The Art of Light Embroidering the Winter Night—Shall We Walk the Suseong Light Art Festival Together?
Introduction
At the close of the year, following the light that spreads through the cold air can feel like a gentle warmth flickering on in your heart. The festival curtain hasn’t risen yet, but just imagining the scenes of light that will soon fill Suseongmot Lake makes the winter nights feel a little more exciting. It seems like the perfect time to walk side by side with someone, look back on the past year, and share your hopes for the new one.
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Impressions (Planned Visit)
- Where to Stay
- Restaurants & Cafes
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Festival Name : Suseong Light Art Festival
- Dates : December 24, 2025 ~ January 4, 2026
- Hours : 17:00 ~ 22:00
- Venue : Suseongmot Lake, 112 Muhak-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu (Dusan-dong)
- Admission : Free
- Hosted/Organized by : Suseong Foundation for Culture and Arts
- Inquiries : +82-53-668-1504
- Festival Type : Resident-led winter light festival
- 18:00 Arrive around Suseongmot Lake and take a leisurely walk along the trail, viewing the main light installations and Suseong Light Art School works.
- 19:00 On days with the drone art show, secure a spot by the waterfront in advance and enjoy the light performance unfolding in the sky.
- 19:40 Focus on the areas with installations by professional artists—such as “Artist’s Hidden Track” and the Media Art Zone—and enjoy taking photos.
- 20:30 Take part in hands-on programs such as lantern making, writing wish notes, and the media art experience zone to create special memories.
- 21:00 Browse the Deulan Art Mall flea market for light snacks and souvenirs.
- 21:30 Take one last look at the night view of Suseongmot Lake, wrap up your stroll, and warm up with a hot drink.
On days with the drone art show, it’s best to secure a spot by the waterfront in advance.
The Suseong Light Art Festival is a winter event that greets citizens every year with a fresh theme and a wide variety of light art works. The 7th edition in 2025 will be held for 12 days from December 24, 2025 to January 4, 2026 in the Suseongmot Lake area in Daegu. Alongside works by professional artists, pieces created directly by residents will be displayed along the waterfront and walking paths.
As a firmly established resident-led festival, it features “Suseong Light Art School” works created by elementary, middle, and high school students and local residents, a drone art show that brilliantly embroiders the Suseongmot night sky, media art and experience programs, a flea market, and more, all blending together to create a delightful path of light for winter night strolls. Even in the cold air, the warm glow of the lights will make it a wonderful time to close out the year and wish for good things in the year to come.
Program Information
This is a light art education and exhibition program in which elementary, middle, and high school students and local residents participate together. The sculptures they create themselves are installed along the Suseongmot Lake trail and throughout Sanghwa Hill, allowing you to appreciate warm works filled with everyday stories.
This program presents installation works by professional artists from Korea and abroad, creating a garden of light in the darkness. Through pieces that utilize various media and forms, Suseongmot Lake transforms into an open-air gallery on winter nights.
On opening night and Christmas evening, hundreds of drones in the sky paint pictures with light in a nighttime performance. This is one of the festival’s signature programs, dazzling the Suseongmot night sky every year and making both the opening and Christmas night even more special.
This zone showcases media art works that combine light and video all in one place. Large screens, projection mapping, and other forms of media art blend with the scenery of Suseongmot Lake to create a unique nighttime landscape.
These programs include activities such as lantern making and a media art experience zone, where you can participate directly and have fun. They’re great for families, couples, and friends to make memories together.
A flea market where you can find handicrafts, small souvenirs, and simple snacks. While strolling and enjoying the lights, drop by to browse small items that carry the stories of local vendors.
A participatory program where you write down your wishes and hang them up as you close out the year. The wish notes, each bearing someone’s hopes, come together to form a shining tree that gently soothes your heart as you look toward the new year.
A docent program will be available to explain the artworks and routes of the festival. If you take your time and listen to the intentions and stories behind the works, the same scenery will feel much deeper and more meaningful.
The festival operates from 17:00 to 22:00, and the lights and artworks are at their best when it’s fully dark. You might like to arrive a bit early before sunset to get a sense of the layout, then walk the route again after dark.
On opening night and Christmas evening, when the drone art show is held, the crowds can be very large. Arrive before the show starts and secure a spot close to the water or in an area with a clear view so you can comfortably enjoy the sky performance.
The Suseongmot Lake area can feel especially cold when the wind blows. Bring plenty of winter gear—such as a thick coat, gloves, scarf, and hand warmers—and wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking for quite some time.
