Full of winter vibes – want to take a year-end night stroll together at Gwanghwamun Market?
Introduction
As the year draws to a close, it’s the season when warm lights seep through the cold air. Just thinking of little Santa villages being built one by one in Gwanghwamun Square makes this winter’s night walks feel especially cozy. Strolling together down streets filled with small handmade goods and sweet aromas, it would be a lovely way to slowly wrap up the year.
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Info
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Accommodation Suggestions
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Conclusion
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Event Name : Gwanghwamun Market
- Dates : 2025-12-12 ~ 2025-12-31
- Opening Hours : 17:30 ~ 21:30
- Location : 172, Sejong-daero (Basement), Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sejongno), around Gwanghwamun Square
- Admission : Free
- Host / Organizer : Seoul Tourism Organization
- Inquiries : 02-337-3692
- 17:30 Arrive at Gwanghwamun Square, take some light photos at the giant tree and main Christmas photo spots, and ease into the atmosphere.
- 18:00 Slowly browse the small business market booths for handmade goods and seasonal items, and pick out a few favorite gifts.
- 18:40 Enjoy warm snacks and drinks from the food stalls, then take a short break in a corner of the square and soak in the winter air.
- 19:10 Join the experience programs such as the Rudolph carousel and Teddy Bear Photo Studio (four-cut photos) and capture moments straight out of a Christmas fairy tale.
- 19:50 Take part in side programs like the Wishing Fountain and receipt events, quietly making small, personal wishes.
- 20:30 Take photos with Santa Claus and Christmas elves, stroll once more past the tree to enjoy the night view, and then leisurely make your way home.
Parking can get very congested, so using public transportation like the subway or bus is more efficient.
Gwanghwamun Market is a winter nighttime festival now in its 4th year, a European-style Christmas market held around Gwanghwamun Square to promote Seoul’s night tourism and support small businesses. From December 12 to 31, 2025, a Santa village straight out of a winter fairy tale will unfold in the square, filled with booths for small business owners selling Christmas-season goods and food, corporate collaboration partner booths, photo zones, and experiential event programs.
The market will feature a total of 45 small business teams by season, a 15-meter-tall tree, and 10 Christmas photo zones, along with special programs available only at Gwanghwamun Market such as the Rudolph carousel and Teddy Bear Photo Studio (four-cut photos). With gifts from Christmas elves and carousel attendants who appear only during this special season and photo sessions with Santa Claus, you can spend a day feeling like the main character in a Christmas story and create unforgettable memories in Seoul’s winter nights.
Program Info
A total of 45 small business booths will be operating, selling seasonal items such as Christmas goods, handicrafts, winter-themed accessories, and food. It’s a great place to leisurely browse modest yet heartfelt products and prepare year-end gifts and souvenirs.
Partner booths in collaboration with various companies will showcase brand-concept displays and events. Installations and lighting will create immersive spaces, making the market feel even richer and more engaging.
At the center of Gwanghwamun Square, a 15-meter-tall tree and 10 themed Christmas photo zones will be set up. You can capture photos with very different vibes by day and by night, making it a perfect place for families, couples, and friends to take “picture-perfect” shots.
A Rudolph carousel completes the Santa village concept, letting you enjoy a fairy-tale-like moment with children. The combination of lights and music adds a warm, festive atmosphere late into the night.
At the teddy bear–themed four-cut photo studio, you can capture memories of the winter night in pictures. Strike playful poses with friends or capture quiet moments with your partner to create a small keepsake you’ll want to look back on again and again.
At the Wishing Fountain, you can quietly offer thanks for the past year and hopes for the new one, and there will also be events using on-site purchase receipts. It’s easy to take part as you enjoy the market, and you might just walk away with a small gift and a bit of good luck.
Christmas elves, carousel attendants, and Santa Claus—who appear only during this special season—will roam around the square offering gifts and photo opportunities. For children, it becomes an unforgettable memory; for adults, it’s a time that brings back a sense of childlike wonder.
A range of hands-on seasonal programs will be run around the experience zone for visitors to join directly. Through simple crafts and participatory events, you can experience the market with all five senses and take home a little creation of your own as a memento.
Christmas Eve and year-end weekends are particularly crowded. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, it’s better to visit on a weekday evening or at relatively earlier hours.
The Gwanghwamun area can experience heavy traffic and parking congestion at year’s end. Using subway and bus routes will make it lighter and more comfortable to enjoy the market.
Admission is free, but market items and some experience programs may require payment. Having small-amount payment methods ready in advance will make your visit smoother.
For public transit, Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) and Jonggak Station (Line 1) are the most convenient.
As products and experiences may be paid, it’s useful to bring a small-amount payment method.
Visit (Planned) Impressions
The festival hasn’t started yet, and just imagining the soon-to-open Gwanghwamun Market makes my heart flutter a little more. When I picture the streets of Seoul in December filled with warm lights and people’s laughter, even the sharp winter air feels somehow soft and comforting.
