Winter Night Walk Along Cheonggyecheon, Want to Share the Feast of Lights?
Introduction
On a winter night when the cold air brushes your cheeks, one by one the lights flickering on over Cheonggyecheon slowly turn the city’s gray tones into shades of gold. As darkness settles, the lights reflected on the water grow clearer, and in the footsteps of those strolling along the stream, the excitement of the year’s end quietly spreads.
Winter Night Walk Along Cheonggyecheon, Want to Share the Feast of Lights?
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Impressions (Planned Visit)
- Accommodation Recommendations
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Festival Name : Winter, Lights of Cheonggyecheon
- Period : 2025-12-12 ~ 2025-12-31
- Hours : 18:00~22:00
- Location : Cheonggye Plaza area, Cheonggyecheon, Jung-gu, Seoul (Address reference: 1 Taepyeong-ro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul)
- Admission : Free
- Hosted by : Kyunghyang Shinmun
- Organized by : 2025 Lights of Cheonggyecheon Organizing Committee
- Inquiries : 02-904-1159 (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
- Main Keywords : winter night light festival, light festival, Cheonggyecheon, Seoul winter outing
- 17:40 Exit Gwanghwamun Station from Exit 5 and walk over to Cheonggye Plaza to briefly look around the main installation and overall route.
- 18:00 Time your visit for the lighting ceremony and take in the moment when the cake tree and golden lights are switched on.
- 18:30 Walk from Cheonggye Plaza toward Mojeon Bridge, viewing the fairy and teddy bear installations, the large blue-and-white tree, and the polar bear and iceberg decorations in turn.
- 19:00 At the ice sculpture and ice tunnel section, take plenty of photos and try to capture the reflections of the lights on the Cheonggyecheon waterfront together with them.
- 19:30 Take a break by riding the children’s mini train or simply watching the kids enjoy it nearby.
- 20:00 Move on to a nearby restaurant or café for a light meal and tea time, then slowly enjoy the night view once more before heading home.
Arrive around 6 p.m., when the lights are switched on, to fully enjoy that moment together.
Marking its 11th year, “2025 Winter, Lights of Cheonggyecheon” is a winter night light festival held around Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul under the theme “A Winter Where Everyone Becomes One in Cozy Golden Light.” The space of lights is designed around the message of “Harmony,” where generations connect and citizens come together as one, and admission is free for everyone.
Centered on a sweet cake tree bathed in gold, charming installations such as fairies, teddy bears, and a mini train blend with media art to transform Cheonggyecheon’s winter nights into a fairy-tale scene. In the scenes created by the reflections of light on the water and the surrounding installations, visitors of all ages will be able to feel the warm sentiment of winter and small moments of happiness.
Program Information
The lighting ceremony marking the start of the festival will take place on December 12, 2025, when the golden lights, cake tree, and various installations are all illuminated at once. Visit around dusk to witness an even more impressive scene.
From December 12 to 31, 2025, various nightscape installations will be on display along the route from Cheonggye Plaza to Mojeon Bridge. The golden cake tree, fairies, teddy bears, and media art come together to turn the winter night promenade into a fantastic tunnel of light.
A “Children’s Mini Train” program will be operated for kids, making it enjoyable for families as well. The children’s laughter and excitement on the mini train running through the sparkling lights make the winter night atmosphere even warmer.
A large tree representing the blue planet Earth in blue and white will be installed. The calm tones of the lights blend with the water of Cheonggyecheon to create a gentle photo spot at the heart of the festival.
White polar bears and iceberg-shaped truss decorations create a space reminiscent of the winter sea and polar regions. The contrast between the cold-season imagery and the warm lights makes this a perfect section to take photos with children.
Round ice sculptures and an ice tunnel will be set up in the plaza so you can visually feel the icy textures of winter. As the light reflects off the ice surfaces, it creates a sparkling landscape that offers little thrills with every step.
The lights are turned on at 6 p.m. and off at 10 p.m., so it’s best to arrive around 6 and stay through the deepening darkness. Weekends can be somewhat crowded, so you may want to consider visiting on a weekday.
The viewing area from Cheonggye Plaza to Mojeon Bridge is relatively short, making it easy to walk even with children. Walk the route back and forth once at a relaxed pace to take in the atmosphere, then walk it again more slowly focusing on taking photos.
If you look around slowly once on the way from Cheonggye Plaza to Mojeon Bridge, and once again on the way back, you’ll be less likely to miss anything.
Impressions (Planned Visit)
Today is November 27, 2025. So the “Winter, Lights of Cheonggyecheon” festival has not started yet. As anticipation builds for the soon-to-open festival, I picture in advance the place I’ve decided to visit. They say the winter nights along Cheonggyecheon will soon be drenched in golden light. This year’s festival theme is “A Winter Where Everyone Becomes One in Cozy Golden Light,” with the message of Harmony at its core. When the Cheonggye Plaza area is wrapped in installations lit by warm yellow and golden lights, it feels as if the gray winter nights of the city will soften all at once.
