-woo Park
Seoul, South Korea
P.S. Can my dress have tiny lights sewn into it like the Han River?
I will see what the elves can stitch together, Ji-woo, that sounds like a dazzling request.
