▲ Photos by Greg Curley

I walk under hundreds of lights from Cheongdam intersection, along Gangnam’s well-known road lined with luxury boutiques and flagship stores, all the way up to Apgujeong’s Galleria Department Store. It hasn’t snowed yet, but Christmas is very much in the air here in Korea’s capital.

As people fill the walkways, rushing to grab last-minute gifts and groceries for the holidays, I am reminded of so many Christmases long ago growing up as a kid.

The area is certainly much more festive than it was just five years ago. It is, by far, my favourite time of year so it’s nice to see the tradition catching on here in Korea.

Not only are the larger department stores and luxury boutiques deco-rating the window fronts with streams of coloured lights, there are also a number of smaller, cozier cafés and restaurants along quieter backstreets making an effort to celebrate as well.

A number of cafés have trees all flashed out with ornaments and there is themed music playing. This really is great for those that are not able to make it home for the holidays.

Canada-born Gregory B. Curley is a professional photographer based in Seoul. His work has appeared in The Korea Herald, SEOUL Magazine, Elle, MTV, 10 Magazine, Morning Calm, CNNGo and CNN. You can find his work at hermithideaways.com and on twitter.com/gregorycurley.