Waves of Light Over the Winter Night Han River: A Stroll Through the Hangang Festival
Introduction
The air is cold against your cheeks, and over the river, faint mist mingles with the city lights spreading out across the water. The Han River at year’s end holds a quiet yet weighty sense of excitement, naturally bringing to mind both the close of this year and the beginning of the next.
Waves of Light Over the Winter Night Han River: A Stroll Through the Hangang Festival
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Recommended Accommodation
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Conclusion
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Event Name : Hangang Festival
- Period : 2025-12-19 ~ 2025-12-31
- Hours : Vary by program.
- Venue : Banpo Hangang Park, 40 Sinbanporo 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Banpo-dong), and five major Hangang Parks (centered on Banpo, Yeouido, Ttukseom, Jamwon, and Mangwon)
- Admission : Free (some programs charged)
- Host : Future Hangang Headquarters, Seoul Metropolitan Government
- Inquiries : 02-120 (Future Hangang Headquarters, Seoul Metropolitan Government)
- 15:00 Arrive at Banpo Hangang Park and take in the winter air of the Han River as you look around the flower-filled riverside rest area.
- 16:00 Visit the photo dome and year-end photo zones to take pictures and quietly organize your memories from the past year.
- 17:00 Join hands-on programs such as the sledding hill to create short but vivid winter memories and warm up your body.
- 18:30 Stroll slowly through the Christmas market and choose gifts for yourself and your loved ones who have worked hard this year.
- 20:00 Visit Seoul Battleship Park to see the “Santa’s Secret Mission” exhibition, then walk along the riverside and enjoy the night view.
- 21:00 End the day with an on-board fireworks show, where colorful fireworks paint the night sky over the Han River.
Some programs require advance reservations or on-site registration, so be sure to check the official website.
In December, a special festival begins on the Han River, filled with both the joy of year’s end and anticipation for the coming year. At the unique, flower-filled riverside rest area, you can be the first to feel the excitement of next spring, and inside a fairy-tale-like winter photo dome, you can become the main character and capture the moment.
As night falls, a tranquil time awaits in the transparent dome, where the Han River nightscape becomes your lighting and you can reflect on the past year. Send a kite full of wishes for the coming year high into the sky, and create thrilling winter memories with sledding that brings out pure, snow-like laughter. At the Christmas market, now a signature of the winter Han River, you can enjoy choosing gifts for your loved ones. Experience Santa’s secret mission to deliver Christmas presents at Seoul Battleship Park, and finish with an on-board fireworks show that colors the cold night sky with bursts of light—together, these will let you feel the full charm of the Han River in winter.
Program Information
A sledding hill where you can dash joyfully through the snow. With the riverside view as your backdrop, you can enjoy an exhilarating sense of speed and create special memories unique to the winter Han River with family and friends.
A Christmas exhibition held at Seoul Battleship Park, themed around Santa’s secret mission to prepare presents. With photo spots and interactive elements that awaken childlike wonder in both kids and adults, you can soak in the cozy winter atmosphere.
A market that combines year-end photo zones with a Christmas-themed flea market. Wander between booths lit with lights and decorations, browse trinkets, gifts, and winter items, and take photos as you savor a romantic winter night along the Han River.
A unique riverside rest area filled with flowers where you can feel a taste of spring in the middle of winter. It’s a great place to walk or sit quietly to relax amid calm music and a peaceful mood, organizing your thoughts and resolutions for the coming year.
A festival where you write your wishes for the coming year on a kite and fly it high into the sky. Against the open sky over the Han River, you can send your kite up with the wind and share hopes and prayers for the new year.
An on-board fireworks show where colorful bursts cut through the winter air and light up the night sky over the Han River. Fireworks launched from the river blend with the city nightscape to create a spectacular finale to the year.
Some programs, such as the water play area, charge a small fee of about 1,000–3,000 won and may require advance reservations or on-site registration. Check the official website beforehand for operating status and how to apply so you can enjoy the festival more leisurely.