The 2025 Gwanghwamun Market is scheduled to unfold around Gwanghwamun Square from December 12 to 31. Modest yet lovingly made handicrafts and steaming street food stalls will be waiting for visitors, and it seems like the booths will be steeped in the distinctive seasonal scents. I can almost hear the children’s laughter at the photo zones and experience zones, imagine the wooden objects and sparkling stickers coming together in harmony—just the thought of it fills me with excitement. When I do visit, I’d like to avoid the most crowded hours, quietly circle the area once, and carefully capture these moments in my eyes and in my heart.
The impression that stays with me is that this market is not just a festival, but an effort to give opportunities to local small businesses and fill Seoul’s winter nights with warmth. Looking through past photos and reviews, people say it felt like a little “Christmas village,” with alleyways bathed in light, the sound of people’s collars brushing as they pass, and warm steam rising from drinks in their hands. In the winter air I’ll soon encounter, I imagine gently picking up a small, lovingly made item or taking a bite of something warm, quietly thinking about the memories that will be embedded in that moment. Thinking about sharing those times with others, I’m already tucking away the emotions and little joys that Gwanghwamun Market will bring.
Accommodation Suggestions
To fully enjoy Gwanghwamun Market, it’s best to choose accommodation with good subway access and simple travel routes. If you stay around Jongno or City Hall, you can rest comfortably after visiting the market with just a short walk or a brief ride on public transportation.
89, Donhwamun-ro 11ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Unni-dong, City Park)
Convenient for accessing the Jongno and Jonggak area, this is a good spot to enjoy an onsen-style spa vibe in the city center.
After the market, it’s easy to get back by subway and on foot, making it a good match for nighttime plans.
Distance: 1.3 km
76-4, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Hyoja-dong)
Well located for covering Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, and Seochon, while enjoying the quiet charm of the surrounding alleys.
It’s ideal for planning daytime walks and café-hopping nearby, followed by an evening visit to Gwanghwamun Market.
Distance: 1.3 km
33, Nangye-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hwanghak-dong)
A unique stay with Japanese-style interior and a ryokan concept, perfect for those who like that aesthetic.
Take the subway to Gwanghwamun, then return here when you want to end the night somewhere quiet.
Distance: 4.0 km
162-7, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Seogyo-dong)
Close to the Hongdae commercial district, it’s great for shopping and cafés by day and city festivals by night.
You can reach Gwanghwamun by subway transfer, and the route is relatively convenient even at night.
Distance: 5.3 km
26-9, Tongil-ro 78-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (Bulgwang-dong, Bulgwang Treviang)
Located near the foot of Bukhansan, this is suitable for those who want to combine walks or hikes with their stay.
You can walk the Dulle-gil during the day and head to Gwanghwamun Market by subway in the evening.
Distance: 6.9 km
16, Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeouido-dong)
A central Yeouido hotel ideal for both business and leisure, offering views of the Han River and the city.
After visiting Gwanghwamun by subway, you can continue the year-end mood with night views along the Han River.
Distance: 7.2 km
870, Gyeongin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeongdeungpo-dong 1-ga)
Ideal for those who prefer the reliable service and clean rooms of an international chain hotel.
It offers good transport access if you plan to combine shopping in Yeongdeungpo with a visit to Gwanghwamun.
Distance: 8.5 km
10, Yeongjung-ro 10-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeongdeungpo-dong 3-ga)
Located close to Yeongdeungpo Station, it offers convenient transport and is great for combining shopping with night outings.
After visiting Gwanghwamun Market, it’s relatively easy to return here even late at night.
Distance: 8.6 km
Popular rooms can sell out quickly on year-end weekends, so advance reservations are recommended.
Restaurants & Cafés
After exploring Gwanghwamun Market, it’s nice to also enjoy the restaurants and cafés around Jonggak and Jongno. Focus on places within walking distance, and end your day leisurely with warm food and tea.
17, Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Cheongjin-dong)
Located near Jonggak D Tower, this downtown restaurant is great for meals before or after visiting the market.
Waiting times can get long at year’s end, so consider visiting as early as possible.
Distance: 0.2 km
17, Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Cheongjin-dong)
Located in Gwanghwamun D Tower, it’s perfect for warming up on a winter night with a hot shabu-shabu meal.
It’s great for a hearty meal before the market or for a late-night dinner afterward.
Distance: 0.2 km
35-4, Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sogyeok-dong)
An atmospheric tea house that suits the old streets of Bukchon, ideal for quietly enjoying a cup of tea.
Stop by during a daytime stroll around Bukchon, then head to Gwanghwamun Market after sunset—it’s a great combination.
Distance: 1.1 km
854, Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Sinsa-dong)
A stylish café and bistro space, great for brunch and desserts.
It’s a nice place to spend time in Gangnam by day, then plan an evening trip to Gwanghwamun Market.
Distance: 6.9 km
22, Eonju-ro 170-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Sinsa-dong)
A Gangnam dining restaurant with an upscale atmosphere, ideal for an elegant meal.
After a year-end gathering here, you can sync your plans with a visit to Gwanghwamun Market to enjoy the city lights.
