Once upon a time, in a cozy little house in Korea, right next to a beautiful ancient temple called a 사원, lived a sweet 8-year-old girl named Ji-yeon and her loving dad, whom she called Appa. The temple's golden bells chimed softly in the winter wind, and snowflakes danced like tiny fairies outside their window. Ji-yeon and Appa didn't have a big family, but they had each other, and that made every day special.
It was Christmas Eve, and Ji-yeon was so excited she could hardly sit still. "Appa, do you think Santa will come all the way to Korea?" she asked, her eyes sparkling like the holiday lights they had hung on their small tree. Appa smiled and ruffled her hair. "Of course, my little star. Santa knows no borders. He's magic, just like the stories from the temple about kind spirits who bring joy."
They spent the evening baking gingerbread cookies shaped like hanboks, the pretty traditional Korean dresses Ji-yeon loved so much. Ji-yeon dreamed of wearing a real one someday, with bright colors and silky fabric that swirled when she twirled. But Appa worked hard at his job, and fancy things like that were saved for special times. As the night grew quiet, Appa tucked Ji-yeon into bed with a warm hug. "Sweet dreams, Ji-yeon. Tomorrow will be wonderful," he whispered.
That night, while the moon shone over the 사원 and its peaceful gardens, something magical happened. Santa Claus, with his jolly laugh and sleigh pulled by reindeer, landed softly on their rooftop. He had heard Ji-yeon's wish from far away. Quiet as a mouse, he slipped down the chimney and left a special gift under the tree—a beautiful hanbok, shimmering in pink and gold, with delicate flowers embroidered on the sleeves.
In the morning, Ji-yeon woke up to the sound of temple bells ringing like a Christmas carol. She ran to the tree and gasped in delight. "Appa! Look! Santa brought me a hanbok!" Appa pretended to be surprised, but his eyes twinkled with joy. Ji-yeon put on the hanbok right away, spinning around the room as it flowed like a dream. They laughed and danced, then shared cookies with their neighbors at the 사원, where everyone admired her new dress.
That Christmas was the best ever because it wasn't just about the gift—it was about the love between Ji-yeon and Appa, wrapped in magic and tradition. From then on, every time Ji-yeon wore her hanbok, she remembered that Santa's kindness, like Appa's hugs, could make any day feel like a holiday.
And they lived happily ever after. Goodnight, sweet dreams!