Seasons Greetings

You may wish to greet your Korean colleagues with:
Sae hae bok mah nee bah deu say oh!
(I’ve modified the Romanization for easier pronunciation).
Hint: Break the greeting into: sae hae—bok—mah ne—bah deu say oh

In South Korea, the government recognizes Christmas, December 25, as a public holiday. Christians, who make up about 30% of the population, celebrate the occasion as a religious holiday. Like in the West, both Christians and non-Christians may engage in some holiday customs such as gift-giving, sending Christmas cards, and setting up decorated trees in their homes. Children have embraced Santa Claus, whom they call Santa Grandfather. Each year I see more signs of commercialism with stores and buildings displaying Christmas decorations and offering holiday sales.

Sae hae bok man i bat eu say oh! works well and is a common seasonal greeting. For those wanting to wish someone Merry Christmas use Sung tan jul chuk ha.


On behalf of Bridging Culture have a happy holiday season!

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