The Seoul Lantern Festival has Been Extended!!

Imagine strolling along a softly lit stream in the heart of Seoul, surrounded by glowing lanterns of every shape and size, from traditional hanji lanterns inspired by Korean history to playful media art and interactive light experiences all set against a winter night’s backdrop. That’s the Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제), one of our favorite events of the year!

Every winter since 2009, the Cheonggyecheon has hosted an array of beautiful lanterns to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. It blends art, culture, storytelling, and walk-around magic into one FREE open-air gallery you can enjoy with family, friends or as a cozy date night.

This year’s theme is “My Light, Our Dream, Seoul’s Magic,” and it’s divided into four different sections. Our favorite exhibit this year would have to be the special “I Love Magikarp” complete with a parade of Magikarp, a Pikachu riding a Gyardos and it’s very own theme song.

There were even two special events to participate in. The first event is a lucky draw to win either a Magikarp bungeo-ppang or a Magikarp sticker and hot chocolate packet. And the second is a wishing station where you can write your wish for the new year on a Magikarp themed tag and hang it up on the wall next to the river.

It’s super cute especially if you’re a Pokemon fan like us. And although the special “I Love Magikarp” events will be coming to a close, due to the overwhelming popularity of the festival this year, they have decided to extend the main portion of the Seoul Lantern Festival until Sunday, January 18th, 2026. So if you happen to be traveling through Seoul, don’t forget to add this to your itinerary.