A Shimmering Autumn Night Festival Over the Han River in Guri – Shall We Walk Together?
Introduction
On a night standing on the border between autumn and winter, when darkness settles over Jangja Lake Park, the lights of the Guri Light Festival flicker on one by one, scattering stars across the surface of the lake. In the chilly air, light, music, and people’s laughter blend together to wrap the city night in a warm embrace.
A Shimmering Autumn Night Festival Over the Han River in Guri
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Where to Stay
- Restaurants & Cafes
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Event Name : Guri Light Festival
- Period : October 18, 2025 ~ December 25, 2025
- Hours : 17:30 ~ 23:00
- Location : Jangja Lake Park area, 537 Gyomun-dong, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Admission : Free
- Theme : “Jangja Lake Park, Walking Through Time in Light”
- Host : Guri-si
- Contact : 031-550-2485
- Postal Code : 11955
- 17:30 Start your walk at the entrance to Jangja Lake Park, taking in the scenery of the lake and installations before it gets completely dark.
- 18:00 Follow the “Walking Through Time in Light” trail and slowly explore the sections of illuminated artworks inspired by the legend of Jangjamot and winter fairy tales.
- 19:00 Spend some leisurely time at the photo spots and character zones, taking pictures with the lights reflected on the lake as your backdrop.
- 20:00 On weekends from the 1st to 3rd week of November, join face painting, LED fire‑swing play, and bubble experiences at the Experience Yard zone.
- 21:00 Check the schedule for related events such as the Jangjamot Festival and the Music Creative Studio Light Festival Concert and enjoy a performance.
- 22:00 Later at night when the crowds thin out, take another lap around the lakeside and soak in the quiet night view and serene glow to your heart’s content.
The Guri Light Festival, held under the theme “Jangja Lake Park, Walking Through Time in Light,” is a festival that bathes Guri’s night in magical light with a space design that weaves together the legend of Jangjamot and winter fairy tales. Against the backdrop of an urban lakeside park, various light sculptures and photo zones are installed, creating a nighttime walking route perfect for strolling while enjoying the lights reflected on the water.
On weekends from the 1st to 3rd week of November, citizen participation programs such as face painting, LED fire‑swing play, and bubble experiences are available, and related events like the Jangjamot Festival and the Music Creative Studio Light Festival Concert unfold in rich variety. Whether you visit with family, a partner, or friends, it’s one of Guri’s signature winter light festivals where everyone can come away with different memories.
Program Information
Along the walking paths around the lake, the “Walking Through Time in Light, A Path Where Memories Linger” continues. Sculptures that visualize the legend of Jangjamot and winter fairy tales glow quietly, offering an experience that feels like following one long storybook just by walking.
With the concept of “where the light festival meets everyday streets,” this area is where citizens can freely linger, chat, and take photos. The cozy atmosphere of an everyday resting place naturally blends with the excitement of the festival, making it easy to enjoy a more relaxed, stay‑type nighttime stroll.
The lighting ceremony marking the opening of the festival takes place on October 18. It’s a special moment where the entire lake and park light up at once, letting you feel the atmosphere of the light festival that follows all in one instant.
Every Saturday and Sunday from the 1st to 3rd week of November, a variety of citizen‑participation programs are offered, including face painting, LED fire‑swing play, and bubble experiences. These hands‑on activities are ideal for children, letting you move your body and feel the light and sound up close.
A festival set against the backdrop of Jangjamot is held in tandem, featuring programs that blend local stories and traditions. Performances and events that suit the lakeside setting further enrich the emotional atmosphere of the light festival.
The 2025 Light Festival Concert presented by the Guri Music Creative Studio allows you to enjoy music against the backdrop of the lake at night. Quiet walks paired with live performances make it perfect for spending an emotional evening.
The “5th Dance Feast with Guri Citizens” is held as a linked event, showcasing a variety of performances with citizen participation. Light, music, and dance come together throughout the park, adding to the festival’s vibrancy.
In connection with the “Second Half of 2025 Gyeonggi Revitalization Big Sale,” you can also enjoy supporting local businesses while visiting the festival. Before or after your nighttime walk, take a look around nearby shops and cafes and enjoy the small pleasures of local spending.
Visit (Planned) Impressions
Today is November 29, 2025, right in the middle of the Guri Light Festival period (October 18 ~ December 25, 2025). Having already experienced the festival, it’s also a moment to tuck away the scenery and feelings that will continue in the weeks ahead. Last weekend, I walked through the Guri Light Festival under the darkness draped over Jangja Lake Park. The lights surrounding the lakeside were gently reflected on the surface, creating the illusion that tiny stars were floating above the water.
