Starlight Walk Tinting Gwanak Mountain’s Winter Nights: A Trip to the Gwanak Starlight Walk
Introduction
Follow the Starlight-naerincheon Stream as the winter night air slowly settles in, and a gentle warmth of light seeps through the chill. With the reflections of lights on the water and the ridgeline of Gwanak Mountain together in view, the Gwanak Starlight Walk becomes a path that places a small comma between everyday life and the changing seasons. On this path where soft white lights spread slowly like snow, you’ll find yourself quietly looking back on the closing days of the year.
Starlight Walk Tinting Gwanak Mountain’s Winter Nights: A Trip to the Gwanak Starlight Walk
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Recommended Accommodation
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Get There
- Conclusion
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Festival Name : Gwanak Starlight Walk
- Period : 2025-12-01 ~ 2025-12-31
- Operating Hours : 18:00~22:00
- Location : Starlight-naerincheon Stream, 1642-7, Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (from Sillimgyo Bridge to Bongnimgyo Bridge)
- Admission : Free
- Hosted by : Gwanak District Office
- Organized by : Gwanak Cultural Foundation
- Inquiries : 02-828-5743 (Gwanak District Office)
- Official Website : https://gfac.or.kr/
- Address Information : Starlight-naerincheon Stream, 1642-7, Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (from Sillimgyo Bridge to Bongnimgyo Bridge)
- 17:30 Exit Sillim Station through Exit 4, walk toward Starlight-naerincheon Stream, and leisurely get ready to start your walk.
- 18:00 At the “Light of Welcome” zone near Sillimgyo Bridge, enjoy the large flower-shaped lights and droplet-shaped interactive lighting, and take your first photos.
- 18:40 Walk toward Seowon Pedestrian Bridge, explore the eight spaces of the “White Magic House” one by one, and linger a while in the room that speaks to you.
- 19:30 At the “Light of Togetherness” zone near Bongnimgyo Bridge, appreciate “The Color of White” by artist Kim Chang-wan and write down a wish on the wish tree.
- 20:00 Enjoy hands-on programs and linked events with local businesses, such as stargazing, drawing classes, and a Christmas market.
- 21:30 Walk back toward Sillimgyo Bridge, take in the now-quiet night scenery, then wrap up your stroll with a late dinner or a warm drink at nearby shops.
As this is an outdoor walk on a cold winter night, it’s recommended to bring warm gear such as gloves and scarves.
Plan visits to the festival section and nearby commercial areas together to make your route more efficient.
Now in its fifth year, the Gwanak Starlight Walk is Gwanak-gu’s signature winter light festival, offering a walk-through light art experience along Starlight-naerincheon Stream (Dorimcheon Stream). The roughly 300-meter section from Sillimgyo Bridge to Bongnimgyo Bridge is decorated under the theme “White Magic,” forming a vast outdoor gallery filled with diverse light artworks created by 10 Korean artist teams.
Starting with the lighting ceremony on December 1, the festival runs every evening from 18:00 to 22:00 for a full month, sharing the first lights of winter nights with citizens. Along the starlit promenade, media art installations, interactive light pieces, and hands-on programs invite visitors not only to look, but to walk through, participate in, and connect with the art in an immersive way.
Program Information
The 2025 Gwanak Starlight Walk, held under the theme “WHITE MAGIC,” is a walk-through light festival that bathes the Starlight-naerincheon area in white light and media art. As you stroll the approximately 300-meter section lined with lights and installations, you can enjoy a unique night walk in the calm ambience of a winter evening.
In the “Light of Welcome” zone near Sillimgyo Bridge, four giant light blossoms brightly illuminate the Starlight-naerincheon area. Interactive lighting that twinkles in response to visitors’ movements and reactions creates an impressive entrance scene that announces the start of the festival.
Eight “White Magic House” spaces created by Korean artists and a 5-meter-tall “White Magic Tree” form an artistic night promenade. Different media art rooms and large-scale sculptures come together so that every step along the path reveals a new, evocative scene.
In the “Light of Togetherness” zone near Bongnimgyo Bridge, “The Color of White” by singer-songwriter and writer Kim Chang-wan is on display. Gentle light and contemplative text blend to offer visitors a quiet time to reflect on their own memories and feelings.
