Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Seoul 2025 / 2026 | Spectacular Fireworks & Countdowns in Korea

Was this the fastest year on record, or am I just getting old? Wow – this one passed in a literal flash. Fortunately, it was a pretty good flash, and I’m ready to usher in a fresh New Year in Seoul. Are you?

Where will you celebrate the New Year in Seoul?

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• where to see fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Seoul
• the best places to watch the first sunrise of 2026 in Korea
• places to countdown on December 31st, 2025
• the best areas to stay for a night of celebrating in Seoul
• what to wear and how to get around

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Seoul

Ringing in a New Year in Seoul doesn’t hold the same cultural significance as Seollal, but that doesn’t mean people don’t head out in force to celebrate the transition from one calendar year to another.

Are you ready to welcome 2026 in Seoul?

If you should find yourself celebrating New Year’s Eve in Korea, you’re in luck! Whether your vibe is a huge party with friends, gawking at fireworks, making a wish on a sunrise, or a luxury staycation with the family, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice.

Read on to discover the best parties, performances and New Year’s Eve events to attend in Seoul to countdown to 2026.

Wish lanterns released into the sky for New Year’s Eve in Korea © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

Where to Celebrate the New Year in Seoul

As the New Year in Korea approaches, countdowns will be happening all over the city. Here’s some suggestions for where to countdown in Seoul.

The Bosingak Bell is a classic place to countdown © Seoul Metropolitan Government / Penta Press

Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony | 보신각타종행사

Address: 54, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 종로 54 (관철동)

If you want to ring in the new year (literally), in the most traditional of ways, head over to Jongno and listen to the Bosingak Bell being rung 33 times.

This is a New Year’s Eve in Seoul tradition that’s rooted way back to the Joseon Dynasty Era, when the very same bell was rung to signal the start and end of each day.

The ringing of the Bosingak Bell for NYE is one of Seoul’s oldest traditions © Korea.net (CC BY-SA 2.0)

It’ll be rung by several different people, including the Mayor of Seoul. This is always an epic event, with something special planned.

Past events have included a gigantic sun with a diameter of 30-metres rising behind Bosingak Pavilion for New Year’s Eve at the stroke of midnight, LED bracelets worn by 15,000 Seoul citizens, and a K-pop performance to celebrate the dawning of a new year. All symbolize prosperity and good luck for the following year.

There’s sure to be something wonderful planned at Bosingak Pavilion for New Year’s Eve in Korea 2026.

The crowds for NYE in Seoul grow every year © Seoul Metropolitan Government / Penta Press

The ceremony typically starts at 11PM and ends around 1:00AM. Hundreds of thousands of people head to Jongno area for New Year Eve’s in Seoul, so be prepared for some crowds, getting there and back.

If you prefer to avoid the masses and the frigid temperatures of winter in Korea, this ceremony is also televised, so you can watch from the warmth and comfort of your home or hotel room.

Seoul Light DDP: NYE Countdown | 서울라이트

Festival Dates: December 18th, 2025 – January 1st, 2026

Address: 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 을지로 281 (을지로7가)

Seoul Light is a large-scale media light event that takes place multiple times a year at the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Last year, the DDP held a special New Year’s Eve in Seoul countdown and fireworks starting at 23:55, and this year is no different.

Seoul Light is totally free to see!

Events at the DDP in Seoul start at 23:00 on December 31st, 2025 and end at 00:30 on January 1st, 2026. The Countdown Event begins with a special NYE media facade, featuring Hechi and the Line friends. As midnight approaches, the band THE SOLUTIONS will fill the venue with excitement, right before an epic fireworks display off the rooftop for New Year’s Eve in Seoul!

Things don’t end there. The after-party continues with DJ G-PARK and more celebrations. The event is free to attend, and there WILL be crowds.

KBS 2026 Light Now Countdown at Shinsegae Square | 2026 카운트다운쇼 LIGHT NOW

Festival Dates: December 31st – January 1st, starts at 23:00

Address: 63, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 소공로 63 (충무로1가)

Over the next few years, Myeongdong will be transformed into Korea’s version of Times Square – and it all starts at Shinsegae Square on New Year’s Eve in Seoul.

