If you’re going to be in Seoul this December or January, then the Seoul Lantern Festival definitely one spot we’d recommend visiting. It’s a fun way to spend an evening walking through the city and there are plenty of other events in the area you can enjoy while you’re out. So, without further ado…
What is the Seoul Lantern Festival?
The Seoul Lantern Festival is one of our favorite events of the year. Every winter since 2009, the Cheonggyecheon Stream has hosted a myriad of lanterns to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. The stream is lined with a display of beautiful colorful lanterns, keeping with the theme of the year.
Every year, the Lantern Festival was accompanied by the first Gwanghwamun Square Market, which is a Christmas Market composed of local small businesses. There were lots of cute handmade goods and holiday treats to snack on, so it will be really exciting to see what this year’s market will hold.
Thanks to the resounding success of last year’s festival, this year’s festivities have been folded into the 2024 Seoul Winta Festa which includes projection light shows, New Year’s Eve celebrations and two Christmas Markets.
Where is the Seoul Lantern Festival?
The Seoul Lantern Festival is returning to Cheonggyecheon Stream this year with multiple other events going on at Seoul Plaza and Gwanghwamun Square at the same time.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream (Naver Map, Google Maps)
When is the Seoul Lantern Festival?
The Lantern Festival starts on December 13th this year and is scheduled to last until January 12 of the new year. The lanterns will be lit from 6 PM to 10 PM.
Tips for the Seoul Lantern Festival
Dress Warm
The lanterns are all viewable during the day, but you’ll really want to see them at night when they’re actually lit. And with winter in full swing, you’ll want to be dressed warm especially during the icy moth of January. Padding, scarves, gloves and heat tech undergarments are all heavily encouraged, especially if you’re unaccustomed to cold weather.
Go on a Weekday
Due to the easily accessible location of the festival, expect crowds no matter the day. However, we do recommend going on weekday as the crowds tend to be a bit more manageable. The weekends tend to draw larger groups of friends and families, so it can be a bit more chaotic.
Don’t Miss the Gwanghwamun Square Market
The Gwanghwamun Square Market has a lot of interesting booths with handmade goods and snacks from local small businesses. Every since the first year of the market, the city has done a better job of setting up lines and crowd control. Occasionally the lines can be very long, but it’s totally worth it.
Go Ice Skating at Seoul Plaza
As part of the 2024 Seoul Winta Festa, Seoul Plaza will be converted into a public ice skating rink. Helmet and skate rentals are 1,000 KRW per person (0.80 USD), so there’s really no reason not to go. Make sure to visit the kiosk by the rink to reserve your time slot. Check out our post on the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink here.
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It looks like, from past photos, that the light displays change every year? Amazing photos! It’s nice how you give tips for staying comfy in the weather. I kinda skip the food posts as I am plant based. But your lil Fam, out enjoying v the sites is awesome.