2024 Seoul Lantern Festival | A Radiant Celebration of Light at Cheonggyecheon Stream
The Seoul Lantern Festival illuminates Cheonggyecheon Stream, with hundreds of traditional hanji paper lanterns and brilliant LED lights. This is a much beloved light festival that brings radiance and hope for a bright, new year to Seoul’s early winter nights.
All the pretty lights at Cheonggyecheon Stream for Seoul’s Lantern Festival.
From a K-ramyun theme park to a sea of magical waves, there are some extra-special things planned for the 16th edition of the Seoul Lantern Festival. Don’t miss it!
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In this guide
- 1 Seoul Lantern Festival Quick Guide
- 2 What is the Seoul Lantern Festival? | 서울빛초롱축제
- 3 When is the Seoul Lantern Festival?
- 4 Planning a trip to Korea?
- 5 Where is the Lantern Festival in Seoul?
- 6 The 3 Best Winter Tours in Korea
- 7 How to get to Cheonggyecheon Stream?
- 8 How to get to the Seoul Lantern Festival?
- 9 What to Wear to the Seoul Lantern Festival?
- 10 Seoul Lantern Festival Light Zones
- 11 Experiential Activities at the Seoul Lantern Festival
Seoul Lantern Festival Quick Guide
Seoul Lantern Festival | December 13th, 2024 - January 12th, 2025 |
Address in English | 148 Seorin-dong, Jongno District, Seoul |
Address in Korean | 서울시 종로구 서린동 148 |
Operating hours | Every day from 18:00 - 22:00 |
Admission Fees | Free, but there are fees for experiential activities (5,000 - 10,000 won) |
Public Transport | Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 5 OR Jonggak Station, Exit 5 |
What is the Seoul Lantern Festival? | 서울빛초롱축제
The Seoul Lantern Festival is a major light festival that takes place every winter in South Korea. With gorgeous exhibits of traditional Korean hanji paper lanterns, fantastic LED light displays, and cultural experiences to enjoy, it’s no wonder this event has grown each and every year, since its inauguration in 2009.
The Seoul Lantern Festival in an annual event © Seoul Metropolitan Government/Penta Press
This year, Seoul’s Lantern Festival runs for nearly an entire month. It starts on December 13th, 2024 and ends on January 12th, 2025. Lantern displays and festival activities are mainly concentrated at Cheonggye Plaza and Cheonggyecheon Stream in central Seoul.
Expect 200 gorgeous traditional lanterns, spectacular light installations, and even an LED version of Korea’s traditional fireworks, that really has to be seen to be believed (it is GORGEOUS).
Seeing nakhwa nori in Korea is unforgettable (watch my video of this event in Haman to really appreciate it!)
There is a very real reason why the Seoul Lantern Festival in South Korea attracts millions of people every year!
This is one event that I, personally, make a real effort to get to as often as possible. I’m always amazed to see how meticulously each lantern has been crafted. Enjoying their luminous beauty on a cold night – hot chocolate in hand – is definitely one of Korea’s best winter experiences.
Did I mention that it’s completely free?
Gwanghwamun Market runs concurrently with the Seoul Lantern Festival.
With expanded displays, fun experiential activities, and extended events at Gwanghwamun Market, this year’s Seoul Lantern Festival promises to be truly incredible.
SIDE NOTE: There are actually 2 big lantern festivals to see in Seoul each year. In winter, the Seoul Lantern Festival takes place along Cheonggyecheon Stream, and in spring, the Lotus Lantern Festival and Parade takes over the streets of Jongno to celebrate Buddha’s birthday.
The Lotus Lantern Parade is during spring in Korea.
Both lantern festivals are completely worth your time, so if you happen to be visiting Korea during spring or early winter, make sure to check them out. I’ve attended both these festivals over and over again, and I’ve never been disappointed!
When is the Seoul Lantern Festival?
Festival Dates: December 13th, 2024 – January 12th, 2025
The Seoul Lantern Festival took place in November for most of its 15 year history, but a few years ago, it made a big move to the month of December. This was so it could join the ranks of Seoul’s Winter Festival, which combines several light and holiday festivities into one epic event.
Seoul’s Winter Festival is an incredible large scale event © Seoul Metropolitan Government/Penta Press
This year, the Seoul Lantern Festival is scheduled for December 13th, 2024 until January 12, 2025, under the theme of “Soul Lantern: Play with the Light of Seoul.”
The LED lights and glowing traditional lanterns are illuminated from 18:00 to 22:00. I recommend heading to the Seoul Lantern Festival at least an hour or two before the lights are turned off. There’s a LOT to see and do at the event. Besides admiring the beautiful lanterns, you can also take part in experiential activities, check out food tents, and enjoy the general atmosphere.
There are so many beautiful lanterns to see at the festival.