Because of the waterfront location, the wind chill can be quite low, so winter gear is essential.
If you view the works once in daylight and once at night, they offer completely different impressions.
Impressions (Planned Visit)
Today is December 7, 2025. This means the Suseong Light Art Festival has not begun yet and is scheduled to take place between December 24, 2025 and January 4, 2026. With the festival just around the corner, my heart is already fluttering with anticipation, and I feel as though I’m getting ready to go.
The Suseong Light Art Festival will turn the Suseongmot Lake area and Sanghwa Hill into places full of warmth, softening the biting winter air. When the light artworks crafted by local residents rise up into the night sky, even the chill at your feet and the wintry scent in the air will feel cozy under the gentle glow. In addition to professional installation works, the festival will feature “Suseong Light Art School” pieces created by elementary, middle, and high school students and local residents, each corner telling its own story.
The highlight to watch for is especially the drone art show. Thinking about the drone show that will light up the night sky at 7 p.m. on December 24 and 25, I imagine tiny lights sparkling like stars, gathering together to brighten the darkness in the distance. I’d like to stroll slowly along the photo zones set up around the festival grounds and the promenade along Suseongmot Lake, and fully take in the winter night where light, air, and people’s voices blend together.
This coming winter night, I’m hoping that people’s laughter will sparkle along with the warm lights of the Suseong Light Art Festival. I wish for it to be a festival where even the crisp cold melts away in the glow of the lights, and warmth spreads with every step you take. I look forward to standing still, facing the lights, breathing in the cold air, and truly feeling that moment.
Where to Stay
As the Suseong Light Art Festival is held at night, staying somewhere within walking distance or easy reach by public transport makes for a much more relaxed visit. From hotels near Suseongmot Lake to those with good access to downtown, choose a place that fits your distance and schedule needs.
33 Dongdaegu-ro 25-gil, Suseong-gu, Daegu (Hwanggeum-dong)
An urban-style hotel near Suseongmot Lake, located relatively close to the festival site.
It’s conveniently located whether you return by public transport or car after the festival.
Distance: 1.3 km
86 Dongbu-ro 22-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu (Sincheon-dong)
A hotel close to the Dongdaegu area with convenient access to downtown.
A good option if you’re using both the train station and bus terminal as part of your trip.
Distance: 4.4 km
891 Gachang-ro, Dalseong-gun, Daegu
Located slightly away from downtown, ideal for those seeking a quieter stay.
It’s nice to enjoy a drive after the festival as you head back there.
Distance: 4.7 km
23 Gukchaebosang-ro 123-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu (Dongmun-dong)
A city hotel ideal for enjoying Daegu’s downtown sightseeing.
Perfect if you want to combine your visit with downtown dining and shopping.
Distance: 5.1 km
6 Dongbu-ro 26-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu (Sincheon-dong)
A luxury city hotel offering premium services and facilities.
Its proximity to major transport hubs is particularly convenient for out-of-town visitors.
Distance: 5.1 km
6 Alpha City 1-ro 40-gil, Suseong-gu, Daegu (Daeheung-dong)
A hotel located in a multi-purpose cultural complex adjacent to the baseball stadium.
Great for combining city outings with performances or games.
Distance: 5.6 km
20-2 Gukchaebosang-ro 101-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
A place where you can experience traditional hanok charm right in downtown Daegu.
Ideal for enjoying the winter night atmosphere in a traditional setting.
Distance: 5.7 km
Restaurants & Cafes
There are plenty of places to enjoy a meal or tea time both around Suseongmot Lake and throughout downtown. Depending on your route, you can grab a simple meal near the lake or head into the city to enjoy a wider selection of restaurants and cafes.
21 Muhak-ro 17-gil, Suseong-gu, Daegu (Dusan-dong)
A grilled-meat restaurant near Suseongmot Lake, great for a hearty meal before or after the festival.
Within walking distance, so you won’t need to travel far on a cold winter night.
Distance: 0.3 km
9 Gachang-ro 176-gil, Gachang-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu
A restaurant that pairs well with a drive along the Gachang area route.
If you’re planning a countryside drive along with the festival, consider adding it to your route.
Distance: 4.7 km
79 Seoseong-ro 14-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu (Daean-dong)
A bakery cafe with a unique concept, great to visit along with a downtown outing.
Stop by if you’d like to enjoy light desserts after heading into the city from Suseongmot Lake.