Countdown to 2026 in Myeongdong! © Camelpress, Korea Tourism Organization,

The 2026 Countdown Show Light Now festival is set to start at 11PM on December 31st in front of the Shinsegae Department Store, with massive light installations, a fireworks display, and K-pop performances, featuring Insooni, Lena Park, Moon Se-yoon & Hanhae, and many, many more.

You can still apply to be part of the live audience until December 18th, but if you don’t get picked, you can watch it live on KBS instead.

READ NEXT: Myeongdong is close to everything. Here are 15 excellent hotels to book in Myeongdong for New Year’s Eve in Seoul.

Seoul Light Gwanghwamun New Year’s Eve Countdown | 서울라이트 광화문 신년 카운트다운

Festival Dates: December 31st, 2025 – January 1st, 2026

Address: Gwanghwamun Gate and Plaza

On December 31st, the Gwanghwamun Seoul Light show has screenings right up to 12:30AM as part of a New Year’s countdown event.

Seoul Light Gwanghwamun © Seoul Metropolitan Government/Penta Press

The countdowns to midnight at Bosingak Pavilion, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and Gwanghwamun Gate are all part of Seoul’s massive Winter Festa that links 6 iconic attractions in the city together under the theme of “Light.”

And while full details aren’t out yet, but there’s definitely something planned at Gwanghwamun for New Year’s Eve in Seoul.

Making wishes for the New Year in Korea at Seoul Light Gwanghwamun during Winter Festa, last year.

Lotte World Adventure Countdown | 서울라이트 광화문 신년 카운트다운

Festival Dates: December 31st, 2025 – January 1st, 2026

Where: Lotte World Adventure in Jamsil

Lotte World Adventure is they city’s biggest indoor theme park, and it’s staying open late on December 31st, for a special 2026 New Year’s Even countdown event in Seoul.

The Magic Castle lit up for winter at Lotte World Adventure in Seoul.

Aside from all the thrilling rides, watch out for photo zones, unique live performances and a dazzling parade to mark the dawn of a new year in Korea.

The best thing is that there’s no jump in admission prices, due to the event. Grab discounted day and fast track magic passes here.

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Lotte World Tower Fireworks | 롯데월드타워

Address: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 300

There’s usually an incredible display of fireworks off the Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, to mark the coming of the New Year in Seoul. This is the tallest building in Korea, with 123 stories, and it’s truly a sight to behold. Make no mistake about it. This will be dazzling.

The fireworks off Lotte World Tower for New Year in Seoul promise to be epic. Photo by Nchavance (CC BY-SA 4.0)

For some reason, there usually isn’t any special announcement about fireworks at Lotte World Tower, but sure enough at the stroke of midnight, fireworks light up the night sky. I’d expect no different for New Year’s Eve in Seoul this year, and well, you can trust me, because I can see Lotte World Tower from my apartment window!

Check out my video of NYE fireworks at Lotte World Tower here.

Han River Dinner Cruise + DDP Fireworks (TBA)

Address: Meet at Exit 3 at Myeong-dong Station at 17:30

Enjoy a Han River Cruise for New Year’s Eve in Seoul, with gorgeous night views, a delicious dinner buffet, live performances, a magic show, AND fireworks from the deck of the ship.

Incredible fireworks! © ddp.or.kr

After the cruise, you’ll be transported directly to Dongdaemun Design Plaza, just in time to countdown to 2026, and catch another set of fireworks!

Grand Hyatt Seoul | 예술의전당

Address: 2406, Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 서초구 남부순환로 2406

Out of all the luxury hotels to spend NYE in Korea, I’d pick the Grand Hyatt Seoul. It has a gorgeous location with incredible views, thousands of twinkling holiday lights, a lovely ice rink, and dazzling fireworks above Seoul, as well as an NYE party at its on-site JJ Mahoney’s venue.

Seoul Arts Center NYE Concert | 예술의전당

Address: 2406, Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 서초구 남부순환로 2406

The New Year’s Eve concert at the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho is a really special event.

