Founding

The St Andrew’s Society of Seoul was founded in 1976, making us among the younger Societies in Asia.

Creating Traditions

From 1945 to 1982, South Korea had a strict midnight to 4am curfew, which if violated resulted anywhere from a being charged with a fine to being arrested by police. A radio broadcast would announce the looming deadline at 10pm to remind residents to go home for the evening and be off the streets. This resulted in a unique night life culture that rings true in South Korea today, and our St Andrew’s Ball is no exception! Then and now, The St Andrew’s Society of Seoul hosts our ball until 4am, but not before a full-service, cooked breakfast after a night of dancing!

The COVID Years

We, along with other Societies around the world, endured the COVID-19 pandemic, from March 2020 to January 2023, in which all events were cancelled to abide by the national social distancing guidelines at the time. After the dust settled post-pandemic, many of our usual event attendees returned to their home countries or moved abroad during this time. Eager to return to celebrating Scottish culture, the society rebuilt relationships with members and guest attendees, as well as renewed partnerships with organizations and sponsors to keep the Scottish spirit alive.

Present Day

With the advent of social media, it’s easier than ever to be exposed to Scottish culture - and it’s becoming more and more popular every year. From travel videos, ceilidh dancing, bag pipers, whisky, the most recent World Cup qualifying - Scottish culture is celebrated and beloved around the world and we hope to continue to celebrate through the ups and downs of the “trend cycle”.

The first St Andrew’s Society, was founded in Edinburgh and has since grown into an international, non-profit oraganization celebrating Scottish heritage.

Early groups were founded primarily as friendly societies or other mutual-aid societies, pooling financial contributions to provide post-immigration and other assistance to members and their families, invest in Scottish-owned businesses, provide scholarships for descendants, etc. In more modern times, most have branched into, or primarily focus on, organising social, cultural, and arts activities. These activities can range in formality from casual to black tie, and can include events such as Burns Night, ceilidhs (dances), whisky tastings and the St Andrew’s Day Ball.

You can find out more about our annual events here.

No! We are happy to include people of any nationality to join us in celebrating Scottish culture! (This includes wearing a kilt!)

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The dates 25 January and 30 November are special and celebrated by the people of Scotland and the Scottish diaspora worldwide.

Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, was born on 25 January 1759. He is a pioneer of the Romantic movement and, through his poetry and songs, chronicled life in Scotland in the mid 1700’s. He is loved by all Scots for his humour and love of life.

St Andrew’s Day is Scotland’s National Day, taking place each year on 30 November. St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus.

St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus.

St Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter and one of the first disciples of Jesus Christ. He became the Patron Saint of Scotland around the middle of the 10th century and has been celebrated for over 1000 years. However, it wasn’t until 1320, when Scotland’s independence was declared with the signing of The Declaration of Arbroath, that he officially became Scotland’s patron saint.

St Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s National Day, is celebrated on 30 November in Scotland and by Scots around the world.