What captivates me most are the fairy-tale scenes that will be created by the towering cake tree and the fairy and teddy bear installations. I imagine the media art sparkling as it passes through the tunnel of light, merging with the reflections on the calm waters of Cheonggyecheon to form a picture-perfect scene. I expect to feel not the sting of freezing air, but the gentle warmth of light wrapping around me. Another thing that excites me is the “Children’s Mini Train” program. I can almost hear the children’s exclamations and feel the excitement that will spread to me as they grip the small handles and ride through the train of light.
I’m also looking forward to the old eateries near the festival—Pyeongyang cold noodle restaurants, bakeries, and traditional pork cutlet shops—being woven into my route, so that I can satisfy my taste buds as well as my eyes. I can already picture myself walking through the festival grounds. The breath of the moment when the yellow lights are switched on one by one before darkness fully falls, the sound of laughter from the people gathered by Cheonggye Plaza, the quiet echo of Christmas songs through the night—may all of that be calmly recorded in my heart. I plan to prepare well so I don’t forget my camera batteries or a warm coat. I quietly hope that, in the lights of the coming winter, I can share a sentimental winter night with others.
Accommodation Recommendations
The Cheonggye Plaza area is easily accessible by subway, making it convenient to travel from accommodations across Seoul. If you choose a place to stay in nearby Jongno or Jung-gu, you can return at your leisure by walking or with a short public transit ride after viewing the lights at night.
89 Donhwamun-ro 11ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Unni-dong, City Park)
An urban hotel in the heart of Jongno, it is close to Cheonggye Plaza and ideal for night-time visits.
After viewing Cheonggyecheon, it’s easy to get here by subway or on foot, so even a late return isn’t too burdensome.
Distance: 1.4km
76-4 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Hyoja-dong)
Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, it’s perfect for a palace stroll by day and the Cheonggyecheon festival by night.
The quiet residential atmosphere makes it a good choice if you want a peaceful night away from the hustle and bustle.
Distance: 1.6km
33 Nangye-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Hwanghak-dong)
Perfect if you’d like a different vibe, with interiors inspired by a Japanese ryokan.
Convenient if you plan to reach Cheonggye Plaza by transferring between subway lines.
Distance: 3.9km
162-7 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Seogyo-dong)
Close to the bustling Hongdae area, it’s great if you want plenty of dining and entertainment options late into the night.
Well-suited for an itinerary where you travel to Cheonggye Plaza by subway.
Distance: 5.3km
16 Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeouido-dong)
Located in central Yeouido, this hotel is a good choice if you’re combining business and travel, with clean, well-kept rooms.
Ideal for an itinerary that takes in the Hangang River and the city center by subway or bus.
Distance: 7.1km
26-9 Tongil-ro 78-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (Bulgwang-dong, Bulgwang Treviang)
Near Bukhansan, it’s ideal if you want to combine city sightseeing with nature walks.
Consider it for a one-night, two-day plan with a trail walk during the day and Cheonggyecheon lights at night.
Distance: 7.2km
870 Gyeongin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeongdeungpo-dong 1-ga)
Suitable for travelers who prefer the reliable facilities and services of a chain hotel.
A good base for visiting Cheonggyecheon, Yeouido, and Yeongdeungpo using the subway.
Distance: 8.4km
10 Yeongjung-ro 10-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeongdeungpo-dong 3-ga)
Close to Yeongdeungpo Station, it offers convenient transport plus easy access to shopping and dining.
Well-suited for itineraries that take you around many major areas of Seoul.
Distance: 8.4km
Rooms can book out quickly on weekends and around the year’s end, so once your schedule is set it’s best to reserve in advance.
Restaurants & Cafés
The Jongno and Gwanghwamun areas near Cheonggye Plaza are packed with restaurants and cafés, making them perfect for meals and tea time before or after the festival. Focus on places within walking distance and choose those that best fit your route.
17 Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Cheongjin-dong)
A Chinese restaurant near Gwanghwamun D Tower, great for a warm, hearty meal.
Conveniently located for an early dinner before heading to the festival.
Distance: 0.2km
17 Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Cheongjin-dong)
A place to enjoy warm shabu-shabu, perfect for a cozy winter meal.
After dining, you can walk straight to Cheonggye Plaza and enjoy the festival right away.
Distance: 0.2km
35-4 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sogyeok-dong)
A place to enjoy tea and desserts while soaking in the calm atmosphere of hanok and Bukchon.
It naturally fits an itinerary of a Bukchon walk by day and Cheonggyecheon lights by night.
Distance: 1.4km
854 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Sinsa-dong)
An atmospheric dining café, great for brunch, wine, and more.
A good fit for days when you spend the daytime in Gangnam and move on to Cheonggyecheon in the evening.
Distance: 6.7km
22 Eonju-ro 170-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Sinsa-dong)
A stylish dining space, ideal for gatherings or special-occasion meals.
Better suited to a day you spend in Gangnam during your Seoul trip rather than on the festival day itself.
