The nation has joined the rest of the world in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on Sunday.

Despite the freezing weather, many headed to cathedrals and churches to attend the Christmas Eve service on Saturday night.

Cardinal Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk expressed his hopes during a traditional mass on Christmas Eve that the holidays would bring more cheer for the less fortunate - including the poor and the weak.

Cheong also said the recovery of fellowship among people is needed most in today's society.

Churches nationwide also held a wide variety of Christmas services and events to spread the holiday cheer.