Those who are lucky enough to get tickets (because it’s not easy), enjoy a concert, followed by wish balloons, and fireworks on the gorgeous grounds of the Seoul Arts Center.

Fireworks for NYE 2025 © Seoul Arts Center

Check their website for details and tickets.

Update: Last year, tickets for the New Year’s Eve Concert at the Seoul Arts Center sold out in about 5 minutes. Yeah, I didn’t get any either. 

Parties to Ring in the New Year in Seoul

Seoul is known for having an incredible nightlife, so New Year’s Eve in Seoul promises to be truly extraordinary. If your idea of celebrating equals DJs, dancing, parties and music, check out these special events happening on the very last day of 2025.

Wanna celebrate the New Year in Seoul clubbing? There’s lots of choices © Chan Hyuk Moon / Unsplash

Showtime: A Gatsby Goodbye to 2025

When: December 31st, 2025, 20:00 – January 1st, 2026, 3:00

Where: JJ Mahoney’s Live Room, Grand Hyatt Seoul

The Grand Hyatt’s JJ Mahoney’s Live Room hosts a Great Gatsby themed New Year’s Eve party in Seoul. Celebrate in golden style, with drag shows, burlesque, and other performances high atop the city on Namsan Mountain.

Toast NYE in Seoul in Gatsby style at JJ Mahoney’s.

Tickets available in advance on Ticketlink for 80,000 won, or at the door for 90,000 won.

New Year’s Eve at Inspire Resort

When: December 31st, 2025 – January 1st, 2026

Where: 127 Gonghangmunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon | 인천광역시 중구 공항문화로 127

Located near Incheon Airport, Inspire Resort is Korea’s newest resort and entertainment complex, and they’ve got something really special planned for New Year’s Eve in Seoul 2025.

The Cheers to 2026: Drop the Beat & Balloons countdown event at Aurora Bar will have a live concert, midnight balloon drop, and a large-screen LED countdown. There’s also a lucky draw for prizes such as accommodation vouchers. It runs from 22:00 to 00:30, and wristbands can be purchased on-site.

The 2026 New Year Midnight Party, continues at Le Space, featuring performances by Dayoung, Bang Yedam, Moon Sujin and Junhee from boy group A.C.E, followed by DJ sets from Reverse Prime and Luna Kim. The party happens from 23:00 to 3:00, and tickets can be purchased on Nol Interpark for 39,000 won.

Le Space is usually a huge media art museum…

Make sure to book yourself a hotel room at either Inspire Resort, or the nearby Paradise City, for the night. It’s not easy to get to other places from these hotels, and I can’t imagine anything worse than trying to get back to Seoul after a night of celebration.

2026 James Bond Secret Mission Countdown Party

When: December 31st, 2025, 21:00 – January 1st, 2026, 5:00

Where: Lit Lounge

GSM used to host some of the biggest NYE parties in Seoul, including the Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge Party, but it’s been scaled down quite a bit for 2026. This year, the James Bond Secret Mission Countdown Party will be held at Lit Lounge in Itaewon.

The atmosphere is dressed to kill, and includes unlimited drinks from 9 to 11, countdown, free champagne, and special 007 mission cards. The venue is small and limited to 150 guests, so if you’d like to go, grab tickets ASAP.

Snowy Winter Tours in Korea

There’s plenty of of special events for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but what will you do after? Don’t miss these events and activities that are only available for 2 or 3 months of the year.

Sledding is a great winter activity in Korea ⓒ KTO Lee Beomsu

These are the current dates for the 2025 / 26 winter season, but keep in mind that everything is weather-dependent. Your tour operator will keep you appraised of any changes!