Distance: 7.0km
7 Sangdo-ro 34-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul (Sangdo-dong)
A cozy spot for brunch and casual meals, suitable for earlier time slots.
A good choice after a daytime schedule if your accommodation is in the western part of the city.
Distance: 7.7km
42 Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)
A meat-specialty restaurant recommended if you’re craving a hearty dinner.
You can use it in a course where you dine in the Gangnam area and then head to Cheonggyecheon by subway to enjoy the night view.
Distance: 9.5km
48 Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong)
A barbecue restaurant great for direct-flame grilled meats, suitable for group gatherings or family meals.
Although it’s a bit far from the festival, it’s worth considering on a day you spend around Seocho during your stay in Seoul.
Distance: 9.5km
During the year-end season, wait times at popular restaurants can be long, so consider an early dinner or visiting on a weekday.
Nearby Attractions
The area around Cheonggye Plaza offers a variety of walking routes that connect to palaces, the Bukhansan Dullegil trail, and the Hangang River. You can fill a day with nature and urban scenery by day and the lights of Cheonggyecheon by night.
Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
A forested retreat in the city where you can stroll along woodland paths and relax.
Nice for a light daytime walk; you can pair it with a nighttime visit to Cheonggyecheon as a one-day course.
Distance: 3.7km
![[Seoul Dullegil Course 19] Bukhansan Seongbuk Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/71/3526271_image2_1.jpg "Winter Night Walk Along Cheonggyecheon, Want to Share the Feast of Lights?")
Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
A Dullegil trail that follows the slopes of Bukhansan, offering different scenery each season.
You can walk the trail early in the day, then come down into the city and enjoy the Cheonggyecheon festival.
Distance: 4.9km
![[Seoul Dullegil Course 18] Bukhansan Jongno Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/43/3526243_image2_1.jpg "Winter Night Walk Along Cheonggyecheon, Want to Share the Feast of Lights?")
Bulgwang-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
A route along the ridges of Bukhansan, where you can enjoy expansive views and nature up close.
A good fit if you want a contrasting schedule of a mountain walk by day and city lights by night.
Distance: 5.7km
231 Yeouido Hangang Park-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeouido-dong)
A cruise on the Hangang River where you can enjoy Seoul’s skyline from the water.
Consider taking a sunset cruise, then heading to Cheonggyecheon to enjoy the night view afterward.
Distance: 5.9km
Yongdap-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
A street where plum trees line the urban walking path, offering different moods by season.
In spring and early summer, you can enjoy the plum trees; in winter, it’s a quiet path ideal for a tranquil walk.
Distance: 6.5km
![[Seoul Dullegil Course 20] Bukhansan Gangbuk Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/67/3526267_image2_1.jpg "Winter Night Walk Along Cheonggyecheon, Want to Share the Feast of Lights?")
117 Hwagyesa-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (Suyu-dong)
A Dullegil trail that views Bukhansan from the north, combining forest scenery with city views.
Enjoy a light trek, then continue with a quiet night walk at Cheonggyecheon in the evening.
Distance: 7.5km
![[Seoul Dullegil Course 17] Bukhansan Eunpyeong Course](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/41/3526241_image2_1.jpg "Winter Night Walk Along Cheonggyecheon, Want to Share the Feast of Lights?")
B1–25, 15 Jingwan 2-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (Jingwan-dong)
A relatively quiet walking route that loops around Bukhansan from the Eunpyeong side.
Worth considering if you’d like a relaxed schedule that takes in both Seoul’s natural and urban landscapes.
Distance: 9.2km
401 Mokdongdong-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (Mok-dong, Boo Young Green Town 2nd Complex)
An indoor sports experience space for children that adds a special highlight to family trips.
Spend the day playing indoors with kids, then head to the Cheonggyecheon light festival in the evening.
Distance: 9.3km
Since travel distances can add up, we recommend choosing just one or two main routes and exploring them at an easy pace.
Getting There
Public Transportation — Cheonggye Plaza is about a 60 m walk from Exit 5 of Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) and about 300 m from Exit 4 of City Hall Station (Lines 1 & 2). Both stations offer convenient transfers, making access easy from all over Seoul.
By Car — If you are driving, it’s convenient to use public parking lots around Cheonggye Plaza (such as Seorin Public Parking Lot). However, due to the characteristics of Cheonggyecheon and the city center, traffic congestion and long waits for parking are possible, so if you can, it’s better to prioritize public transportation.
Using Gwanghwamun Station Exit 5 leads you directly to Cheonggye Plaza and offers the simplest route.
Closing
“Winter, Lights of Cheonggyecheon” is a festival that offers a winter night stroll wrapped in cozy golden light, even in the biting cold. As you walk the short route from Cheonggye Plaza to Mojeon Bridge, the reflections on the water and fairy-tale installations soften the city’s landscape.
Since admission is free, drop by with a light heart and fully soak up the unique mood of winter—enjoying everything from the cake tree and the fairy and teddy bear installations to media art and the mini train. It’s a lovely opportunity to quietly walk through a time when light, people, and the season come together in the very heart of Seoul.
