Soft and cozy winter vibes at the 2025 Romantic Hangang Christmas Market – shall we take a walk together?
Introduction
On a winter night when the cold wind seeps in along the Han River, it is the season when the lights spreading over the water slowly deepen in color. As December draws to a close, a small Christmas market filled with warmth and excitement is getting ready to open at Ttukseom Hangang Park. It’s the perfect time to put daily life on pause for a moment and slowly wander between trees and lights, sharing the soft and fuzzy winter air together.
Soft and cozy winter vibes at the 2025 Romantic Hangang Christmas Market
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Impressions (Planned Visit)
- Where to Stay
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Conclusion
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Event Name : 2025 Romantic Hangang Christmas Market
- Dates : 2025-12-19 ~ 2025-12-25 (7 days)
- Opening Hours : 14:00 ~ 21:00
- Location : Jabeolle and the area under Cheongdam Bridge at Ttukseom Hangang Park (2202 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul)
- Admission : Free (some hands-on programs may vary depending on on-site conditions)
- Theme : Winter Playground
- Highlights : Photo zones, food zone, market zone, etc.
- Hosted/Organized by : Future Hangang Headquarters, Seoul Metropolitan Government
- Inquiries : 070-5149-5313 (Future Hangang Headquarters, Seoul Metropolitan Government)
- 14:00 Enter near the Jabeolle at Ttukseom Hangang Park and take one lap around the entire venue to grasp where the photo zones, performances, and experience areas are located.
- 15:00 Before sunset, take plenty of photos at the main photo zones decorated with lights and trees and at spots with a nice view of the Han River.
- 16:00 Stroll slowly through the market zone, browse Christmas accessories and handicrafts, and leisurely pick out items to give as gifts.
- 17:30 Move over to the food zone, sample winter snacks and foods from around the world, and enjoy a light dinner while taking in the Han River sunset.
- 19:00 Join one of the daily hands-on programs themed around crafts or plants, or, if there’s a performance on the “Elf’s Stage,” grab a nearby seat and enjoy.
- 20:00 On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, enjoy the special performances, then end the day with a slow walk along the Han River promenade under the lights.
Crowds may be heavy on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so using public transportation is recommended.
Because it’s outdoors and under a bridge, it can feel much colder than the actual temperature, so bring simple winter gear like a scarf and gloves.
The “2025 Romantic Hangang Christmas Market” is a winter festival held for just seven days during the Christmas season at the Jabeolle and the area under Cheongdam Bridge in Ttukseom Hangang Park. With the theme “Winter Playground,” photo zones, a food zone, and a market zone line the riverside, creating a setting that suits families, friends, and couples alike. At the photo zones filled with lights and trees, you can take pictures with your companions and turn the end of the year into lasting memories.
In the food zone you can enjoy everything from classic winter snacks to diverse dishes from around the world, while in the market zone you’ll find warm, handcrafted items like Christmas ornaments and other handmade goods. In addition to daily hands-on programs, special performances are planned for Christmas Eve and Christmas night, making the winter nights along the Han River feel even more romantic.
Program Information
Various photo zones made up of lights and trees are set against the backdrop of the Han River. During the day you can capture views where the river and Cheongdam Bridge blend together, while at night you can take photos with a completely different mood centered on the lights and tree decorations.
The food zone offers everything from winter snacks to dishes from around the world. Enjoy warm drinks and light meals, and use the area like a small picnic spot to fend off the Han River’s chill.
In the market zone selling Christmas accessories and handicrafts, you can find decorations and gift items that enhance the year-end mood. Take your time browsing through a variety of themed goods, including Santa and tree ornaments, and choose your favorites.
Daily hands-on programs are held with themes such as crafts and plants. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy making things with children or to feel the winter night ambiance through small, hands-on activities.
Performances such as a children’s choir and the Haegeum Salon band will help set the Christmas mood. In particular, special performances are planned for Christmas Eve and Christmas night, offering an unforgettable winter evening paired with the night view of the Han River.
At the “Elf’s Stage” set up inside the market zone, a variety of performances take place. It’s like a small street performance venue where you can naturally enjoy music and shows even while shopping in the market.
If you arrive a bit before the event officially starts, it’s easier to secure good spots in areas with photo zones and performances. Especially if you want to experience the moment from dusk to when the lights come on, it’s best to allow extra time.
Since special performances are scheduled for Christmas Eve and Christmas night, visitor numbers may be higher. If you’re planning to go on those days, use public transport to reduce travel time and enjoy the festival more comfortably.
The venue is outdoors and under Cheongdam Bridge, so it tends to be windy and the temperature can fluctuate significantly. If you plan to stay for a long time, prepare simple winter gear like thermal wear, a scarf, and gloves to keep your body warm.
It’s best to secure a spot near the stage 10–15 minutes before the performance begins.
Hands-on programs may have limited materials, so checking the time slots in advance will be helpful.