In front of the photo zone where the character “Bboguri” floated as a giant balloon, children’s laughter and the sound of camera shutters mingled, deepening the night’s mood. The sweet smell of snacks drifting through the air and the warm aroma of coffee gently warmed both body and heart, even in the slightly biting cold. True to the festival theme, “Walking Through Time in Light,” the light installations scattered along the path each seemed to tell their own story, and with every step between them, the scenery appeared to change just a little.
Standing before the works inspired by the legend of Jangjamot, there was a sense of tradition and fairy tale overlapping. In interactive areas like the LED fire‑swing and bubble experiences, it felt as if the sparkle reached all the way to the children’s fingertips. Some sections were crowded on weekend evenings, but if you shifted directions once or twice along the web of paths, there came a moment when it felt as though you were walking alone with your thoughts. The contrast between the lake and the lights after the late‑afternoon sun had vanished and darkness had fully settled was especially captivating, and the need to bundle up in warm clothing was felt keenly throughout my body. I naturally found myself wanting to return a few more times before the festival ends, to meet these stories of light again at different times and from different angles.
Where to Stay
There are several accommodations within walking or short driving distance of Jangja Lake Park in Guri. If you also consider places to stay in central Guri, Gwangjin-gu, and Songpa-gu, you can balance public transport access, night views, and overall city convenience.
81-7 Angol-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do (Sutaek-dong)
A city hotel located in downtown Guri, with convenient vehicle access to the festival grounds.
It’s ideal if you want to check in at night and then take a short trip to Jangja Lake Park for the light festival.
Distance: 1.7 km
148 Cheyukgwan-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do (Gyomun-dong)
With good access to the Gyomun-dong area where Jangja Lake Park is located, it’s easy to link your stay with a casual nighttime walk.
Even if you enjoy the festival until late, it’s a relatively short trip back to your room.
Distance: 1.7 km
12 Achasan-ro 76ga-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (Gwangjang-dong)
Located in Gwangjang-dong near the Han River, with easy access to both Guri and central Seoul.
A good choice if you’d like to visit both Jangja Lake Park and major spots in Seoul using the subway.
Distance: 4.8 km
156 Dongil-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (Hwayang-dong)
An urban hotel where you can enjoy the commercial area around Konkuk University Entrance.
Well‑suited to an itinerary where you explore the Konkuk University area by day and head to the Guri Light Festival in the evening.
Distance: 7.6 km
21-12 Ogeum-ro 11-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Bang-i-dong)
A hotel in Bang-i-dong, Songpa-gu, ideal for schedules that include Jamsil and Olympic Park.
If you’re also driving, you can take in the night views around both Guri and Songpa.
Distance: 7.9 km
209 Jamsil-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Sincheon-dong)
A hotel with great views over Jamsil and upscale facilities, perfect for combining a relaxing staycation with the festival.
Both subway and car access are convenient, making it relatively easy to get to Jangja Lake Park.
Distance: 8.1 km
96 Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Seongsu-dong 2-ga)
Located near the Seongsu-dong cafe street, this hotel is great for enjoying both urban vibes and night views.
You can pair walks around Seoul Forest and the Seongsu-dong area with a separate trip to the Guri Light Festival.
Distance: 8.4 km
98 Samhaksa-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Seokchon-dong)
Located near Seokchon Lake, perfect for those who want to enjoy the lake night view together with Guri’s Jangja Lake Park.
It’s well suited to a “nighttime lake tour” where you stroll around Seokchon Lake first and then head to the Guri Light Festival.
Distance: 9.2 km
Restaurants & Cafes
With just a short trip from Jangja Lake Park, you can also enjoy cafes and restaurants in Namyangju, Nowon, Songpa, and Seongdong areas. Choose cozy cafes to stop by before or after the festival, or places that are good for a full meal, depending on your planned route.
156 Dasanjungang-ro 82beonang-gil, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (Dasan-dong)
A restaurant‑cafe style venue in Dasan-dong, ideal for enjoying both meals and desserts.
You can drive from Guri for a late‑afternoon meal before heading on to the festival grounds.
Distance: 4.3 km
608 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul (Gongneung-dong)
A space with a unique train concept and plenty of photo‑worthy spots.
It pairs well with a leisurely daytime visit here followed by an evening trip to the Guri Light Festival.
Distance: 6.2 km
342 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Bang-i-dong)
A cafe focused on desserts and coffee, great to enjoy alongside a day out around Jamsil and Bang-i-dong.
A natural fit for an itinerary that includes Seokchon Lake or Olympic Park by day and the Guri Light Festival at night.
Distance: 7.9 km
300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Sincheon-dong)
A cafe near Jamsil Lotte World Mall, ideal for a short break during a shopping trip.