Popular Hangang Parks such as Yeouido, Banpo, and Ttukseom are especially crowded on weekends and during major program times. If you allow extra time in your schedule and use public transportation, you can reduce the stress of getting around and parking.
During the summer Hangang Festival, the event period was extended and safety monitoring and an online integrated control center were operated to prepare for heat waves. For the winter festival as well, pay close attention to safety guidelines and bring your own cold-weather and safety gear so you can enjoy the festival more comfortably.
For popular programs, arriving 10–20 minutes before the start time makes it easier to secure a good spot.
Visit (Planned) Impressions
Unfortunately, it is still well before the start date of the Hangang Festival (2025-12-19 ~ 2025-12-31). Perhaps that’s why I find myself imagining the cold river breeze beyond the warm-season air and quietly gathering information about the upcoming festival with a flutter of excitement. As the festival draws nearer, more vivid updates and scenes will fill in; just sketching out a route in advance and thinking of who to go with already makes this winter’s Han River feel a bit closer.
Recent news about the Hangang Festival has mostly been about programs held in the summer (7/26–8/24) and autumn (10/18–10/26). Summer was packed with water play, water sports, outdoor cinemas, and concerts, most of which were free or offered at affordable prices. Autumn focused on health challenges, yoga, concerts, and kayak/yacht experiences, creating a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere. As you follow these records, it’s easy to picture music, laughter, and quiet footsteps layering over the winter night Han River as well.
It’s not yet clear whether the December Hangang Festival will follow a similar structure to summer and autumn or introduce entirely new elements that capture the unique mood of winter. Even so, I can’t help but imagine twinkling lights in the cold air, simple warm drinks and winter snacks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor experience spaces. Once more detailed official content is released, I plan to slowly decide which park to visit, what time of day to stay, and how thoroughly to prepare for the cold. Perhaps this very period of waiting is a small part of getting ready for the festival—our own little prelude to meeting the Han River in winter.
Recommended Accommodation
The Banpo and Yeouido areas, where the Hangang Festival takes place, are well served by subway and bus lines, giving you a wide range of accommodation options. Choose a hotel close to the river to enjoy the festival until late at night and return at ease, or pick somewhere convenient for subway transfers to easily visit other Hangang Parks or downtown attractions.
7 Nambusunhwan-ro 181-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (Sillim-dong)
An urban-style hotel near Sillim Station with spa facilities and excellent access to public transportation.
It’s easy to reach the Banpo and Yeouido areas by subway, making it a good base for night walks along the Han River.
Distance: 6.1 km
610 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Daechi-dong)
A business-and-leisure hotel near COEX, convenient for both shopping and access to the Han River.
By using subway Lines 2 and 9, you can reach Yeouido, Banpo, and Ttukseom Parks directly.
Distance: 6.4 km
33 Nangye-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hwanghak-dong)
A unique Japanese-style stay in the city, ideal for a quiet retreat before or after visiting the Han River.
Great for planning a trip that includes Jongno or Euljiro, with city walks by day and Han River night views by evening.
Distance: 7.0 km
16 Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeouido-dong)
A business hotel close to Yeouido Hangang Park, perfectly located for night walks and festival viewing.
Ideal if you center your schedule around Yeouido Hangang Park, and convenient for moving on to other parks like Banpo or Mangwon.
Distance: 7.1 km
870 Gyeongin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeongdeungpo-dong 1-ga)
Located near Yeongdeungpo Station with excellent transport links, making it easy to reach Yeouido and Banpo Hangang Parks.
Especially convenient as a base for travelers using both KTX and the subway.
Distance: 7.5 km
162-7 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Seogyo-dong)
A hotel close to the Hongdae commercial district, great for combining café and restaurant hopping with river walks.
With good access to Mangwon and Yeouido Hangang Parks, you can enjoy Hongdae by day and the Han River by night.
Distance: 8.3 km
76-4 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Hyoja-dong)
A hanok-style stay near Gyeongbokgung and Seochon, perfect for travelers who want to enjoy both the city and the Han River.