Impressions (Planned Visit)
It’s still December 7, 2025, just before Christmas, and I can already feel my heart flutter at the thought of visiting the “2025 Romantic Hangang Christmas Market” soon. Since the market is scheduled to run from December 19 to 25 at the Jabeolle and the area under Cheongdam Bridge at Ttukseom Hangang Park, at this moment—when the winter chill still feels rather gentle—I can’t help but picture in my mind the warmth and lights that will soon fill the winter nights. While waiting for the market to open, I find myself imagining what kind of scenery and atmosphere will unfold there, and a smile naturally spreads across my face.
With the theme of a “Winter Playground,” this festival feels like it will be a space where photo zones that look like something from a fairy-tale village, warm snacks in the food zone, and handicrafts lining the market zone all blend together. I can almost feel the slight cold wind under trees embroidered with lights, smell the toasty scent of roasted sweet potatoes and the sweet aroma of hot chocolate tickling my nose, and hear the laughter and chatter of friends and couples around me like carols filling the air. I especially imagine the time at dusk, when the silhouette of Cheongdam Bridge and the reflections of the lights on the water come together under the evening glow; I really want to capture that moment with my eyes and my camera.
Since admission is free and it’s open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., it seems like there’s plenty of time to enjoy it at a relaxed pace from before sunset until the night view is fully settled in. With certain hands-on programs and performances prepared as well, I’m looking forward not just to watching but to feeling the winter spirit with my whole body. As the market zone promises Christmas accessories and handicrafts, and the food zone offers everything from winter snacks to international dishes, I’d like to soak in the contrast between the soft daylight and the warm glow of the evening lights. If I go with someone, I imagine bringing a big blanket to share on a winter night, holding a warm drink to thaw our hands, and strolling along the Han River at an easy pace.
Where to Stay
Ttukseom Hangang Park, where the market is held, is conveniently connected to several areas including Gangnam, Seongdong, and Jung-gu, giving you a wide range of accommodation options. If you want to enjoy both the Han River and the city center, stay in the Gangnam or Jamsil area; if you’re planning to combine the market with sightseeing around central Seoul, accommodations near Myeong-dong or Jongno are also great choices.
610 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Daechi-dong)
A hotel near COEX with great access to both shopping/business and the Han River.
It’s about a 20-minute subway ride from the market, making it easy to stay out until late.
Distance: 2.4 km
33 Nangye-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hwanghak-dong)
A stylish accommodation where you can feel a ryokan-like, overseas atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Perfect if you want to enjoy sightseeing in central Seoul before or after visiting the market.
Distance: 5.6 km
11 Usadan-ro 14-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Itaewon-dong)
A cozy stay close to the Itaewon commercial district, ideal for enjoying restaurants and cafés.
Well suited to itineraries that combine city explorations by day and the Han River market by night.
Distance: 6.2 km
22 Wangsan-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (Sinseol-dong)
A co-living style accommodation featuring shared lounges and community spaces.
A good fit if you’re visiting alone or combining the market with a longer stay.
Distance: 6.2 km
334 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Gwanghui-dong 2-ga)
An urban co-living space close to the Dongdaemun fashion and shopping district.
Ideal if you want to enjoy late-night shopping along with the Han River market.
Distance: 6.3 km
52 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga)
A city hotel where you can enjoy both Namsan and the Myeong-dong shopping district.
Convenient when planning a market visit in conjunction with major tourist attractions in Seoul.
Distance: 8.3 km
89 Donhwamun-ro 11ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Unni-dong, City Park)
A city hotel with spa facilities, perfect for ending the day in warmth and comfort.
Great for itineraries where you’d like to unwind and rest cozily after the market.
Distance: 8.5 km
148 Cheyukgwan-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do (Gyo mun-dong)
A practical choice located in Guri on the outskirts of Seoul, convenient if you’re driving.
Considering weekend traffic, this is useful when traveling around the Han River and the greater Seoul area by car.
Distance: 9.8 km
Hotel rooms on year-end weekends can sell out quickly, so advance reservations are recommended.
Restaurants & Cafés
The Gangnam, Sinsa, and Jamsil areas near Ttukseom Hangang Park are full of restaurants and cafés that are perfect to visit before or after the market. After soaking in the winter air by the Han River, it’s a nice idea to end the day with a warm meal or dessert to warm yourself up.
22 Eonju-ro 170-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Sinsa-dong)
A modern dining space located in one of Sinsa-dong’s atmospheric alleys.
Great if you want to have a meal in Gangnam before or after visiting the market.
Distance: 2.7 km
854 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Sinsa-dong)
A café and dining spot famous for brunch and desserts, with a relaxed and charming atmosphere.
Perfect for enjoying a warm meal and coffee during the day before heading to the market.
Distance: 3.3 km
300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Sincheon-dong)
A restaurant and café space perfect to enjoy along with shopping and night views in the Jamsil area.
It goes well with an itinerary that combines Lotte World Tower and the Han River market.
Distance: 3.9 km
48 Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)
A meat specialty restaurant in Seocho-dong, ideal for a hearty meal.
Suitable if you’d like to move to southern Seoul after the market and enjoy dinner there.
Distance: 5.2 km
213 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Yangjae-dong)
A cozy place to enjoy wine and snacks, ideal for quiet conversations.