Distance: 5.5 km
289 Apsan Sunhwan-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
Located near Apsan, it’s a good place to enjoy a meal while taking in natural scenery.
You can plan a day with a hike or walk in the daytime and the festival at night.
Distance: 5.5 km
45 Hyodong-ro 2-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu (Hyomok-dong)
Known for its clean and well-presented Korean set meals.
A good option for a relaxed dinner before the festival.
Distance: 6.3 km
79 Nobeon-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu (Nobeon-dong)
A cafe in the Siji area of Suseong-gu, ideal for a drive and a cup of coffee.
A nice place to take a break with a warm drink before or after the festival.
Distance: 7.1 km
1511 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (Yongsan-dong)
Famous for its hot seafood stew that’s perfect for warming up.
Great if you want a hearty, late-night meal after the festival.
Distance: 8.2 km
322 Hwaam-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (Daegok-dong)
A space that combines gallery vibes with a cafe, perfect for lingering in an artistic mood.
You can enjoy art here during the day and then head to the Suseong Light Art Festival at night.
Distance: 9.6 km
Nearby Attractions
Around Suseongmot Lake, Suseong-gu, Dalseo-gu, and Jung-gu are home to various cultural, educational, and historical spaces. You can plan a full-day course: visit nearby attractions during the day and enjoy the Suseong Light Art Festival after dark.
172 Dongdaegu-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu (Hwanggeum-dong)
A facility focused on creative and science education, great for visiting with children.
Enjoy hands-on programs during the day, then move on to Suseongmot Lake in the evening for the festival.
Distance: 1.9 km
Beomeo-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu
A monument honoring a historical figure, where you can briefly stop by and reflect on its meaning.
It’s a nice place to visit like a short walk while exploring the Suseong-gu area.
Distance: 3.0 km
41 Universiade-ro 11-gil, Suseong-gu, Daegu (Samdeok-dong)
A space dedicated to tea culture research and experiences.
Enjoy the subtle fragrance of tea during the day, then later immerse yourself in the light festival at night.
Distance: 5.1 km
248 Apsan Sunhwan-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (Songhyeon-dong)
A cultural space featuring experiences and exhibits themed around wood and forests.
A good course is to enjoy a nature-focused schedule during the day, then head to Suseongmot Lake for the night festival.
Distance: 5.7 km
Seongdang-dong, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
An urban forest where you can enjoy greenery in the heart of the city.
After calming your breath along the quiet forest paths, head to Suseongmot Lake at night to see its illuminated scenery.
Distance: 5.8 km
Bisan-dong, Seo-gu, Daegu
A historical and cultural village that blends old fortress walls with traditional village scenery.
Walk along stone walls and alleys during the day, then head to Suseongmot Lake for a different kind of night view.
Distance: 6.3 km
Nobeon-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu
A traditional ritual site where you can experience Korea’s ancestral rites in a quiet atmosphere.
It’s a nice addition to an itinerary exploring the eastern part of Suseong-gu.
Distance: 7.2 km
165 Munhwa-hoegwan-gil, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (Janggi-dong)
A cultural and arts-based facility supporting the publishing and content industries.
After exploring this urban cultural space, connect your schedule with the Suseong Light Art Festival for another kind of art at night.
Distance: 8.7 km
Getting There
Public Transport — Take buses Suseong 1-1, Suseong 3-1, 204, 814, 403, 410, 410-1, 449, 564, 401, 304, 405, 413, Express 2, etc., and get off at a stop near Suseongmot Lake. From Suseongmot Station on Urban Railway Line 3, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the festival grounds.
By Car — If you’re driving, parking at Hotel Susung is free for 3 hours during designated periods, and the Suseongmot public parking lot (481-7 Sang-dong) operates as a paid lot from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. During the festival period, surrounding roads may become congested, so it’s advisable to consider using public transport if possible.
Parking space may be limited, so on weekends and peak days, public transport is often the easier option.
Closing
Just imagining the path of light stretching along Suseongmot Lake on a midwinter night is enough to gently warm the heart. With works created by local residents, the drone art show, and media art, the Suseong Light Art Festival becomes a winter event that lets people feel each other’s warmth even in the cold air.
As the year draws to a close, consider spending a quiet evening walking with loved ones, reflecting on the time that has passed, and writing your wishes for the year ahead. The moment when the light spreads over Suseongmot Lake and people’s laughter mingles together will leave a lasting memory at winter’s end.
