Christmas Day

I apologize, but I notice an inconsistency in your request. Christmas Day in South Korea is celebrated on December 25th, not in July. However, I'll provide a description of Christmas Day celebrations in South Korea:

Christmas Day (or "Seongtan-jeol" in Korean) became a national holiday in South Korea in 1949, following the significant influence of Christianity that began with missionaries in the late 19th century. Unlike many Western countries where Christmas is deeply rooted in centuries of tradition, South Korea's embrace of the holiday is relatively recent but has evolved into a unique cultural phenomenon.

In South Korea, Christmas is celebrated more as a romantic holiday for young couples rather than a family-centered religious occasion. While Christians (who make up about 30% of the population) attend church services, many young Koreans view Christmas as a time for dating, exchanging gifts, and enjoying the festive atmosphere in cities. Shopping districts and streets are elaborately decorated with lights and Christmas trees, particularly in areas like Myeongdong in Seoul.

Korean Christmas celebrations often blend Western traditions with local customs. Christmas cakes, usually light sponge cakes with cream rather than the heavy fruit cakes of the West, are popular gifts. Many restaurants offer special Christmas dinner sets that might include both traditional Korean dishes and Western-style foods. Unlike in Western countries where December 26th often extends the holiday, Christmas in Korea is a one-day celebration.

Modern Korean society has embraced Christmas as part of its wider adoption of global culture, though with distinctly Korean characteristics. Shopping malls and department stores use the season for major sales events, and entertainment companies often schedule special Christmas-themed concerts and performances. Cities compete to create the most impressive light displays, drawing tourists from across Asia.

An interesting aspect of Korean Christmas is the absence of Santa Claus's traditional North Pole origin story. Instead, "Santa Haraboji" (Grandfather Santa) is often depicted as coming from the South Pole, and may wear blue instead of red in some representations. This adaptation shows how Korea has modified Western Christmas traditions to create its own unique holiday culture.

Compared to Western celebrations, Korean Christmas is less focused on family gatherings and religious observance, except among Christian families. While Americans and Europeans might spend the day at home with family opening presents and enjoying a traditional meal, young Koreans are more likely to be found in restaurants, cafes, or strolling through decorated shopping districts with their significant others.