It’s a good option if you want some cafe time in the city before heading to Jangja Lake Park in Guri in time for the evening.
Distance: 8.2 km
300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Sincheon-dong)
A cafe with a modern interior and a wide range of drinks, fitting well into an area bustling into the night.
Worth considering if you’d like to combine dining and cafe stops around Jamsil before or after the festival.
Distance: 8.2 km
5 Jangwol-ro 1ma-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul (Hawolgok-dong)
A cafe with a quiet neighborhood vibe, perfect for spending time in peace.
After a daytime cafe stroll, you can continue with a tranquil walk through the lights at Jangja Lake Park in the evening.
Distance: 8.9 km
12-7 Seoul Forest 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Seongsu-dong 1-ga)
A cafe near Seoul Forest, a cozy emotional space that goes well with a park stroll.
Enjoy some leisure time in Seoul Forest, then head to the Guri Light Festival in the evening to compare two very different night views.
Distance: 9.6 km
22 Muhak-ro 6-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Doseon-dong)
A cafe with refined interior design and plenty of seating, great for lingering in a laid‑back atmosphere.
After fully unwinding in the city, it’s a good course for meeting Guri’s nighttime lake with a calmer state of mind.
Distance: 9.6 km
Nearby Attractions
During the day, explore walking trails and cultural spaces in Guri, nearby Seoul, and Namyangju, then head to Jangja Lake Park after sunset to enjoy the light festival. If you plan a route that isn’t too demanding, you can fit nature, night views, and cityscapes all into a single day.
76-42 Jangja Hoseu-gil, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do (Gyomun-dong)
An experience center where you can get close to the nature and ecosystem around Jangja Lake.
Visit with the lake during the day, then return in the evening to see how the same place is transformed by the light festival.
Distance: 0.1 km
453 Achasan-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do (Gyomun-dong)
Guri’s cultural hub, hosting a range of performances, exhibitions, and other cultural programs.
Check their exhibition and performance schedule before or after your festival visit to make your day even richer.
Distance: 1.6 km
106 Sanmaru-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do (Galmae-dong)
A gently sloping walking trail along low hills, perfect for enjoying seasonal natural scenery.
Walk through the forest during the day to loosen up, then end your day with a light‑filled walk at Jangja Lake Park.
Distance: 5.2 km
681 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul (Gongneung-dong)
A UNESCO World Heritage site of Joseon royal tombs, where you can enjoy tranquil forest paths alongside historical remains.
Stroll slowly through the royal tomb forest during the day, then head to Jangja Lake Park in Guri at night for a walk with a very different mood.
Distance: 6.4 km
Yongdap-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
A street lined with plum trees and seasonal flowers, ideal for walks and photography.
It’s nice to remember the scenery of spring and early summer, then in winter visit the Guri Light Festival to feel the seasonal contrast in night views.
Distance: 8.2 km
32 Seongsui-ro 18-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Seongsu-dong 2-ga)
A complex cultural space that combines exhibitions and brand showrooms, where you can feel a trendy sensibility.
After exploring exhibitions and cafes in Seongsu-dong, move on to Jangja Lake Park in Guri in the evening for another kind of nighttime walk.
Distance: 8.3 km
17 Majo-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Haengdang-dong)
An alley packed with eateries, making it easy to find a restaurant that suits your taste.
You can have dinner here first, then head to the Guri Light Festival a bit later in the evening and still visit at a relaxed pace.
Distance: 9.1 km
273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Seongsu-dong 1-ga)
An indoor space where you can observe insects and plants together, very popular with families.
It’s a great course for enjoying nature experiences with children during the day, then continuing with another kind of light experience at the Guri Light Festival in the evening.
Distance: 9.7 km
Getting There
Public Transport — No specific transport information is provided in TourAPI. We recommend setting the Jangja Lake Park area in Guri as your destination and checking subway and bus transfer routes in a map app in advance before you travel.
By Car — Set your navigation destination to “Jangja Lake Park, Guri” or “537 Gyomun-dong, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do.” For parking availability and peak congestion times, please check announcements from Guri City or the official festival website before your visit.
Closing
The Guri Light Festival is a nighttime event that fills the darkness falling over Jangja Lake between autumn and winter with brilliant lights and stories. Illuminations rippling on the lake, light sculptures lining the walking trails, and weekend hands‑on and performance programs all come together to offer a calm, reflective time to wrap up your day.
Even without special plans, simply strolling slowly and gazing at the unfolding scenes can make it feel as though a gentle light has turned on inside you as well. Once the sun has fully set, bundle up warmly and make your way to Jangja Lake Park to walk through and listen firsthand to the story of light that Guri’s night has to tell.