The lighting ceremony “Gwanak LIGHT UP!”, which marks the beginning of the festival, takes place at 18:00 on December 1, with a pre-show starting at 17:30. A marching band parade, a musical gala performance filled with messages of hope, and a citizen-participation lighting ceremony follow one after another, allowing everyone to share in the moment when the first winter lights come on.
This astronomy observation program is held in collaboration with “AAA,” the astronomy club of Seoul National University. Watching the moment when the winter night sky, starlight, and the lights of Starlight-naerincheon overlap through a telescope makes for an experience that both children and adults can enjoy together.
The hands-on drawing program “Starlight Drawing,” run together with local artists, and a Christmas market full of seasonal goods and experiences are also available. Take a break during your walk to sketch, browse small items, and extend the lingering charm of the festival.
A “Starlight Lucky Draw” prize event runs in collaboration with Sinwon Market and the Seowon-dong shopping district. Stroll through the nearby shops and market and take part in receipt-based events to enjoy both the light festival and local businesses, with a touch of good fortune.
If you arrive around the time the lights are first turned on, the crowds are relatively light, making it easier to enjoy walking and taking photos. If you want to fully feel the atmosphere of that first moment when the lights come on, it’s best to arrive before 18:00.
There are many photo spots and light installations, so bringing a tripod or portable light is a good idea. It helps you capture the details of the lights and the subtle textures of the white glow, making it easier to take memorable night photos.
The festival section blends naturally into the nearby commercial areas, so it’s convenient to plan a visit to Sinwon Market and the Seowon-dong shopping district together. Adding a meal or a bit of shopping before or after your walk makes for a well-rounded day.
Bringing a tripod or mobile light makes photographing the light artworks much easier.
Check the schedule for hands-on programs such as stargazing and drawing in advance.
If you visit Sinwon Market and the Seowon-dong shopping district as well, it’s easier to participate in receipt events.
Visit (Planned) Impressions
Today is December 11, 2025. The “Gwanak Starlight Walk” festival runs from December 1 to December 31, 2025, so we are now in the middle of the festival. I have just been there, and the warmth of the scene and the lingering glow of the lights still remain in my heart.
On a quiet winter evening, the air around Starlight-naerincheon Stream is crisp, but the warmth radiating from each light makes you stop in your tracks. Held under the theme “White Magic,” this year’s Gwanak Starlight Walk fills the approximately 300-meter stretch from Sillimgyo Bridge to Bongnimgyo Bridge with captivating media art and sculptures. Around Sillimgyo, the welcoming light created by mirror balls and large flower-shaped lights, and the droplet lights that change color when touched, stretch out along the path, making you feel as if you were walking through a fairy-tale trail.
The “Light of Art” zone near Seowon Pedestrian Bridge is full of moments when even your breathing seems to slow down. The eight media art rooms installed under the name “White Magic House”—such as the Room of Magic, Mirror of Memory, and Room of Breath—bring together quietly playing music and the rhythm of lights to transform the scene before your eyes into pure art. In the “Light of Togetherness” zone near Bongnimgyo Bridge, Kim Chang-wan’s work “The Color of White” stands at the center of the light, sending out emotional ripples like a faint smile. When you write your wishes on the wish tree, small bells ring out softly, and the year-end mood spreads thickly through the air.
The light on the rippling water under the night sky, the warm air from heaters passing between the trees, and the sound of people’s laughter all stimulate every sense. Before you know it, it’s six in the evening; as the lighting ceremony begins, the excitement in the air deepens, and until the lights go out at ten, the moments of white magic feel almost tangible. Receipt events involving local shops, neighborhood bookstores, and nearby businesses, as well as hands-on programs run by local arts clubs, also give the sense that the festival is something “we create together.”
If you’re thinking of walking the Starlight Walk today, I recommend bringing a thick coat and a warm drink. The lights are most beautiful when the soft, astonished breaths of people settle into the quiet air. I hope you’ll experience this “white magic” yourself by walking through it and feeling the small healing it brings.
Recommended Accommodation
The Starlight-naerincheon Stream area, where the Gwanak Starlight Walk is held, is well connected by subway and bus, making it easy to use accommodation in nearby areas. If you choose a place near Sillim Station, you can walk back even after the festival ends and finish your night stroll at a relaxed pace.