In my experience, the lights are turned off literally on the minute (or even a bit earlier), and access down to Cheonggyecheon Stream is limited a little before the cut-off time of 22:00.
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Where is the Lantern Festival in Seoul?
Address: 148 Seorin-dong, Jongno District, Seoul | 서울시 종로구 서린동 148
The Seoul Lantern Festival called Cheonggyecheon Stream home from its inception in 2009 until 2021. In 2022 and 2023, the bulk of the lanterns were moved to Gwanghwamun Square for display (though a few remained at Cheonggyecheon Stream too).
The Seoul Lantern Festival was held at Gwanghwamun Square for a few years.
In 2024, the organizers have made the wise decision to move Seoul’s Lantern Festival BACK to its original home at Cheonggyecheon Stream.
The lanterns are set up specifically along a 1.3-km route that stretches from Cheonggye Plaza to Samilgyo Bridge. You can see the lanterns from both directions, on either side of Cheonggyecheon stream.
Check out the Seoul Lantern Festival from both sides of Cheonggyecheon Stream © Live Studio, Photo Korea
I’ve seen the lanterns at both venues, and I have to say that Cheonggyecheon is a MUCH better location from which to enjoy the Seoul Lantern Festival.
While having Gwanghwamun Gate as a majestic backdrop to the festival was certainly pretty, there’s just something about the light from all those traditional lanterns reflecting off the water that can’t be beat.
So pretty! Cheonggyecheon Stream is the perfect place for the Seoul Lantern Festival.
The 3 Best Winter Tours in Korea
What | Where | Cost | Why Join this Tour | Full Details |
Vivaldi Park Snowy Land | Guide | Hongcheon, Gangwon-do | 71,000 won | Snowy Land is the most popular sled park near Seoul. Perfect for familes. Can be combined with skiing / snowboarding at Vivaldi Park. | |
Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival | Hwacheon, Gangwon-do | 60,000 won | Super fun ice fishing experience on a frozen stream. Winter activities. World's largest indoor ice sculpture village. Delicious fresh fish and sashimi. | |
Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival + Alpaca World | Guide | Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do | Hongcheon, Gangwon-do | 81,800 won | 30,000 square metres of sparkling lights + fluffy alpacas. Well-timed tour, with plenty of time to explore. |
I’ve gone to all of the festivals listed above, and recommend them whole-heartedly. Most are quite challenging to get to using public transit, so it’s easiest to visit on a group tour. Make sure to dress extra-warm for any of these events. Winter in Korea is fun, but also beyond freezing.
The ice fishing festival is great fun, and the fish is delicious!
How to get to Cheonggyecheon Stream?
Cheonggyecheon Stream runs for 11-km | 6.8 miles through the heart of Seoul. It’s a super-successful example of urban restoration (it used to be an ugly elevated highway), and worth a visit for every first-time traveler to Korea for its peaceful vibes.
Cheonggye Plaza is one of the starting points for the Seoul Lantern Festival.
People are often confused about exactly where to enter the stream, since it’s so long, but Cheonggye Plaza is a good place to start. It’s marked by a large red and blue spiral sculpture called the Spring Sculpture, and a 2-tier waterfall that’s impossible to miss.
GOOD TO KNOW | For tourists, the most interesting stretch of Cheonggyecheon Stream runs from Cheonggye Plaza to the Dongdaemun Station area. If you fancy a walk, this distance is about 3-km, and takes 50 minutes.
How to get to the Seoul Lantern Festival?
The Seoul Lantern Festival is held at stream level, between Cheonggye Plaza and Samilgyo Bridge. It takes about 15 minutes to walk between the 2 points. Parking in this area can be difficult and expensive, so public transit is definitely your best option for getting to the festivities.
2009 Seoul Lantern Festival © Jeon Hyeongjun, Photo Korea
There are 11 different subway stations connected to different points of Cheonggyecheon Stream, but the only ones you need to be concerned about for the Lantern Festival in Seoul are:
- Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 5 | Cheonggye Plaza is directly in front of you when you exit the station
- Jonggak Station, Exit 5 | Walk straight for about 80-metres and you’ll run right into Cheonggyecheon Stream, and the middle of the Seoul Lantern Festival.
Lanterns stretch all the way to Samilgyo Bridge.
If you’d like to start at the other end of the festival at Samilgyo Bridge, I recommend getting off at Euljiro 3-ga Station on Line 2 instead. Take Exit 1, turn right after the Starbucks, then walk straight until you run into Cheonggyecheon Stream. It should take approximately 10 minutes.
NIGHT TOUR OF SEOUL | From Changgyeong Palace to Gwangjang Market to Naksan Park, to Cheonggyecheon Stream – this excellent night tour takes you to some of Seoul’s most wonderful evening spots. Check details here.
What to Wear to the Seoul Lantern Festival?
