Seoul Sculpture Festival: Shall we immerse ourselves in the art of light and space?

Introduction

When the city breeze and the afternoon light linger on a sculpture, Seoul sparkles with emotion. As the seasons change, shifting shadows, colors, and even people’s footsteps become part of the work, slowly tinting the day.

Guide
Program Guide
Impressions (Visited/Planned)
Where to Stay
Restaurants & Cafes
Nearby Attractions
Getting There
Closing
Photo Snapshots
Videos
Related News

Guide

Basic Information

Event — Seoul Sculpture Festival
Dates — 2025-02-17 ~ 2025-12-31
Hours — 10:00–19:00
Venues — Across Seoul
Address — 110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (Taepyeongno 1-ga)
Admission — Free (some paid)
Hosted/Organized by — Seoul Metropolitan Government; Museum Division, Seoul Metropolitan Government
Inquiries — 02-2133-4234

Official Website
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Suggested Itinerary

10:00 Start near an exhibition site downtown, and quickly check today’s route using on-site signs and the map.
11:00 Visit the International Competition finalists first and use the on-site QR to mark your favorites.
13:30 After lunch, head to the outdoor invitational (senior and mid-career artists) and take your time with textures and shadows.
15:00 Move to a private-partnership exhibition point and compare sculptures across diverse media.
16:30 Join hands-on programs (like Sculpture Playground) to experience interaction between works and space.
18:00 As the sun sets, watch the changing light on outdoor works and wrap up your day.

Venues are spread out — plan your route
Bring a smartphone for on-site QR voting
Main programs run intensively during specific periods

About

This festival turns all of Seoul into an “open-air gallery,” bringing sculpture into everyday life. Through exhibitions across the city and citizen-participation programs, artists present experimental shows beyond museums and into varied spaces, while citizens enjoy high-quality works as if strolling through them.

Starting with an opening at Ttukseom Hangang Park, connected exhibitions continue in public spaces like Seoul Botanic Park, Boramae Park, and Dream Forest, presenting around 100 works through the International Competition, an Artistic Director’s curated invitational, private-sector collaborative shows, and more. With performances and participatory programs, Seoul becomes a living, breathing open museum.

Program Guide

Seoul Sculpture Award — International Competition (Finals)

Under the theme “Vibrant Seoul: The Flutter of a Butterfly’s Wings,” 14 finalist works are on display. The Grand Prize winner is selected by combining 50% on-site citizen QR voting and 50% expert evaluation, and the winning work will be exhibited at Noeul Park for three years.

Artistic Director’s Curated Exhibition

Twenty-two works by ten senior and mid-career artists are installed outdoors. Compare the formal qualities, materials, and site-specific contexts of sculpture in one place.

Private-Sector Collaborative Exhibition

A 55-work exhibition developed with private partners. Participants like the Korea Sculptors Association and Crown Haitai Art Valley organically connect citizens, artists, and spaces.

Hands-on & Participatory Programs

Centered at Ttukseom Hangang Park, enjoy experiences like “Sculpture Playground” and “I’m a Sculptor Too.” Side programs include community-built sculptures, performances, and talk concerts.

Visiting Tips

Exhibition points are spread across multiple locations. Check each site’s location and hours in advance. A planned route makes for a richer visit.

Visiting Tips

You can vote via on-site QR codes, so bring your smartphone and a power bank. A simple note app can sharpen your viewing experience.

Visiting Tips

Main exhibitions and experiences cluster during certain periods, which helps with program participation. To avoid crowds, visit early.

On-site QR voting
Reserve ahead · Visit early during peak periods
Check hours by location

Impressions (Visited/Planned)

Today is November 1, 2025. The Seoul Sculpture Festival (2025-02-17 ~ 2025-12-31) is in full swing, and I’ve already been. I can still feel the warm sunlight, the sculptures’ shadows, and the earthy scent carried by the breeze lingering in my memory.

I loved that I could stroll through outdoor sculptures installed across Seoul—Ttukseom Hangang Park, Seoul Botanic Park, Boramae Park, and more. With exhibitions and programs continuing into the second half of the year, I followed the light filtering through the rose garden by day and enjoyed the glow of artworks at night. In particular, the evening air from the Han River seeping past works in the series “Wind Path,” and the sunset settling on the grass around the sculptures, filled me with calm.

The participatory elements also stood out. I scanned QR codes on the labels to vote for my favorite works, and it felt as if sculptures and people were conversing. I recommend following how harmony deepens among artworks, nature, and space as the seasons turn. Slow your pace at dusk—your photos will catch a warmer grain of light.

Where to Stay

Because the exhibitions span the city, I chose accommodations with good subway access and easy transfers. Pick one or two hubs along your route for a relaxed visit.

메모리스테이 효자

76-4 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Hyoja-dong)

Easy access to Gyeongbokgung and downtown · Quiet residential area

It’s convenient to ask in advance about luggage storage before check-in.

[Distance: 1.9 km]

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Call

스테이 패스포트 신당 료칸

33 Nangye-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hwanghak-dong)

Close to the subway · Easy city travel

Please check late-night check-in instructions in advance.

[Distance: 3.9 km]

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더휴식 아늑호텔 홍대점

162-7 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Seogyo-dong)

Access to Hongdae district · Convenient public transit

Allow extra time for check-in during peak hours in the shopping area.

[Distance: 5.2 km]

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글래드 여의도

16 Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeouido-dong)

Great for mixed business/exhibition routes · Convenient transport

If parking, check fees in advance.