Walk through Bukchon and Seochon by day, then head to Banpo or Yeouido in the evening to enjoy the Han River nightscape.
Distance: 8.5 km
315 Siheung-daero, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul (Doksan-dong)
A practical choice in the southwestern area of the city, ideal if you plan to tour both downtown and the Han River by car.
If you’re driving and plan to visit multiple Hangang Parks, this can serve as a relatively quiet accommodation base.
Distance: 9.9 km
Choosing accommodation with good access to public transportation makes it easy to get back even after enjoying the festival late into the night.
Restaurants & Cafés
The area around Banpo Hangang Park connects easily to Gangnam, Seocho, Yeouido, and Jongno, giving you a huge variety of restaurants and cafés to choose from. If you pick one or two places that fit your route before or after the festival, a warm meal and dessert can add a touch of coziness to your winter night outing by the Han River.
48 Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)
A meat specialty restaurant near Seocho Station, perfect for a hearty meal before or after your river outing.
There may be waits during dinner peak times, so consider dropping by for an early dinner before the festival or visiting on a weekday.
Distance: 3.6 km
854 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Sinsa-dong)
A restaurant and café near Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil, great for a leisurely brunch or a glass of wine.
It pairs well with a walk around Apgujeong and Sinsa, followed by a trip to enjoy the Han River nightscape.
Distance: 3.8 km
7 Sangdo-ro 34-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul (Sangdo-dong)
A restaurant with unique menu items near Sangdo Station, ideal for a relaxed meal on the south side of the river.
Plan your visit together with a trip around Dongjak or Noryangjin to enjoy a relatively quiet dining experience.
Distance: 4.2 km
213 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Yangjae-dong)
A stylish dining space near Yangjae Station, perfect for year-end gatherings or dates before heading to the Han River night view.
A recommended route is to move from Yangjae to Express Bus Terminal Station and continue on to Banpo Hangang Park.
Distance: 4.7 km
17 Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Cheongjin-dong)
A Chinese restaurant located inside the Gwanghwamun D Tower, offering upscale Chinese cuisine ideal alongside downtown sightseeing.
Spend the day exploring Gwanghwamun and Bukchon, then head to the Han River in the evening to enjoy the festival.
Distance: 7.1 km
17 Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Cheongjin-dong)
A shabu-shabu specialty restaurant perfect for the season when you crave hot broth, ideal for warming up before or after your river outing.
Located close to Gwanghwamun Station, making it easy to reach Banpo and Yeouido Hangang Parks via public transportation.
Distance: 7.1 km
35-4 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sogyeok-dong)
A combined skincare flagship store and tea house, perfect for quietly enjoying a cup of tea and some rest.
Stop by after a walk through Bukchon to relax, then move on to the Han River in the evening to take in the night view.
Distance: 8.2 km
300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Sincheon-dong)
A great spot to visit alongside shopping or performances in the Jamsil area, ideal for enjoying both the city and the Han River.
From Jamsil, take Line 9 or a bus to Banpo Hangang Park and connect two spectacular nightscapes in one route.
Distance: 9.9 km
If you pick at least one place with hot soup or a warm café, it will help keep your body temperature up before and after night walks along the river.
Nearby Attractions
If you visit nearby spots like the Seoul Dulle-gil Trail, Seoul Cruise, or Hangang Haechi Car before or after enjoying the Hangang Festival, your day will feel even richer. Choose just one or two places within a reasonable range and connect them, and you’ll be able to balance the scenery of the winter Han River with the cityscape.
40 Sinbanporo 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Banpo-dong)
A base space within Banpo Hangang Park where you can get information about the Han River and various programs.
If you stop by Haechi Car before the festival, it helps you quickly grasp Han River usage information and nearby programs at a glance.
Distance: 0.0 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Course 11] Gwanaksan Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/54/3526154_image2_1.jpg "Waves of Light Over the Winter Night Han River: A Stroll Through the Hangang Festival")
Dongjak-daero, B3 level, Dongjak-gu, Seoul (Sadang-dong)
A walking trail along the foot of Gwanaksan Mountain where you can feel both the city and nature.
