Lights Embroidering the Winter Night over the Hangang, Shall We Walk the Seoul Lantern Festival Together?
Introduction
When the cold air begins to paint frost on the windowpanes, warm lights slowly start to glow over Seoul’s nights as well. Along Cheonggyecheon and Uicheon, the sound of gently flowing water is joined by lanterns in many colors, opening up a quiet festival path perfect for a winter evening stroll. At the close of the year, it’s a good time to walk together, following the small lanterns that shine on each other’s hearts, and leave behind a calm, lingering afterglow.
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Recommended Accommodations
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Conclusion
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Event Name : Seoul Lantern Festival
- Dates : December 12, 2025 ~ January 4, 2026
- Hours : Daily 18:00 ~ 22:00
- Venue : Around 1, Taepyeongno 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (Cheonggye Plaza ~ Samilgyo Bridge), and along Uicheon around Ssangmun-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul (Uuigyo Bridge ~ Suyugyo Bridge)
- Admission : Free entry (some experience & sales zones are paid)
- Host / Organizer : Seoul Tourism Organization
- Inquiries : 02-3788-8168
- Official Website : http://stolantern.com
- Address : 1, Taepyeongno 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (Cheonggye Plaza ~ Samilgyo Bridge), Uicheon area around Ssangmun-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul (Uuigyo Bridge ~ Suyugyo Bridge)
- 17:30 Arrive near Cheonggye Plaza, have a simple early dinner, and take a relaxed look around the Cheonggyecheon promenade before the lights are switched on.
- 18:00 Start from Cheonggye Plaza and slowly take in the traditional hanji lanterns and light installations one step at a time as you walk towards Samilgyo Bridge.
- 19:00 Take photos at photo zones and themed exhibition sections, and enjoy visitor-participation experience zones (lantern making, hanji activities, etc.).
- 20:00 Move to the area around Uuigyo Bridge and admire the media art, air balloons, and kinetic art works along the Uicheon section (Uuigyo Bridge ~ Suyugyo Bridge).
- 21:00 Browse the sales zones such as Seoul My Soul Shop for souvenirs, and wrap up the festival mood with a warm drink.
- 21:40 Finally, walk once more through a quieter section, take a moment to reflect on the year, and head home around 22:00.
If you visit on a weekday evening, you can enjoy the festival more leisurely than on weekends or holidays.
First held in 2009, the Seoul Lantern Festival is now in its 17th year and is a representative night-time light festival in Seoul, brightening winter nights against the backdrop of Cheonggyecheon and urban streams. The 2025 festival, held under the theme “My Light, Our Dream, Seoul’s Magic,” will take place around Cheonggyecheon and Uicheon, where traditional hanji lanterns, LEDs, air balloons, kinetic art, media art, and various light sculptures will fill the city’s waterways.
The festival runs from December 12, 2025 to January 4, 2026, and is open free of charge every evening from 18:00 to 22:00. As people gather with their own stories and wishes to walk together along the light-filled paths, warm lanterns will brighten the way even in the cold air, offering quiet comfort and a flutter of excitement.
Program Information
Traditional hanji lanterns, LED lights, air balloons, kinetic art, and media art works illuminate the areas around Cheonggyecheon and Uicheon. With the waterways and cityscape as a backdrop, various lights blend together to create a fantastic night view.
Lantern sculptures made using traditional Korean hanji are installed throughout the venue, allowing you to feel a subtle, Korean-style mood along with gentle light. Perfect for families and couples to stroll slowly and appreciate.
Media art and kinetic art works that combine light, movement, and video create a more contemporary atmosphere. It’s a great place to capture scenes where the water’s surface and the lights change together in photos and videos.
Experience zones where visitors can directly participate, such as lantern making and hanji experiences, are available. It’s a good opportunity to make memories with children or create your own small light.
Different themed exhibitions and photo zones are prepared for each section, such as Cheonggye Plaza ~ Samilgyo Bridge and Uuigyo Bridge ~ Suyugyo Bridge. You can take seasonal photos in front of sculptures with distinct atmospheres.
In addition to the main works and installations, there is a sales zone where you can find goods and souvenirs. It’s a nice place to pick up a small memento at the end of your walk.
Since this is an outdoor event, it’s a good idea to prepare warm clothing and comfortable, non-slip shoes. As you’ll be walking for a long time, bringing gloves, a scarf, and other items for warmth will make your visit more comfortable.
The festival tends to be crowded on weekends and holidays, so choosing a weekday evening allows for a relatively relaxed visit. If you want to avoid crowds, try visiting right after the lights are turned on or closer to closing time.
If you shoot around the magic hour, around 18:00 when the lights come on after sunset, you can capture scenes where the color of the sky and the lights harmonize beautifully. Rather than using a strong flash, adjust the ISO and exposure time for better results.
Popular photo zones may have queues, so it’s more convenient to visit on weekdays or earlier in the evening.