7, Nambu-sunhwan-ro 181-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (Sillim-dong)
Urban hotel with spa facilities near Sillim Station
Perfect for warming up in a hot spa after the festival and ending your day in comfort.
Distance: 0.4 km
315, Siheung-daero, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul (Doksan-dong)
Business hotel convenient for travel in southwest Seoul
A good transport hub if you plan to explore both Gwanak and Geumcheon areas.
Distance: 3.6 km
870, Gyeongin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeongdeungpo-dong 1-ga)
Global chain business hotel near Yeongdeungpo Station
Ideal for an itinerary that includes the Hangang River, Yeouido, and the Gwanak area.
Distance: 4.1 km
10, Yeongjung-ro 10-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeongdeungpo-dong 3-ga)
Reasonably priced accommodation near Yeongdeungpo Station and Times Square
Conveniently located for shopping and dining before heading to the Gwanak Starlight Walk.
Distance: 4.4 km
16, Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeouido-dong)
Lifestyle hotel in Yeouido’s financial and business district
A good choice if you want to enjoy both the Hangang night view and the Gwanak Starlight Walk.
Distance: 5.0 km
38-12, Nambu-sunhwan-ro 95-gil, Guro-gu, Seoul (Gaebong-dong)
Reasonably priced accommodation in the Guro–Gaebong area
Located at a good distance for combining a walk along Anyangcheon Stream with the Gwanak Starlight Walk.
Distance: 6.5 km
92-1, Yangpyeong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yangpyeong-dong 4-ga)
Stylish urban stay with spa facilities
Great for creating a relaxed one-night course that combines a Hangang River walk with the Gwanak Starlight Walk.
Distance: 6.6 km
162-7, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Seogyo-dong)
Trendy urban hotel in the heart of the Hongdae commercial district
Perfect for an itinerary that explores Hongdae and Mangwon by day and the Gwanak Starlight Walk by night.
Distance: 8.1 km
Rooms with night views can book up quickly on weekends and around year-end.
Restaurants & Cafés
Before or after your walk along Starlight-naerincheon Stream, it’s nice to visit good eateries around Gwanak, Dongjak, and Yeongdeungpo. Just one or two subway stops away, you’ll find a wide range of choices from hearty meals to atmospheric cafés, making it easy to plan a course that pairs well with a winter night light walk.
7, Sangdo-ro 34-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul (Sangdo-dong)
A meal spot where warm soup dishes and filling plates come together
A good place to stop by to warm up with a hearty meal before the festival.
Distance: 2.9 km
337-20, Omok-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (Mok-dong)
A popular Mok-dong restaurant known for its clean, light broths
A good meal stop to combine with a walk along Anyangcheon Stream.
Distance: 6.6 km
62, Mangwon-ro 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Mangwon-dong)
A Mangwon-dong bakery known for its desserts and pies
Great for a sweet course that covers Mangwon and Hongdae by day and the Gwanak Starlight Walk by night.
Distance: 8.2 km
42, Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)
A Seocho-dong grill restaurant serving quality meat
A good dinner choice if you are combining the Gwanak Starlight Walk with time in Gangnam.
Distance: 9.0 km
48, Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)
A Seocho-dong meat restaurant offering a wide range of cuts
Conveniently located when planning year-end gatherings alongside a visit to the Gwanak Starlight Walk.
Distance: 9.1 km
213, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Yangjae-dong)
An atmospheric restaurant and wine space in Yangjae-dong
Perfect for a romantic dinner followed by a date-night walk at the Gwanak Starlight Walk.
Distance: 9.6 km
3-28, Toegye-ro 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga)
A Korean restaurant with a serene atmosphere at the foot of Namsan
Worth considering if you want to enjoy downtown Seoul and the Gwanak Starlight Walk all in one day.
Distance: 9.6 km
3-28, Toegye-ro 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga)
A popular spot near Myeong-dong known for its spicy jjukkumi (baby octopus) dishes
A great choice for a spicy dinner on a day that includes sightseeing around central Seoul.
Distance: 9.6 km
There may be waiting lines during evening hours at year-end, so consider having an early dinner.