• Skiing, Snowboarding, and Sledding Tours across Korea | December – March
• 3 Romantic Winter Festivals in a Day | December 1st – February 1st
• Yongpyong Resort Balwangsan Cable Car + Samyang Ranch | December 3rd  – February 27th
• Elysian Ski / Snowboarding / Sledding One Day Tour | December 5th – March 5th
• Vivaldi Park Snowy Land Sledding Tour | December 6th – February 28th
• Snowy Land + Alpaca World or Nami Island | December 8th – March 6th
• Daedunsan and Jeonju Hanok Village Day Tour from Seoul | December 15th – February 28th
• Wondae-ri Birch Forest + Maebawi Icewall Day Tour | December 15th – February 28th
• Eobi Ice Valley, Nami Island, Alpaca World + Garden of Morning Calm  | December 16th – March 13th
• Cheongsong Ice Valley + Pohang Space Walk Tour  + Gyeongju Woljeong Bridge | December 23rd – February 12th
• Gugok Ice Valley + Strawberry Picking + Snow Sledding | December 25th – February 28th
• Cheongyang Alps Village Ice Fountain Festival + Strawberry Picking | December 29th – February 23rd
• Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival, Herb Island, Strawberry Picking + Icewall Cafe | December 26th – February 27th
• Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival Tour from Seoul | January 10th – February 1st

All the sparkling lights at Herb Island in Pocheon.

New Year in Korea | Watch the Sunrise

Festival Dates: December 31st, 2025 – January 1st, 2026

Making wishes on the first sunrise of the year is a traditional way to welcome a New Year in Korea. It’s believed that these wishes are more powerful, bringing good luck for the entire year to come – so it’s a super popular way to spend the first day of the year.

Making wishes on the first sunrise of the year is a New Year in Korea tradition.

There are special sunrise events for the new year in Seoul, but it’s worth heading out of the city for a sunrise festival, if this is something you’re interested in.

Achasan Sunrise Festival | 아차산 해맞이축제

Address: 127, Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 광진구 워커힐로 127 (광장동)

The Achasan Sunrise Festival is a good one to visit if you don’t want to travel too far out of Seoul. It’s easy to access using public transportation, and it takes just 15 minutes to hike up to the viewing spot.

Be warned though – this is one of the more popular places to visit to watch a sunrise for the New Year in Seoul. Pre-pandemic, 40,000 visitors attended.

Wishes made on the first sunrise of the year are more powerful. Photo by Michael Kim/3-legged-crow@Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

If Achasan is too far from you, you can check out Haneul Park or Maebongsan Mountain to make a wish for the New Year in Korea.

Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival | 정동진 해맞이 축제 모래시계회전식

Festival Dates: December 31st, 2025 – January 1st, 2026

Address: Jeongdongjin2-ri, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do | 강원도 강릉시 강동면 정동진2리

Jeongdongjin is mostly known for that crazy cruise ship on a cliff (Sun Cruise Resort), but on New Year’s Eve, the bigger draw is Sandglass Park.

This massive sandglass is turned over on New Year’s Eve in Korea © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

This sandglass is so huge that it takes an entire year for the sand to trickle completely through it. Weighing a whopping 40-tons, it’s turned over precisely at midnight on New Year’s Eve in Korea.

Homigot Sunrise Festival | 호미곶 한민족 해맞이축전

Festival Dates: December 31st, 2025 – January 1st, 2026

Address:136, Haemaji-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 경상북도 포항시 남구 호미곶면 해맞이로 136

At the Homigot Sunrise Festival, enjoy cultural performances, a fireworks show, sunrise concert and other inspirational events like kite-flying and launching hope balloons filled with wishes for the new year.

You’ll see this striking scene at Homigot Village © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

Be sure to sample some free tteokguk – which is a traditional New Year’s Day dish for Koreans.

Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival | 울산 간절곶 해맞이축제

Festival Dates: December 31st, 2025 – January 1st, 2026

Address: 39-2, Ganjeolgot 1-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan | 울산광역시 울주군 서생면 간절곶1길 39-2 (서생면)

Ganjeolgot Cape in Ulsan is the first place to see the sunrise in Korea, because it sticks out into the ocean. This festival includes special performances, fireworks displays, traditional bowls of tteokguk, and much more.

Ganjeoljot Cape sees Korea’s first sunrise of 2025 © Doit Company, No Sihyeon, Photo Korea

Book a Winter Staycation

With unique packages, decadent meals, and special offers, a staycation in a luxury hotel is an incredibly popular holiday activity for couples and families alike. Book EARLY if this is something you want to do for New Year’s Eve in Seoul 2026.

