A Forest of Drawings Coloring the Winter Night City: Travelogue of the Seoul Illustration Fair V.20
Introduction
As the winter night air slowly thickens, there comes a time in the heart of the city when drawings sparkle instead of lights. The Seoul Illustration Fair V.20 is a place where countless colors and lines pile up layer by layer to grow like a small forest—an exhibition that feels like a promise making you look forward to this winter.
A Forest of Drawings Coloring the Winter Night City: Travelogue of the Seoul Illustration Fair V.20
Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Accommodation Recommendations
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Get There
- Conclusion
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Event Name : Seoul Illustration Fair V.20
- Dates : December 25 (Thu) – December 28 (Sun), 2025
- Hours : 10:00 – 18:00 (last admission 17:00)
- Venue : COEX Hall C (513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul / Samseong-dong)
- Admission : Adults 15,000 KRW / Youth (ages 8–19) 9,000 KRW / Children (up to age 7) free
- Organizer : OC Makers
- Inquiries : 02-2602-8602 (OC Makers)
- Re-entry : Same-day re-entry allowed during the exhibition period
- Official Information : Please check the website or call for detailed ticket prices, programs, and admission rules.
- 10:00 After entering COEX Hall C, first pick up the exhibition floor map and artist list and mark the booths you’re interested in.
- 11:00 Take your time exploring the main exhibition hall and popular domestic and international artist booths, enjoying drawing, graphics, storytelling, and motion works.
- 13:00 After lunch, check the time slots for the “Salon:in SIF” artist talks and move to match the session you want to attend.
- 15:00 Focus on on-site events like live drawing, mascot performances, and photo zones—take photos and soak up the atmosphere.
- 16:00 Visit the overseas participant booths and goods zone to explore global illustration trends and a wide variety of merch all in one place.
- 17:00 Up until one hour before closing, revisit any booths you missed and make your final selections of artworks and goods to purchase.
Same-day re-entry is available, so plan your route with plenty of leeway.
The Seoul Illustration Fair is Korea’s largest illustration exhibition, bringing together around 700 artists and over 70,000 visitors each edition. Creators from a wide range of fields—drawing, graphics, storytelling, motion, and more—participate to present their own artistic worlds, offering a place where you can experience the full current of illustration in one venue.
At this Seoul Illustration Fair V.20, popular, actively working artists such as Ko Juyeon, Noma, Sogeumi, Ice Hongsi, Gaji, and Minimoni will be joined by emerging artists unveiling new work. Around 50 booths of international participants will also take part, giving visitors the chance to encounter global illustration trends while enjoying natural, face-to-face exchanges between artists and audience.
Program Information
At the artist talk program “Salon:in SIF,” artists and visitors gather in one place to share thoughts on their working philosophy, collaboration know-how, and everyday concerns. A different lineup of artists is scheduled for each day, so you can listen to your favorite artist’s stories up close.
Photo zones and event areas set up throughout the venue let you take pictures against unique illustrated backdrops and installations. Various themed photo spots will be available throughout the exhibition, making it easy to capture memories of your visit.
In the linked exhibition section for <The Poster Busan 2025>, you can view all the selected poster works at a glance. Through posters that blend illustration and graphic design, you can feel a sense of connection with another city.
In the hands-on “Draw Your Own Ice Cream” program, visitors can enjoy simple drawing by creating their own illustration with ice cream as the theme. It’s an easy, lighthearted activity suitable for both children and adults.
At select booths and in program zones, artists will hold live drawing sessions, creating works right on site. You can watch the piece come to life before your eyes and vividly observe the artist’s hand movements and working process.
Character mascot performances inspired by illustrated figures are another fun highlight you’ll encounter along the viewing route. You can take photos with adorable characters and feel the atmosphere of the event become even more lively.
Since on-site admission is restricted one hour before closing, it’s best to visit in the morning or arrive with plenty of time to spare. If you want to join the popular programs, try to get to the venue a little earlier than the scheduled start time.
The “Salon:in SIF” artist talks may operate on a first-come, first-served or pre-registration basis. Check the official announcements in advance for registration methods and schedules so you don’t miss the sessions you want.
As re-entry is possible, if you plan to combine the fair with other activities, check how re-entry works (such as wristbands) in advance. You can easily plan a route where you visit nearby malls or cafés and then return to the exhibition hall afterward.
Since re-entry is allowed, feel free to take a break and then enjoy the exhibition again.