Nearby Attractions
Before or after the Gwanak Starlight Walk, consider adding nearby nature or city walking routes such as the Gwanak Mountain and Hoam Mountain trails, the Hangang River, or Anyangcheon Stream. Choose a route that isn’t too strenuous and plan your day so that you can enjoy walks and exhibitions by day and the light festival by night.
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Trail Course 12] Hoam Mountain Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/69/3526169_image2_1.jpg "Starlight Walk Tinting Gwanak Mountain’s Winter Nights: A Trip to the Gwanak Starlight Walk")
Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul
A circular trail where you can enjoy both city and natural scenery
Walk along the ridge of Hoam Mountain during the day and enjoy the light walk along Starlight-naerincheon Stream at night.
Distance: 2.3 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Trail Course 11] Gwanak Mountain Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/54/3526154_image2_1.jpg "Starlight Walk Tinting Gwanak Mountain’s Winter Nights: A Trip to the Gwanak Starlight Walk")
B3, Dongjak-daero, Dongjak-gu, Seoul (Sadang-dong)
A city trekking route along the ridgeline of Gwanak Mountain
On clear days, enjoy views over Seoul, then head to Starlight-naerincheon Stream after sunset to take in the nightscape.
Distance: 4.8 km
231, Yeouido Hangang Park-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeouido-dong)
A sightseeing boat program for enjoying Seoul’s nightscape from the Hangang River
Combine the Hangang River night views with the Gwanak Starlight Walk to make your winter light journey even richer.
Distance: 5.2 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Trail Course 14] Lower Anyangcheon Stream Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/86/3526186_image2_1.jpg "Starlight Walk Tinting Gwanak Mountain’s Winter Nights: A Trip to the Gwanak Starlight Walk")
Guro-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul
A flat riverside walking route where you can stroll along in the river breeze
Spend the day cycling or walking along Anyangcheon Stream, then move to Starlight-naerincheon Stream in the evening to enjoy the light festival.
Distance: 5.2 km
710, Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (Sinjeong-dong)
A space near Anyangcheon Stream for picnics and outdoor relaxation within the city
Enjoy a picnic during the day and a walk along Starlight-naerincheon Stream at night.
Distance: 5.7 km
40, Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Banpo-dong)
A riverside space along the Hangang for various activities and relaxation
A nice spot if you want to enjoy another winter light scene along with the night view of Banpo Bridge.
Distance: 6.4 km
401, Mokdongdong-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (Mok-dong, Booyoung Green Town 2nd Complex)
An indoor kids’ sports space where children can burn off energy
Build a family outing course with children’s activities by day and a starlight walk at night.
Distance: 7.2 km
![[Seoul Dulle-gil Trail Course 10] Umyeon Mountain Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/45/3526145_image2_1.jpg "Starlight Walk Tinting Gwanak Mountain’s Winter Nights: A Trip to the Gwanak Starlight Walk")
Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
A circular forest trail around Umyeon Mountain with city views
After a quiet daytime walk, move on to the Gwanak Starlight Walk to experience day and night landscapes of different moods.
Distance: 9.9 km
If you combine Hangang River and Anyangcheon Stream routes, you can enjoy a wide variety of night views in southwest Seoul.
How to Get There
Public Transportation — Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to Sillim Station, exit via Exit 4, and walk toward Starlight-naerincheon Stream. Several bus routes also stop nearby; from the bus stops, it’s a short walk to the festival section.
By Car — The Starlight-naerincheon area can become a congestion hotspot during the festival period, so it’s best to check and use public or paid parking facilities near the venue in advance. When using a navigation system, set your destination to “Starlight-naerincheon Stream, 1642-7, Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (Sillimgyo Bridge–Bongnimgyo Bridge).”
Check your walking route in advance from Sillim Station Exit 4 to make your visit smoother.
Conclusion
The Gwanak Starlight Walk is a festival where you can slowly savor the moment when the cold winter night air meets warm light as you walk along Starlight-naerincheon Stream. Over the 300-meter-long path, media art, interactive lighting, and artworks by various artists are densely arranged so that each time you pause, you encounter a new scene and a new emotion.
Just like its theme “White Magic,” centered on white light, the festival’s charm lies in its understated yet long-lasting impression. If you walk this path bundled in warm clothes in December, as the year comes to a close, you’ll carry home a quiet comfort and a small flutter of excitement, like the shimmering lights swaying above the calm water.
