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01 Seoul Lantern Festival



Calling all holiday lovers! The Seoul Lantern Festival is back and more dazzling than ever. This year marks the 16th edition of this iconic nighttime light festival, and guess what? It's returned to its original home—Cheonggyecheon Stream.  

This year, the festival, under the theme SOUL LANTERN: Play with the Light of Seoul, transforms the city into a wonderland of creativity and enchantment. Over 200 breathtaking light installations illuminate the winter night, casting a magical glow along the water. Sculptures featuring landmarks from Seoul and around the world, along with 'HECHI and friends', and more are planned for creation. These intricate works, which embody the charm of Seoul, each tell a unique story that is sure to leave you in awe.



But it’s not just about admiring the lights. You can dive into the festive fun by joining hands-on experience programs! A variety of D.I.Y. activities such as making Christmas LED ornament, snowman mood lantern, Santa Claus mood lantern, small cutting board, flower embroidery, mini hand mirror, and flower Norigae key rings are prepared. Participation is easy and affordable, with fees ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 won. You can quickly sign up on-site, making it simple to join without any hassle.

Seoul Lantern Festival Seoul Goods Pop-up Store

● Period: Dec. 13, 2024 (Fri) - Jan. 12, 2025 (Sun)

● Operating Hours: 18:00 - 22:00

● Location: 9, Namdaemun-ro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (Cheonggyecheon Gwanggyo Gallery)

Whether strolling with loved ones or taking Insta-worthy snaps, the Seoul Lantern Festival transforms Cheonggyecheon Stream into a magical winter wonderland you don’t want to miss. It’s Seoul’s way of lighting up your holiday season—literally! See you under the lanterns!

 1 Taepyeongno 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (Cheonggyecheon area, from Cheonggye Plaza to Samilgyo Bridge)
 Dec. 13, 2024 (Fri) – Jan. 12, 2025 (Sun) 18:00-22:00

 146m from Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 5 / 387m from Subway Lines 1 & 2, City Hall Station, Exit 4
 Seoul Lantern Festival Homepage

02 Gwanghwamun Market

If you want to fully enjoy the year-end mood, the 'Gwanghwamun Market' is a must-visit winter destination. Now in its third year, this Christmas market transforms the square into a scene from a winter fairy tale with the theme 'Santa Village at Gwanghwamun Square,' adding a unique Korean charm.

At the heart of the market, a majestic 15-meter-high tree lights up the square, providing the perfect scenery for year-end photos. Additionally, Santa Village features diverse booths where you can find everything from handmade crafts to unique seasonal items, making it an ideal spot to find special gifts. The Santa Village food street, located at the entrance of Sejong-ro Park, offers a variety of European Christmas foods and traditional Korean snacks, enhancing the Christmas market mood.

At the Santa Village located between the HECHI Madang at the rear of Gwanghwamun Square and the statue of King Sejong, you can experience five Christmas photo zones and interactive events under a sparkling tree. Additionally, at 45 booths run by small business owners, you can enjoy the fun of picking out gifts for your loved ones. 

The Santa Village food street, located at the entrance of Sejong-ro Park, offers a variety of Christmas-related foods such as German sausages, goulash, and mulled wine. You can also enjoy traditional Korean snacks like fruit rice cakes and Gaeseong Juak snacks, providing a culinary space to satisfy both your taste buds and heart. Lastly, the Santa Village playground, located between the rear of the Hangeul Fountain in Gwanghwamun Square and the front of Sejong Center, offers various photo zones and interactive events. You can fully enjoy the Christmas mood with attractions like Santa Claus's Rudolph sleigh and a fountain where you can toss coins while making wishes.

Whether shopping for unique finds, savoring festive treats, or simply basking in the holiday atmosphere, Gwanghwamun Market is a must-visit destination this season. Don’t forget your camera—it’s as picturesque as magical!

 172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Gwanghwamun Square.
 Dec. 13, 2024 (Fri) – Jan. 5, 2025 (Sun)  / Mon-Thu: 17:30–21:30 Fri-Sun: 18:00–22:00

 100m from Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 9
 2024 Gwanghwamun Market Homepage

03 Lotte World Happy Christmas Parade

Let me introduce you to The Magic Castle! With dazzling lights and festive decorations, this enchanting destination feels like stepping into a winter wonderland straight out of a storybook. At the heart of the magic lies the Charlotte Garden, featuring a towering Christmas tree that sparkles under the night sky, a classic merry-go-round, and whimsical decorations that will leave you in awe. It’s the perfect spot to capture Instagram-worthy moments or soak in the holiday vibes.  

But that’s not all—don’t miss the Christmas parade happening on Adventure 1F! Even if you’re not front and center, the atrium comes alive with vibrant lights, fire displays, and festive music from anywhere. The parade is especially delightful for families with kids, but trust me, it’s a treat for anyone who loves the spirit of Christmas. If holiday shopping is on your agenda, you’re in for a delightful surprise as the festive atmosphere turns a simple shopping trip into a magical holiday experience!

 Adventure 1F, Parade Course, 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
 Nov. 18, 2024 (Fri) – Dec. 31, 2025 (Tue) / 14:00-20:00 / 30min Show

 260m from Subway Lines 2 & 8, Jamsil Station, Exit 3
 Lotte World Happy Christmas Parade Homepage

04 Shinsegae Christmas Lights & The Hyundai Seoul's Christmas H-Village

This holiday season, Shinsegae has outdone itself, transforming its flagship store into a dazzling spectacle. Imagine a massive digital screen spanning 1,292.3 square meters lighting up the night with a stunning four-minute video, “Searching for Christmas Moments.” Since introducing media facades in 2014, Shinsegae has continued to wow visitors, and this year is no exception. 

After a year of preparation, 'Christmas Lights' delivers a message of "Holiday Magic in Every Moment" at the end, deeply conveying the excitement of the season. If you want to capture the magical moments of Christmas in photos, be sure to visit!

Step into a European fairytale at The Hyundai Seoul's “Moving Grand Theater” this holiday season! This magical display in the Sound Forest on the 5th floor tells the whimsical story of Harry, a bear who embarks on a hot-air balloon adventure searching for the grandest theater in the sky. At H-Village, you'll find 7-meter hot air balloons, enchanting tents, and kinetic art sculptures that bring the story to life. Wander through themed theaters like the magic tent and music theater, where characters like a drum-playing elephant and a cycling rabbit dance to festive tunes.  

The highlight? A majestic, rotating 8-meter Christmas tree inside the grand velvet tent. It’s like stepping into a moving fairytale where every detail, from the twinkling lights to the lively music, makes the holiday spirit soar. Whether you're here for the charm of kinetic sculptures or to capture unforgettable photos, The Hyundai Seoul has created a Christmas experience that will leave you spellbound.

• ●Reservations begin at 11:30 AM.

• ●Scan the <H-Village> QR code located on the 2nd to 4th floors of THE HYUNDAI SEOUL and register your waiting information.

• ●After receiving a notification via KakaoTalk, proceed to LE GRAND THEATRE on the 5th floor (in front of the LG Electronics store). Verify your reservation and enter.

*The link for the 4th online reservation round will open on the Instagram account (@thehyundai_seoul) at 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 5.
*On-site reservations are required for foreign visitors.