Walk the Dulle-gil at a leisurely pace during the day, then head to the Han River in the evening for a quiet walk and the festival.
Distance: 3.6 km
231 Yeouido Hangang Park-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeouido-dong)
A cruise where you sail across the Han River and admire the city skyline and night view.
If you include Yeouido Hangang Park in your plans, it’s great to enjoy the cruise and festival programs back-to-back.
Distance: 5.8 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Course 10] Umyeonsan Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/45/3526145_image2_1.jpg "Waves of Light Over the Winter Night Han River: A Stroll Through the Hangang Festival")
Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
A course along the slopes of Umyeonsan where you can enjoy both forest and city views.
If your plans include the Seocho and Yangjae areas, take a light walk here and then move on to Banpo Hangang Park to continue the year-end mood.
Distance: 5.8 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Course 12] Hoamsan Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/69/3526169_image2_1.jpg "Waves of Light Over the Winter Night Han River: A Stroll Through the Hangang Festival")
Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul
A Dulle-gil trail around Hoamsan that offers different scenery with each season.
In midwinter, focus on the gentler sections and avoid pushing yourself after dark; plan to move on to the Han River once the sun sets.
Distance: 6.0 km
Yongdap-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
A street lined with plum trees, a pleasant green space for walks in the warmer months.
In winter, consider a quiet neighborhood stroll here before taking the subway to Ttukseom or Banpo Hangang Park.
Distance: 8.0 km
Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
A small forest-like retreat within the city where you can enjoy quiet walks and relaxation.
Combine it with a visit to Mangwon or Hongdae; enjoy the forest retreat by day and the Han River nightscape by night.
Distance: 9.4 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Course 9] Daemo & Guryongsan Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/39/3526139_image2_1.jpg "Waves of Light Over the Winter Night Han River: A Stroll Through the Hangang Festival")
270 Gwangpyeong-ro, B2 level, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Suseo-dong)
A Dulle-gil trail crossing Daemosan and Guryongsan, offering views of both the mountains and southern Seoul.
In winter, consider the weather and sunset times, enjoy only parts of the trail lightly, and link it with the Han River festival without overexerting yourself.
Distance: 10.0 km
If you choose just one or two attractions to pair with the Han River, you can save travel time and energy while still enjoying a relaxed schedule.
Getting There
Public Transportation — Banpo Hangang Park is about a 15–20 minute walk from either Exit 8-1 of Express Bus Terminal Station (Lines 3, 7, and 9) or Sinbanpo Station on Line 9. Yeouido, Ttukseom, Jamwon, and Mangwon Hangang Parks are also well connected to nearby subway stations and bus stops, making public transportation the most convenient option around year-end.
Car — Banpo Hangang Park has Banpo Parking Lots 1 to 3, and Parking Lot 2 is the closest to Sebitseom and the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. Parking fees are 1,000 won for the first 30 minutes, then 200 won for every additional 10 minutes, with a daily maximum of 10,000 won. On regular weekends and during fountain shows or festival periods, the parking lots become very congested, so check real-time parking availability in advance or, if possible, use public transportation for greater efficiency.
Parking congestion is expected; if you plan to drive, check real-time parking information and consider nearby public parking lots as alternatives.
Conclusion
When you imagine the lights spreading over the winter night Han River and the footsteps of people along the banks, your heart is already drawn there, even though the festival has yet to begin. Just picturing the flower-decorated rest areas and photo domes, the sledding hill and Christmas market, and the on-board fireworks show is enough to ease some of the year-end fatigue.
There may be few stages as fitting as the Hangang Festival for wrapping up the year and welcoming a new season. If you carefully check your route, transportation, and cold-weather gear in advance and walk along the Han River at your own pace, the last ten days of the year will be filled with scenes that stay with you for a long time.
Photo Snapshots
Videos