The Fairmont Ambassador has special meals at their Spectrum restaurant for NYE in Seoul, while you can enjoy the Lucky Winter package at the JW Marriott Hotel.

And of course, the Grand Hyatt Seoul, with its stunning ice rink, is one of the best places to be during Christmas in Korea.

New Year in Seoul | Clubs

If you’re more of a fly by the seat of your pants kind of person, you could check out any of the big clubs, lounges, or hotels in Seoul. Many will be having special festivities to mark the dawn of the new decade. Head to Hongdae or Itaewon for more action.

Clubs and Hotels to Celebrate New Years Eve in Seoul

*This will be updated as I learn of things.

• Lit Lounge Itaewon 9PM – 9AM | New Year’s Eve in Seoul 2026 Countdown Party by GSM
• Ring in 2026 at Dragon Hill Lodge | 2026 New Years Eve Party

New Year in Seoul | Concerts

If your idea of a new year in Seoul celebration includes K-pop artists, you’re in luck. There are a few performances and concerts specifically being held on the last day of 2025.

Countdown Fantasy 2025 – 2026 | 카운트 다운 판타지

Dates: December 30th – 31st, 2025

Venue: KINTEX Hall 5, 217-60, Kintex-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 경기도 고양시 일산서구 킨텍스로 217-60

Celebrate the new year in Seoul at Countdown Fantasy. This year’s event includes performers like 고고학, CNBLUE @cnblue.official, 유령서점, 극동아시아타이거즈, 까치산, Dragon Pony, and many, many more over the course of 2 days at KINTEX. Grab tickets here.

Celebrate NYE in Seoul at Countdown Fantasy © mintpaper.co.kr

MBC Gayo Daejejeon

Date: December 31st, 2025

The MBC Gayo Daejejeon Awards has been broadcast annually on New Year’s Eve in Korea for 19 years, and 2026 is no different. This Kpop event encapsulates the year in K-pop across genres and generations, so it’s a special one.

Performers for this show are traditionally announced really late, but SHINee’s Minho, Hwang Min Hyun, and Annie are confirmed as hosts.

There are K-pop events galore in Korea © Creatrip

While I usually prefer Creatrip or Klook for booking activities in Korea, when it comes to K-pop or local events, Trazy is where I check first.

Tickets aren’t on sale for MBC Gayo Daejejeong Awards yet, but Trazy is the place to check for them when they’re released. Need help booking? They even offer a K-pop booking service for those without Korean phone numbers.

New Year in Seoul | Essential Info

Getting around on New Year’s Eve

Seoul Metro and most bus routes usually end just around midnight, so figuring out how to get around on New Year’s Eve in Seoul is one of the biggest concerns people have… especially if you plan to celebrate right into 2026.

Fortunately, there are a few options, that don’t involve desperately chasing down high-demand taxis, in the freezing cold.

Partying late into the night? © tylerdurden1 (CC BY 2.0)

Seoul Subway

You can take the Seoul subway until 2AM. While there hasn’t been a formal announcement about this yet, subway hours have typically been extended until around 2AM for the new year in Seoul.

Take a Night Bus

Owl bus routes run after midnight. Fares are typically double what they are during the daytime. During New Year’s Eve in Seoul, temporary extended hours and routes are typically added.

Official details haven’t been released for NYE 2026 yet, but this happens every single year. It will happen again this year too. Don’t worry!

What to Wear on New Year’s Eve in Seoul?

If you plan to be outside for any length of time, be sure to bundle up. Seoul’s weather has a way of sneaking up on you. It feels okay at first, but once it seeps into your bones, getting warm is pretty much impossible. It’s intensely cold in Korea during winter, especially after the sun goes down.

New Year’s Eve in Seoul can be incredibly cold. Dress warm!

I recommend thermals or heattechs, hot packs in your pockets, warm gloves, thick socks, hat or earmuffs, and a parka of some kind. If it’s a windy evening, you can also consider a scarf or mask to cover your face. (You can pick facemasks up in any convenience store or pharmacy).

Essentially, you should try to cover as much of your exposed skin as possible, when you’re outside.

Hope all your dreams come true in 2026. Happy new year!

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