Distance: 7.2 km
7, Sangdo-ro 34-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul (Sangdo-dong)
A casual spot serving both brunch and full meals, ideal for a relaxed dining experience.
Enjoy a leisurely meal during the day, then link it with an evening visit to Gwanghwamun Market.
Distance: 8.0 km
42, Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)
A meat-focused restaurant in Seocho-dong, perfect when you’re in the mood for a hearty meal.
You can have dinner in Gangnam and then consider heading to Gwanghwamun Market by subway.
Distance: 9.8 km
48, Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)
A meat specialty restaurant offering a variety of cuts, well suited for year-end company dinners or gatherings.
After your meal, you can enjoy the night view around Gwanghwamun and the market with just a subway ride.
Distance: 9.8 km
For light snacks near the market, it’s also nice to make use of the on-site food stalls.
Nearby Attractions
Adding a light walk or a short outing beyond the city center before or after your visit to Gwanghwamun Market can make your day feel richer. Consider planning an easy loop that combines city walks, the Han River, and nearby Dulle-gil (circular trails).
Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
A retreat slightly away from downtown where you can stroll among the trees and enjoy a quiet forest path.
Enjoy a forest walk by day and Gwanghwamun Market by night to truly feel the shift in mood over the course of the day.
Distance: 3.5 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Course 19] Bukhansan Seongbuk Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/71/3526271_image2_1.jpg "Full of winter vibes – want to take a year-end night stroll together at Gwanghwamun Market?")
Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
A Seoul Dulle-gil route along the foot of Bukhansan, perfect for fully experiencing nature within the city.
Walk the trail in the clear daylight, then continue your schedule with Gwanghwamun’s nightscape and the market in the evening.
Distance: 4.6 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Course 18] Bukhansan Jongno Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/43/3526243_image2_1.jpg "Full of winter vibes – want to take a year-end night stroll together at Gwanghwamun Market?")
Bulgwang-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
A course that runs with Bukhansan’s scenery, offering views of both the mountainscape and the city in every season.
After a day hike, adding Gwanghwamun Market in the evening lets you enjoy both an active day and a sentimental night.
Distance: 5.4 km
231, Yeouido Hangang Park-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeouido-dong)
A river cruise program where you can enjoy the city skyline from the Han River.
Take a cruise around sunset, then continue your year-end nightscape with the lights of Gwanghwamun Market.
Distance: 6.0 km
Yongdap-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
A street lined with plum trees where you can enjoy a walking path with a different charm in each season.
After a walk on the city’s outskirts, visiting Gwanghwamun Market in the evening lets you feel the contrast with its lively atmosphere.
Distance: 6.6 km
40, Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Banpo-dong)
A rest area near Banpo Hangang Park where you can enjoy both the Han River and the city skyline.
Watch the night view at Banpo Bridge, then move on to Gwanghwamun Market to enjoy two very different nighttime scenes in one go.
Distance: 7.2 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Course 20] Bukhansan Gangbuk Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/67/3526267_image2_1.jpg "Full of winter vibes – want to take a year-end night stroll together at Gwanghwamun Market?")
117, Hwagyesa-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (Suyu-dong)
A Dulle-gil trail along the ridgeline of Bukhansan, offering sweeping views of both the city and the mountains.
After the walk, head downtown to visit Gwanghwamun Market and enjoy both the warmth of nature and the city in a single day.
Distance: 7.3 km
401, Mokdongdong-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (Mok-dong, Booyoung Green Town 2nd Complex)
An indoor sports experience space where children can run and play, ideal for family outings.
Spend an energetic day with the kids here, then carry the Christmas spirit into the evening at Gwanghwamun Market.
Distance: 9.4 km
For outdoor courses in winter, the perceived temperature changes a lot around sunset, so be sure to dress warmly.
Getting There
Public Transportation — Based on the address “172, Sejong-daero (Basement), Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sejongno), around Gwanghwamun Square,” the closest stations are Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5 and Jonggak Station on Line 1. You can walk from each station exit to the square, and many blue, circular, and late-night buses stop at Gwanghwamun bus stops, so the area is very accessible by public transport alone.
By Car — You can use nearby public parking lots such as Sejongno Public Parking, but during Christmas week and on weekends, you may face heavy congestion and long waits for parking. During the year-end peak season, it’s strongly recommended to use the subway and buses instead of driving.
In cold weather, it’s safer to check the last-train and last-bus times in advance.
Conclusion
Gwanghwamun Market is a year-end nighttime festival themed around a Santa village from a winter fairy tale, bringing together a giant tree, photo zones, handicraft markets, and experience programs in one place. In the very heart of Seoul, as you encounter twinkling lights, comforting food, and carefully crafted items from small business owners, you may find your heart growing truly warm despite the cold air.
It’s the kind of place where you might drop by casually and end up staying longer than planned, so this winter, consider choosing a weekday evening or a quieter time and taking a slow walk through. Amid the lights and sounds spreading across Gwanghwamun Square and the gentle hum of laughter, it’s a good place to calmly look back on the year and quietly ready yourself to welcome the new one with a soft sense of anticipation.