Visit (Planned) Impressions
Today is December 10, 2025. The Seoul Illustration Fair V.20 (December 25–28, 2025) has not yet begun, and I’m getting ready to go with a flutter of excitement as the festival draws near. The time for illustrations as heart-thrumming as spring, unfolding at COEX Hall C, is almost here. I imagine that as I step through the entrance to the exhibition hall, colorful posters and goods will beckon under sparkling lights, and the scent of color will softly fill the air.
When the morning sunlight slips in through the window cracks, I imagine the drawing lines and canvas textures, carrying each artist’s breath, will feel even clearer at every booth. People’s voices, the scratch of pencils, even the smell of ink spreading—everything will remain in my memory like a single scene. I’ve already checked basic information like ticket prices and location, and I’ve noted that the viewing hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with admission closing one hour before the end.
Thinking about the exhibition at COEX Hall C, I feel that light clothing and comfortable shoes will be the most reliable companions for the day. The organizers are still working on the program composition, but in my mind it’s already sketched out: artist booths, live drawing, goods shops, and chance encounters steeped in the ambience of the venue. When the day comes, I look forward to the warmth of the time my fingertips and gaze rest on each work, and I hope to calmly record that sense of wonder after I return.
Accommodation Recommendations
The area around COEX Hall C, where the Seoul Illustration Fair V.20 takes place, offers plenty of hotels and other accommodation, making it easy to get around before and after your visit. From Gangnam-area hotels within walking distance to downtown hotels reachable in 20–30 minutes by public transportation, you can choose according to your preferences and schedule.
610 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Daechi-dong)
A city hotel convenient for both business and leisure near COEX
Within walking distance after the exhibition, making it easy to stay out until later in the evening.
Distance: 0.6 km
11 Usadan-ro 14-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Itaewon-dong)
A stay where you can enjoy both Itaewon’s commercial area and Han River views
Great for exploring restaurants and cafés around Itaewon after visiting the exhibition.
Distance: 6.1 km
33 Nangye-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hwanghak-dong)
An atmospheric stay with an exotic feel in the middle of the city
Perfect for a quiet rest in a tranquil setting after a lively day at the fair.
Distance: 6.9 km
334 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Gwanghui-dong 2-ga)
A community-style stay with shared lounges and workspaces
Ideal for continuing the inspiration from the exhibition with laptop work or journaling.
Distance: 7.3 km
22 Wangsan-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (Sinseol-dong)
A stay well-suited to long-term visits and slow city living
A good option if you have a flexible schedule and plan to explore various parts of Seoul.
Distance: 7.7 km
38 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Chungmuro 1-ga)
A lifestyle hotel where you can enjoy Myeongdong shopping and city night views
Perfect for combining the exhibition with a stroll around Myeongdong the following day.
Distance: 8.8 km
52 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga)
A hotel offering views of both Namsan and the city skyline
If you love cityscapes, consider checking in around the time when the night view begins to appear.
Distance: 8.8 km
89 Donhwamun-ro 11ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Unni-dong, City Park)
A healing-style city hotel equipped with spa facilities
Great when you want complete relaxation and to unwind from the fatigue after the exhibition.
Distance: 9.5 km
Rooms can book out quickly on weekends and around year-end.
Restaurants & Cafés
Around COEX you can also enjoy restaurants and cafés in the Gangnam, Sinsa, and Songpa areas that are perfect to visit before or after the fair. Subway and bus access is convenient, so you might like to plan separate courses for lunch, dinner, and dessert based on your route.
22 Eonju-ro 170-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Sinsa-dong)
A dining space that captures the cozy alley vibe of Sinsa-dong
Nice for an evening meal combined with a stroll around Sinsa-dong after the exhibition.
Distance: 2.7 km
854 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Sinsa-dong)
A café and bistro perfect for brunch and desserts
Well suited for a leisurely morning before the fair or an afternoon dessert break.
Distance: 3.1 km
42 Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)
A meat restaurant for a hearty, meat-centered meal
A good option for a dinner gathering around Seocho Station after visiting the fair.
Distance: 3.4 km
48 Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)
A popular Seocho-dong restaurant with a variety of meat dishes
If you’re visiting with a group, it also works well as a spot for a group meal.
Distance: 3.4 km
213 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Yangjae-dong)
A place near Yangjae Station where you can enjoy meals with wine and drinks
If you’re driving, it’s easy to combine COEX with a visit to the Yangjae area in one route.