Perfect when you want to unwind after a stroll at the market in a relatively calm setting.
Distance: 5.9 km
17 Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Cheongjin-dong)
A stylish dining restaurant located in Cheongjin-dong, Jongno.
Perfect for a romantic dinner paired with city night views.
Distance: 8.9 km
17 Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Cheongjin-dong)
A place to enjoy hot shabu-shabu, perfect for warming up in winter.
A great option if you’d like to end the day with a meal in downtown Seoul after feeling the chill of the Han River.
Distance: 8.9 km
35-4 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sogyeok-dong)
A tea house and flagship store where you can enjoy tea in a Bukchon hanok ambiance.
Connect a daytime Bukchon walk with an evening visit to the Han River market for a sentimental travel course.
Distance: 9.4 km
On year-end evenings there may be long waits, so it can help to move your mealtime a bit earlier than usual.
Nearby Attractions
If you explore the Seongdong, Gangnam, Yongsan, or Seocho areas before or after visiting the Han River market, your day will feel much richer. By adding city walking trails, exhibitions, and café spaces, your trip can expand from a simple festival visit into a full-fledged winter outing in Seoul.
Yongdap-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
An inner-city walking street that offers a different atmosphere each season.
Take a light stroll before heading to the market and create a route that leads naturally to the Han River.
Distance: 3.9 km
41 Daesagwan-ro 11-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Hannam-dong)
A Hannam-dong lifestyle space where galleries and cafés blend harmoniously, great for relaxed strolls and browsing.
Connect a daytime walk through Hannam-dong’s alleys with night views at the Han River market.
Distance: 5.7 km
![[Seoul Trail Course 9] Daemo & Guryongsan Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/39/3526139_image2_1.jpg "Soft and cozy winter vibes at the 2025 Romantic Hangang Christmas Market – shall we take a walk together?")
270 Gwangpyeong-ro, underground, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Suseo-dong)
A mountain trail relatively close to the city, ideal for breathing in the crisp winter air.
Plan an active day with a light hike during the day and the Han River market in the evening.
Distance: 5.8 km
40 Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Banpo-dong)
A Han River–related facility in Banpo Hangang Park, great to enjoy together with the night view.
If you’d like to see a different side of the Han River than Ttukseom, visit both areas at different times of day.
Distance: 6.9 km
![[Seoul Trail Course 10] Umyeonsan Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/45/3526145_image2_1.jpg "Soft and cozy winter vibes at the 2025 Romantic Hangang Christmas Market – shall we take a walk together?")
Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
A walk-friendly course near the city, perfect for quiet contemplation along a winter forest path.
Walk the trail early in the day, then head to Ttukseom Hangang Park at dusk to enjoy the market.
Distance: 7.3 km
7 Sinheung-ro 36-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Huam-dong)
A complex cultural space where you can enjoy both art and relaxation, with exhibitions and a café combined.
Spend the day at exhibitions and strolling the alleys of Huam-dong, then experience the Han River market’s night views afterwards.
Distance: 7.6 km
11 Seongchon 4-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Umyeon-dong)
A quaint space surrounded by nature, ideal for feeling a sense of calm outside the city center.
Stop by when you want to pair the city lights with a quieter winter landscape.
Distance: 8.0 km
![[Seoul Trail Course 11] Gwanaksan Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/54/3526154_image2_1.jpg "Soft and cozy winter vibes at the 2025 Romantic Hangang Christmas Market – shall we take a walk together?")
3 Dongjak-daero, underground, Dongjak-gu, Seoul (Sadang-dong)
A course along the foot of Gwanaksan where you can enjoy both a winter hike and city views.
If you plan to visit the Han River market after a hike, bring sufficient winter gear and adjust your schedule according to your stamina and condition.
Distance: 9.5 km
Around sunset, pick a spot with a good view facing the Han River and take your time there.
Getting There
Public Transportation — The Jabeolle at Ttukseom Hangang Park and the area under Cheongdam Bridge, where the event is held, are accessible via Ttukseom Resort Station on Subway Line 7. From the station, follow the signs toward Hangang Park on foot to reach the venue.
By Car — If you are driving, you can use Ttukseom Parking Lots 1 and 2 near the north end of Cheongdam Bridge and the Jabeolle. However, depending on the event and parking operations, the lots may fill up; public transportation is strongly recommended, especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
If the parking lot is full, it may be difficult to find additional parking nearby, so please use public transportation whenever possible.
Conclusion
With lights spreading across the Han River, winter air, and the sound of people’s laughter all mingling together, the “2025 Romantic Hangang Christmas Market” feels like a small playground encapsulating the essence of year’s end. For a short span of seven days, photo zones filled with lights and trees, a food zone where you can taste warm snacks and dishes from around the world, and a market zone brimming with heartfelt handicrafts transform the riverside into a special Christmas village.
Strolling slowly with someone dear, taking photos, and enjoying performances and hands-on programs will create winter nights that linger in your memory for a long time. Pack a thick coat, gloves, and a warm heart, and make your way to Ttukseom Hangang Park.
Photo Snapshots
Videos