Straight up, our weather has been pretty crazy this year. From a super long, extremely hot summer to a late autumn, it’s been incredibly hard to predict.
The weather has been “confusing” this year.
The Lantern Festival is a winter festival that takes place completely outdoors after dark, so it’s best to prepare with appropriate cold weather gear. There’s nothing worse than being too cold when you’re trying to enjoy an event!
I recommend a winter jacket, gloves or mittens, and something to cover your ears. Hot packs in your pockets can work wonders at keeping you toasty, and can be picked up at any Daiso or convenience store.
Warm winter gear is essential for exploring Seoul at night.
Warm and comfortable boots or sneakers are also essential, because you’ll likely be getting plenty of steps in while exploring all the wonderful exhibitions at the Seoul Lantern Festival and Gwanghwamun Market.
LOTTE WORLD TOWER OBSERVATORY | The view from the Seoul Sky Observatory at the top of Korea’s tallest building is truly extraordinary. Go on a crisp, winter day with crystal clear skies for the best experience. Grab discounted mobile vouchers here.
Seoul Lantern Festival Light Zones
In 2024 / 25, the displays at the lantern festival are divided into 4 zones. They’re all connected to each other, so you don’t really have to worry about finding specific sections, but here’s an idea of what to expect.
The Seoul Lantern Festival is divided into 4 themed zones.
Zone 1 | Festivities of Light
Where: Cheonggye Plaza to Gwangtonggyo Bridge
The Festivities of Light zone celebrates traditional Korean performances through lanterns created around the themes of “Sandae” – a mobile stage harking from the Joseon Dynasty, and the “Eoga Haengryeol” royal procession.
Displays from the 2014 Seoul Lantern Festival
There’s also a huge media light wall called Soul Lantern, which includes highlights of Seoul’s 4 seasons and the city’s 5 royal palaces, as well as an LED Gwanghwamun Gate.
Zone 2 | Escape into Light
Where: Gwangtonggyo Bridge to Gwanggyo Bridge
Zone 2’s Escape into Light theme is brought to life with global landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben, whimsical LED displays, and lanterns depicting traditional Korean games.
2011 Seoul Lantern Festival © Lee Beomsu, Photo Korea
Watch out for the Magical Waves exhibit which will see whales and other marine animals taking up residence inside Cheonggyecheon Stream.
WHOO SPA in MYEONGDONG | A favourite of Korean celebrities for facials, massage and treatments utilizing luxurious cosmetic brands like OHUI, Whoo, and SU:M37. Be sure to reserve this one at least 2-3 days in advance, as it does get fully reserved. Check services here.
Zone 3 | Joy of Daily Life
Where: Gwanggyo Bridge to Jangtonggyo Bridge
From a traditional wedding ceremony to a spectacular bridal headpiece, the lanterns in the Joy of Daily Life zone, depict some of life’s great milestones.
Daily life looks better in lanterns.
A spicy bowl of ramyun is a joy for most Koreans, and a special Nongshim Ramyun Theme Park in Zone 3 celebrates this fact. Who else loves neoguri ramyeon as much as I do?
Zone 4 | Seoul Strolls in Light
Where: Jangtong Bridge to Samil Bridge
Zone 4 looks like it might be the cutest part of the Seoul Lantern Festival, with adorable pandas, Haechi, Brachio, and OhBear set to make an appearance.
Display from the 2014 Lantern Festival in Seoul
This is probably the section I’m looking forward to most. I’m pretty curious about how the LED version of Korea’s falling flower fireworks compares to the REAL nakhwa nori.
Experiential Activities at the Seoul Lantern Festival
Address: 9 Namdaemun-ro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울시 중구 남대문로1가 9
At the Soul Lantern Playground, you can satisfy your DIY urges with seasonal experience programs.
These are paid activities, and registration is in person, at the Cheonggyechong Gwanggyo Gallery, which is just 300-metres away from Cheonggye Plaza.
The Seoul Lantern Festival is unforgettable © Seoul Metropolitan Government/Penta Press
DIY experiences at the Seoul Lantern Festival cost between 5,000 to 10,000 won each. There are 8 sessions available each night – the first at 18:00, and the last at 21:25.
Seoul will be in full Christmas swing during the Lantern Festival.
From December 13th to 25th, 2024, get into the Christmas spirit in Seoul by making LED ornaments or a Santa Claus Mood Lamp.
And from December 26th, 2024 – January 12th, 2025, try your hand at more traditional crafts like flower embroidery or decorating Korean charms with pearls and beads.
Seoul is absolutely wonderful at this time of year.
Whatever you choose to do, I know you’ll have an unforgettable night at the Seoul Lantern Festival. Enjoy!
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Seoul Lantern Festival: Essential Info and FAQs
The Seoul Lantern Festival is one of the city’s most brilliant events. Don’t miss it!