Distance: 3.9 km
300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Sincheon-dong)
A restaurant and café near Jamsil Lotte World Mall
A relaxed dining option when planning the fair together with a visit to Jamsil.
Distance: 4.0 km
17 Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Cheongjin-dong)
A Chinese dining restaurant near Gwanghwamun D Tower
Good for a lunch while exploring the Jongno area the day after the exhibition.
Distance: 9.7 km
17 Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Cheongjin-dong)
A restaurant where you can enjoy a warm shabu-shabu meal
Perfect for warming up with a meal after visiting the fair in the winter.
Distance: 9.7 km
On weekend evenings, there may be a wait, so visiting a little earlier is more convenient.
Nearby Attractions
Centering on COEX, the Han River, walking trails, and city-view spots are all within reach, making it easy to plan light outings along with the fair. Choose a manageable distance to walk in the morning and afternoon, or save some places to visit on another day.
![[Seoul Trail Section 9] Daemo–Guryongsan Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/39/3526139_image2_1.jpg "A Forest of Drawings Coloring the Winter Night City: Travelogue of the Seoul Illustration Fair V.20")
Underground 270, Gwangpyeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Suseo-dong)
A Seoul Trail course where you can feel both the city and surrounding mountains
A good half-day option for a light hike before or after the exhibition.
Distance: 4.7 km
![[Seoul Trail Section 10] Umyeonsan Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/45/3526145_image2_1.jpg "A Forest of Drawings Coloring the Winter Night City: Travelogue of the Seoul Illustration Fair V.20")
Seocho-gu, Seoul (Yangjae-dong)
A course featuring an easy-going forest trail
Ideal for spending part of a day clearing your head in nature.
Distance: 5.1 km
Yongdap-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
A walking path where you can enjoy plum trees and the changing seasons in the city
Nice for a brief, quiet stroll when you want a different, more tranquil atmosphere from the fair.
Distance: 5.7 km
41 Daesagwan-ro 11-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Hannam-dong)
A spot in Hannam-dong, an area full of galleries and cultural spaces
Great for an “art walk,” combining the fair with nearby cafés and shops.
Distance: 5.8 km
40 Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Banpo-dong)
A space near Banpo Hangang Park where you can enjoy river views
Perfect for catching the breeze along the Han River after the fair, especially at sunset and night.
Distance: 5.9 km
11 Seongchon 4-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Umyeon-dong)
A peaceful spot at the foot of a mountain
A good place when you want to step away from the bustle of the city fair and spend some quiet time.
Distance: 6.0 km
7 Sinheung-ro 36-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Huam-dong)
A café and cultural space with views over Huam-dong’s hillside streets
Ideal when you want a cozy, atmospheric time combined with a walk around Namsan.
Distance: 7.9 km
![[Seoul Trail Section 11] Gwanaksan Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/54/3526154_image2_1.jpg "A Forest of Drawings Coloring the Winter Night City: Travelogue of the Seoul Illustration Fair V.20")
Underground 3, Dongjak-daero, Dongjak-gu, Seoul (Sadang-dong)
A walking course along the foothills of Gwanaksan near the city
Best saved for a separate day when you want to spend an entire day immersed in nature, apart from the fair schedule.
Distance: 7.9 km
The Han River and Namsan areas are especially beautiful for photos around sunset.
How to Get There
Public Transportation — By subway, you can enter COEX Mall and the COEX exhibition halls directly from Exit 5 or 6 of Samseong Station (Line 2) or Exit 7 of Bongeunsa Station (Line 9). For buses, it’s convenient to use the nearby stops in front of COEX East Gate, in front of the Trade Center, and in front of the Grand InterContinental Hotel; blue trunk buses 146, 333, 341, 360, 740 and various green and village buses serve the area.
By Car — Set your navigation destination to “513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul” or “COEX” to access COEX underground parking via the East Gate GATE or West Gate GATE, among others. Traffic around the venue may get congested during the event period, so we recommend checking your parking location and entry route in advance and allowing extra travel time.
If parking congestion is expected, consider using public transportation first.
Conclusion
The Seoul Illustration Fair V.20 is like a vast forest of drawings created together by hundreds of artists and tens of thousands of visitors in the winter city. The drawings, graphics, stories, and motion works filling COEX Hall C will showcase, at a glance, the many faces of illustration.
If you arrive a bit early to map out your route at leisure and make use of re-entry to divide your time between the exhibition, nearby walks, and meals, the day will linger even more richly in your memory. It’s well worth slowly looking forward to this time of colors and lines that will fill your winter nights.
