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.
Last year’s festivities featured a K-ramyun theme park, but for this 17th edition of the Seoul Lantern Festival, look out for a huge I LOVE Magikarp Pokemon exhibit. You won’t want to miss it!
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Seoul Lantern Festival Essential Info
Seoul Lantern Festival | December 12th, 2025 - January 4th, 2026 |
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.
This year, Seoul’s Lantern Festival was set to run from December 12th, 2025 to January 4th, 2026, but it has now been extended to January 18th. Lantern displays and festival activities are mainly concentrated at Cheonggye Plaza, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Ui Stream in central Seoul.
Expect 400 gorgeous hanji paper traditional lanterns, and spectacular light installations. This year, a spectacular 7.3-meter Gyarados carrying Pikachu graces the Seoul Lantern Festival, as well as more than 100 Magikarps, and special Pokemon themed activities.
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?
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.
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 12th, 2025 – January 4th, 2026 (extended to January 18th, 2026)
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 Festa, which combines several light and holiday festivities into one epic event.
This year, the Seoul Lantern Festival is scheduled for December 12th, 2025 until January 4th, 2026 (extended to January 18th), under the theme of “My Light, Our Dream, the Magic 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.
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).
In 2024, the organizers 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. This year, Uicheon Stream has also been added as a venue.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 over the last few years. From an extremely hot, dry summer to a rainy October, and a late autumn, it’s been incredibly hard to predict.
The Seoul 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 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.
Seoul Lantern Festival Light Zones
With the addition of Uicheon Stream to the Seoul Lantern Festival in 2026, there are now 5 lantern display zones to enjoy. They’re all connected to each other, so you didn’t really have to worry about finding specific sections. Just stroll down Cheonggyecheon Stream, admiring them all.
The big news out so far, is the Pokemon themed zone, featuring Korean hanji lanterns depicting Gyarados, Pikachu, and more than 100 Magikarps. During the 2025 Seoul Lantern Festival, they’ll also be a Magikarp Pop-up store, Pokémon GO, and interactive activities to enjoy.
You’ll find the Pokemon lanterns in Zone 3 – Dream Light.
Zone 1 | Miracle Seoul
Where: Cheonggye Plaza to Gwangtonggyo Bridge
The theme of the entire 2025 Seoul Lantern Festival is dreams and magic. You’ll see hanji lanterns and light displays celebrating this from past to present, starting with the Miracle of Seoul zone.
Last year, a huge media light wall with an LED Gwanghwamun Gate marked the start of the zone, but 2025 celebrates the year of the Fire Horse.
You’ll also see the first lights that illuminated Gyeongbokgung Palace in lantern form, traditional ways of lighting up the night, Seoul’s first streetcar, the beginning of electricity, and global landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben.
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.
Zone 2 | Golden Secret
Where: Gwangtongyo Bridge to Gwanggyo Bridge
Zone 2’s Golden Secret is all about all the hidden beauty in Seoul. This zone aims to bring those deeply felt, but unseen treasures of Seoul to the surface in a warm, glowing display of lights in many sparkling colours.
Last year’s Magical Waves exhibit with whales and other marine animals taking up residence inside Cheonggyecheon Stream, was so pretty.
Zone 3 | Dream Light
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, depicted some of life’s great milestones last year.
In 2025, the Dream Light zone celebrates the opposite end of the spectrum, with an imaginative universe full of magical lanterns, whimsy, and soft light. Look out for a spectacular bear sculpture, a moon jar light display by installation artist Han Won-seok, and over 100 magikarps.
With a special lantern scene commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration, the Dream Light Zone of the Seoul Lantern Festival promises to be one of the most popular.
Zone 4 | Seoul Fantasia
Where: Jangtonggyo Bridge to Samilgyo Bridge
Zone 4 looks like it might be the cutest part of the Seoul Lantern Festival, with lantern displays bringing Seoul’s fantasy world to life. Neoguri the Korean ramyun raccoon is back, along with Haechi, Catch Teeniepings, and other adorable characters.
Last year, this section had an LED version of Korea’s nakhwa nori falling flower fireworks, but in 2025, it looks like we’re getting Seoul’s version of the aurora borealis, a magic castle, and an LED fireworks display.
PRIVATE KOREAN BODY SCRUB | A seshin is the perfect way to recharge in the depths of winter. Skip the public nudity and go private at the women-only ONA in Myeongdong. Check details here.
Uicheon | Soul Light
Where: Uigyo to Ssanghangyo
If you missed last year’s Seoul Lantern Festival, this is your chance to see all the highlights at a brand new section of the event for 2025.
Uicheon Stream will showcase some of the most gorgeous and popular lanterns from 2024.
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.
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.
Last year, from December 13 to 25, you could get into the Christmas spirit in Seoul by making LED ornaments or a Santa Claus Mood Lamp.
And from December 26 to January 12, you were able to try your hand at more traditional crafts like flower embroidery or decorating Korean charms with pearls and beads.
I’ll update this info for the 2025 / 2026 Seoul Lantern Festival as it’s announced.
Whatever you choose to do, I know you’ll have an unforgettable night at the Seoul Lantern Festival. Enjoy!
Seoul Lantern Festival: Essential Info and FAQs
1. Where is the Seoul Lantern Festival?
The lanterns are set up at Cheonggye Plaza and Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Uicheon Stream in central Seoul. This is a traffic-free, walking path next to urban streams, that’s wonderful to explore.
2. Are there admission tickets for the lantern festival in Seoul?
Admission to Seoul’s Lantern Festival is 100% free! However, there are experiential activities at the festival that cost between 5,000 – 10,000 won to join.
3. Is there food at the Seoul Lantern Festival?
Don’t worry! There are plenty of food stalls for Korean street food at Seoul’s Lantern Festival. There’s also restaurants and cafes lining the streets next to Cheonggyecheon Stream where you can fill your belly.
4. When is the Seoul Lantern Festival being held?
This year, the Seoul Lantern Festival is being held from December 12th, 2025 to January 4th, 2026, as part of the city’s huge Winter Festival. Watch out for concurrent events at many iconic venues around Seoul, including the Gwanghwamun Market, Seoul Light at both DDP and Gwanghwamun, and much, much more.
The Seoul Lantern Festival is one of the city’s most brilliant events. Don’t miss it!