Visit (Planned) Impressions
Today is November 24, 2025, just before the Seoul Lantern Festival (December 12, 2025 ~ January 4, 2026) begins. I’m excitedly making plans, looking forward to the magic of lights that’s just around the corner. This year’s Seoul Lantern Festival will unfold along Cheonggyecheon and Uicheon under the theme “My Light, Our Dream, Seoul’s Magic.” It’s said that a variety of light genres—light installations, hanji, LEDs, air balloons, kinetic art, media art, and more—will blend together to create dreamlike scenes between the night sky and the city.
I’m especially excited to hear that the Uicheon section, from Uuigyo Bridge to Suyugyo Bridge, is newly joining as a festival space, expanding the venue even further. The festival will be open free of charge, with the lights turning on in the evening along the Cheonggye Plaza to Samilgyo Bridge section and the Uicheon area, where warm lights will ripple on and on. Those lights will gently illuminate even the hidden alleys of the darkened city, likely casting a soft smile on visitors’ faces along with the warm air.
The year-end chill probably won’t have let up by then, but I imagine that very coldness will only make the warmth of the lights feel even more comforting. I’m also looking forward to the sounds I’ll hear at the festival: the murmurs of people brushing past, light laughter, the faint breeze as you pass near the installations, and the flow of time created by light and shadow. All of it will remain in my memory like a winter fairy tale. It might be nice to arrive a little earlier than usual, walk the paths before they get crowded, and then greet the moment when the lights flick on one by one. Soon I’ll be heading there myself to witness the moment when hope and magic bloom in this place.
Recommended Accommodations
The Cheonggye Plaza and Jongno areas are well connected by subway and bus routes, so choosing nearby accommodations makes it easy to get around after the festival. As you may end up walking quite a bit, it’s best to look mainly for places that are convenient for walking or transfers. The accommodations below are relatively close to the festival venues and are good for relaxing comfortably after enjoying the lights late into the night.
89, Donhwamun-ro 11ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Unni-dong, City Park)
Well located for accessing the Jongno area and convenient for linking with walks around downtown Seoul.
Close to Cheonggyecheon, making it easy to enjoy a quiet nighttime walk back on foot after the festival.
Distance: 1.4 km
76-4, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Hyoja-dong)
Close to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Seochon, making it great to enjoy hanok walks by day and the festival at night.
Located in a quiet residential area of downtown Seoul, offering a relatively calm lodging environment.
Distance: 1.6 km
33, Nangye-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hwanghak-dong)
Convenient subway access to Cheonggyecheon, with stylish interior design that leaves an impression.
Ideal for unwinding indoors and easing the fatigue of a winter night.
Distance: 3.9 km
162-7, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Seogyo-dong)
Adjacent to the Hongdae commercial district, perfect for a café tour by day and the festival at night.
Conveniently located for subway access to Cheonggyecheon, Yeouido, and other areas.
Distance: 5.3 km
16, Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeouido-dong)
Ideal for combining business and travel, with excellent access to the Hangang River and Yeouido Park.
Great for planning an itinerary that includes Seoul Cruise or Yeouido Hangang Park.
Distance: 7.1 km
26-9, Tongil-ro 78-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (Bulwang-dong, Bulwang Trevian)
Well located for linking with the Bukhansan Dulle-gil trails, allowing you to enjoy nature walks and a downtown festival together.
A comfortable base if you’re planning a nearby walking course the following day.
Distance: 7.2 km
870, Gyeongin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeongdeungpo-dong 1-ga)
A downtown business hotel near Yeongdeungpo Station, convenient for transfers to the airport and KTX.
Located at a transport hub, making it easy to combine the festival with an itinerary around various parts of Seoul.
Distance: 8.4 km
10, Yeongjung-ro 10-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeongdeungpo-dong 3-ga)
A city hotel close to the Yeongdeungpo commercial district, convenient for shopping and dining.
Easy access towards the Hangang River and Yeouido, making it ideal for planning with a Hangang nightscape.
Distance: 8.4 km
City-center accommodations can book up quickly on weekends and at year-end, so it’s best to reserve in advance.
Restaurants & Cafés
The Seoul Lantern Festival is close to the Jongno and Gwanghwamun areas, making it easy to enjoy a variety of restaurants and cafés alongside it. We recommend warming up with a hearty meal before the festival or heading to a nearby café afterward to relax and share your impressions. The restaurants and cafés below are easily accessible from around Cheonggyecheon.
17, Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Cheongjin-dong)
Located near the Jongno D Tower, ideal for after-work gatherings or a pre-festival meal.
Close to Cheonggye Plaza, so you can head straight into the festival route after your meal.
Distance: 0.2 km
17, Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Cheongjin-dong)
Serving warm shabu-shabu, it’s perfect for a hearty meal before or after the winter festival.
There may be a wait during peak times, so it’s best to plan your visit with some time to spare.
Distance: 0.2 km
35-4, Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sogyeok-dong)
A calm tea house near Bukchon Hanok Village, ideal for enjoying a leisurely cup of tea in the city.
Perfect for dropping by at a relaxed pace if you plan a Bukchon walk by day and the festival by night.
Distance: 1.4 km
854, Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Sinsa-dong)
A brunch & wine bar near Sinsa Station, great for a light meal by day and wine in the evening.
If you’re combining with a Gangnam itinerary, allow plenty of travel time before or after the festival.