[Distance: 6.9 km]

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글로리 인 연신내

26-9 Tongil-ro 78-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (Bulgwang-dong, Bulgwang Treviang)

Good for northern routes · Quiet stay

Plan your route with transit transfer times in mind.

[Distance: 7.5 km]

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페어필드 바이 메리어트 서울 호텔

870 Gyeongin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeongdeungpo-dong 1-ga)

Near a transport hub · Suited for business routes

Expect queues during peak check-in times.

[Distance: 8.2 km]

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아늑호텔 영등포점

10 Yeongjung-ro 10-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeongdeungpo-dong 3-ga)

Close to transit and shopping · Solid essentials

Given parking congestion nearby, public transit is recommended.

[Distance: 8.2 km]

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더휴식 심도 호텔 앤 스파 신림역점

7 Nambusunhwan-ro 181-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (Sillim-dong)

Spa facilities · Convenient for the southwest

Check spa hours and reservation availability.

[Distance: 9.9 km]

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Check check-in/check-out times in advance
Choose bases with good public transit access

Restaurants & Cafes

Focused on places walkable from or one subway stop away around Gwanghwamun and Myeong-dong. From light bites to hearty meals before or after viewing, pick along your route.

윤슬숯불구이 명동본점

19-3 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Myeong-dong 2-ga)

Charcoal grill · Korean BBQ

There may be a wait during peak hours.

[Distance: 0.8 km]

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손정보쌈

24 Samil-daero 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Gwancheol-dong)

Wrap set menu · Korean

We recommend visiting outside the lunch rush.

[Distance: 0.8 km]

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복이당

3-28 Toegye-ro 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga)

Korean · A quality meal

For dinner, check if reservations are available.

[Distance: 0.9 km]

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명동쭈꾸미

3-28 Toegye-ro 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga)

Spicy stir-fried webfoot octopus · Quick turnover

Check the spice-level options.

[Distance: 0.9 km]

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우모크

22 Eonju-ro 170-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Sinsa-dong)

Modern Japanese-inspired · Stylish plating

Check reservation availability in advance.

[Distance: 6.8 km]

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웅파이 망원점

62 Mangwon-ro 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Mangwon-dong)

Desserts & bakery · Pairs well with a stroll

Allow for takeout wait times.

[Distance: 6.8 km]

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도정육관

42 Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)

Aged & grilled · Premium Korean beef

For peak dinner times, reservations are recommended.

[Distance: 9.2 km]

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고깃집열

48 Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)

Charcoal grill · Meat specialist

For groups, inquire about seating in advance.

[Distance: 9.3 km]

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Visit outside the lunch rush
Choose areas that fit your route

Nearby Attractions

Pick places near exhibition points or linked by subway and enjoy them like a light stroll. Considering travel time, choose two or three to take in at a relaxed pace.

Yeonhui Forest Rest Area

Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Greenery in the city · A pleasant place to pause

It’s quieter in the afternoon than at midday.

[Distance: 3.8 km]

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[Seoul Trail Route 19] Bukhansan Seongbuk Course

Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Stroll-friendly trail · Forest views

Start with gentle sections for an easy walk.

[Distance: 5.2 km]

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[Seoul Trail Route 18] Bukhansan Jongno Course

Bulgwang-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

Ridge views · Four-season walk

Prepare gear according to the weather.

[Distance: 5.9 km]

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[Seoul Trail Route 16] Bongsan · Aengbongsan Course

Jeungsan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

Charming forest path · City views

You can also choose a partial section instead of the full route.

[Distance: 6.4 km]

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Hadong Plum Street

Yongdap-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Seasonal blossoms · Stroll point

Visit after checking the bloom period.

[Distance: 6.4 km]

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[Seoul Trail Route 20] Bukhansan Gangbuk Course

117 Hwagyesa-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (Suyu-dong)

Scenic spots · Ridge views

Allow ample time to descend before sunset.

[Distance: 7.8 km]

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키즈런스포츠파크 목동점

401 Mokdongdong-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (Mok-dong, Buyeong Green Town 2nd)

Family activity space

Check hours and age guidelines.

[Distance: 9.2 km]

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[Seoul Trail Route 17] Bukhansan Eunpyeong Course

B15-25 Jingwan 2-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (Jingwan-dong)

Nature–city edge trail

Bring water and light snacks.

[Distance: 9.4 km]

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Pick just two or three and take your time
Use golden-hour light around sunset for photos

Getting There

Public Transit — Ttukseom Hangang Park is near Ttukseom Recreation Area Station or Ttukseom Station (Line 7). Seoul Botanic Park is at Magongnaru Station (Line 9 & AREX), and Boramae Park is convenient via Boramae Park Station (Lines 7 & 2). Using 110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (Taepyeongno 1-ga) as a reference, nearby stations include Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Jonggak Station (Line 1), and Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Lines 1, 3, and 5).

By Car — Parking is likely congested by location, so public transit is recommended. When approaching downtown, transfers to bus or taxi are also useful.

Parking may be crowded by location — public transit recommended
Check transfer routes and travel time in advance

Closing

Across Seoul, open-air galleries bring together light, wind, and human movement with the artworks. In the easygoing atmosphere unique to outdoor city exhibitions, following the textures and shadows of sculpture at a slow pace naturally reveals the warmth of art that seeps into daily life.

Since venues are spread out, even a light route plan and a smart choice of time can heighten the depth of your visit. Don’t miss the moment the sun sets, and walk at your own pace.