Firstly at the beginning of the last month of the year, glimmers of lights begin to appear, casting a warm glow across the streets and alleyways, signaling the arrival of Christmas.
Though traditionally a holiday rooted in Christianity, Christmas in South Korea has evolved into a captivating blend of festive customs, ancient traditions, and modern flair, captivating the hearts of Koreans young and old.
As December started and went on, the excitement builds, and families eagerly await the moment they can decorate their homes and streets with brilliant displays of lights and colorful ornaments. In every neighborhood, glistening Christmas trees stand tall, adorned with twinkling lights and delicate trinkets.
From traditional wooden ornaments passed down through generations to whimsical modern designs, each decoration told a story, a representation of the joyous season.
On Christmas Eve, a delightful tradition took center stage: couples and friends flock to the city's romantic spots to celebrate "Pepero Day." Inspired by the slender Pepero cookie sticks, this day encourages the exchange of these delectable treats as a symbol of affection and friendship.
It was indeed a heartwarming prelude to the main event, bringing people closer together in the spirit of love and giving.
In the heart of Seoul, the iconic Namdaemun Market transforms into a Christmas paradise. Street vendors peddle an array of festive delights, from delectable pastries like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to intricate Christmas crafts and trinkets. As the aroma of traditional Korean dishes mingled with the scent of fresh pine, the market became a mesmerizing amalgamation of cultural heritage and Yuletide joy.
One of the most enchanting aspects of Christmas in South Korea is the way it intertwines with traditional Korean customs, particularly with the celebration of Dongji, the winter solstice. Dongji, also known as Donsol, falls on or around December 22nd, and it marks the year's longest night.
Families came together to enjoy hearty meals and exchange stories of the past year.
They also observed the tradition of eating red bean porridge called "patjuk," a dish with symbolic significance as it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year.
On Christmas Day, churches across the country resounded with the joyous sounds of hymns and carols, with beautifully decorated nativity scenes at their hearts.
While some Koreans attended church services to celebrate the religious aspects of Christmas, others embraced the holiday as a time for festivities, gift-giving, and quality time with loved ones.n0vElusb.c0m
As night falls on Christmas Day, the cityscape dazzled with a dazzling display of lights.
Different cities in the country boasted numerous enchanting light festivals, such as the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival and the Seoul Christmas Festival, drawing thousands of visitors from near and far.
The sight of the illuminated landscapes and the atmosphere of merriment created a heartwarming experience, kindling the spirit of Christmas in the hearts of everyone who gazes upon them.
In the weeks leading up to the new year, the holiday season culminates in the celebration of Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year.
Families gather once again, this time to honor their ancestors and share a traditional meal called "tteokguk," a flavorful rice cake soup.
The festivities continued with games, activities, and, of course, more gifts exchanged among loved ones.
As the winter season draws to a close the holiday season becomes a harmonious symphony of culture, customs, and camaraderie. An enchanting air that left a lasting impression on the hearts of people, fostering a sense of togetherness, love, and renewal that transcends religious and cultural boundaries, reminding everyone of the true essence of this joyous time of year.
And yet in all these moments, the one thing that was truly missed was Raith's presence. Three months had passed, it was in the middle of January and Raith was still unconscious.
The parliament had proceeded with a process to dismiss Chairman Mok Jun-Seo from office, and should he resist it, the Korean Hunters Association would be disbanded and a new governmental organization would be created to oversee the activities of the hunters and gates.
All efforts to fight them had proved futile and there was nothing Mok Jun-Seo could do about the people. He continued to protect them from the Korean government, even though it was at the expense of his job.
But even that too would not last, even if Mok Jun-Seo protected them from the people. He wouldn't be able to protect them from starvation. He had spent every dime of his, including Mok Jae-Hwa and the Rain guild resources. They have spent every dime they had to fend for approximately sixty-seven thousand adults, plus children they were eighty-two approximately.
A lot of lives were lost in the disaster, some did not make it into the Necropolis world. Therut's population had pummeled.
All that was left was all of them waiting desperately for Raith to wake up.
"If Raith does not wake up, we might not be able to protect them again." Mok Jun-Seo said. "The new Chairman of the association threatened to release an assault team made of hunters on all of them if they evacuate the country in twenty-one days." He added.
Mok Jae-Hwa looked at his father with prominent lines between his brows.
"What? What? Why are you looking at me like that?"
He lowered his gaze, "I know how much you love the association. It is your sweat and blood, everything you have ever invested is in that place. Still to let it go so easily for these people."
Mok Jun-Seo giggled, "What the hell, you are not sounding like my son."
"I'm serious. Are you just going to make a joke out of everything, in an attempt to mask your own feelings and pain?" Mok Jae-Hwa frowned.
"Brat, stop worrying about me. I am your father, I should be the one worrying about you. Isn't your guild suffering some backlash because of the decision you made?"
"It is nothing, we just had to delay launching the equipment market. But Hyungnim said it is nothing, with his new abilities he wanted more time to make even more impressive equipments."
"That is true, I did hear his skills are now even being compared to Iron Fist who emerged as the greatest blacksmith."
"Hyungnim is probably better, he said he is hiding the majority of his abilities from the other blacksmiths. He doesn't want to play by all his cards."
"Quite wise of him."
The two of them got silent and watched through the window as the elven children played with human children of Theruts.
"At first," Mok Jun-Seo started, "I was protecting these people for Hunter Raven's sake. I wondered that if he went through so much pain to bring these people here, he would be very devastated to see them scattered across the world. So, I tried to keep them here in the estate he bought before going to the gate. But now I've grown fond of them... the unity that has come to play amongst them, I have this passion to want to protect it."
"I can relate with that I guess. They are truly amazing people."
Slam!!
The door swung open and Agent Jong-Su but in a more casual outfit that wasn't a black suit shot in shouting:
"Chairman!! Hunter Raven is awake!!!"