Distance: 6.7 km
22, Eonju-ro 170-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Sinsa-dong)
A stylish dining spot suitable for gatherings or meals on special occasions.
Evening reservations can fill up quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.
Distance: 7.0 km
7, Sangdo-ro 34-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul (Sangdo-dong)
A place where you can enjoy both meals and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.
Ideal when you want to spend a leisurely day after the festival in a quiet neighborhood setting.
Distance: 7.7 km
42, Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)
A popular spot in the Seocho area for enjoying meat-centered meals.
If you’re also spending time in Gangnam or Seocho, it’s a good place for an early dinner before the festival.
Distance: 9.5 km
48, Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)
A barbecue restaurant offering a variety of cuts, ideal for a filling dinner.
There may be a wait during popular hours, so it’s best to allow extra time before your visit.
Distance: 9.5 km
Jongno and Gwanghwamun get crowded on weekend evenings, so it’s a good idea to check in advance if restaurants accept reservations.
Nearby Attractions
The Seoul Lantern Festival is located where you can enjoy both city and nature, making it perfect to plan a day of walking or light trekking followed by the light festival at night. If you choose just one or two nearby spots within a comfortable travel distance, your day will be richer yet still relaxed.
Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
A space in the city where you can enjoy a walk and rest in a small forest.
It pairs well with a light daytime walk followed by an evening visit to the Cheonggyecheon festival.
Distance: 3.7 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Course 19] Bukhansan Seongbuk Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/71/3526271_image2_1.jpg "Lights Embroidering the Winter Night over the Hangang, Shall We Walk the Seoul Lantern Festival Together?")
Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
A forest trail along the foot of Bukhansan, offering different scenery in each season.
In winter, be sure to bring proper gear and clothing, and finish the course before sunset for safety.
Distance: 4.9 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Course 18] Bukhansan Jongno Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/43/3526243_image2_1.jpg "Lights Embroidering the Winter Night over the Hangang, Shall We Walk the Seoul Lantern Festival Together?")
Bulwang-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
A ring trail near the city where you can enjoy both Seoul’s skyline and mountain views.
We recommend choosing only manageable sections, taking into account the weather and sunset time.
Distance: 5.6 km
231, Yeouido Hangang Park-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeouido-dong)
Take a river cruise on the Hangang to enjoy Seoul’s skyline and night views.
Combining the festival with the Hangang nightscape makes Seoul’s night feel even richer.
Distance: 5.9 km
Yongdap-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
An urban walking path lined with plum trees and seasonal plants.
When you want a quieter atmosphere than the festival, it’s a nice daytime walking course.
Distance: 6.5 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Course 20] Bukhansan Gangbuk Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/67/3526267_image2_1.jpg "Lights Embroidering the Winter Night over the Hangang, Shall We Walk the Seoul Lantern Festival Together?")
117, Hwagyesa-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (Suyu-dong)
A ring trail with Bukhansan as a backdrop, where you can feel the forest and wind up close.
If you combine it with the Uicheon section, you can enjoy both nature and the light festival in one day.
Distance: 7.5 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Course 17] Bukhansan Eunpyeong Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/41/3526241_image2_1.jpg "Lights Embroidering the Winter Night over the Hangang, Shall We Walk the Seoul Lantern Festival Together?")
B1–25, Jingwan 2-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (Jingwan-dong)
A route connecting Eunpyeong New Town and Bukhansan, where you can enjoy both city and natural scenery.
In winter, please bring safety gear such as crampons and prepare adequately for the cold.
Distance: 9.2 km
401, Mokdongdong-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (Mok-dong, Buyeong Green Town 2nd Complex)
An indoor sports-style play space where children can run around safely.
If you’re traveling with children, consider an itinerary of indoor play during the day and the festival at night.
Distance: 9.3 km
For outdoor courses in winter, temperatures can drop sharply after sunset, so it’s best to plan your schedule with some extra time.
Getting There
Public Transportation — Public transportation is the most convenient option. For the Cheonggyecheon section (Cheonggye Plaza ~ Samilgyo Bridge), you can get off at Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), City Hall Station (Lines 1 & 2), Jonggak Station (Line 1), etc., and walk to the venue. For the Uicheon section (Uuigyo Bridge ~ Suyugyo Bridge), it is recommended to use nearby subway stations and bus routes, then walk from there.
Car — Some roads near the venue may be controlled during the festival period, and parking is limited. If you must drive, it’s best to use nearby public parking lots, and if possible, use public transportation to reduce travel time.
By making use of multiple stations such as Cheonggye Plaza, Jonggak Station, and Gwanghwamun Station, you can flexibly adjust your route home.
Conclusion
The Seoul Lantern Festival is a celebration where you can slowly stroll through the winter night in the city and feel the warmth of light, water, and people all together. The traditional hanji lanterns and media art installations lining Cheonggyecheon and Uicheon gently comfort those who wish to quietly整理 their thoughts at the end of the year.
Even a short walk between the cold air and warm lights can give you the breathing room to step away from daily life and truly look at each other’s faces. This winter, follow the trail of lanterns along Seoul’s waterways and take some time to entrust your own wishes to the light.
