Two Illuminating Events Illuminate Central Seoul from December 15 to January 21

Korea Tourism Organization

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced the debut of the first-ever light festival at Songhyeon Green Plaza in Jongno-gu, central Seoul, starting from December 15. The 37,117 square-meter park, which opened to the public in October 2022, is the first of its kind in 110 years since the Japanese colonial era (1910-1945).

Themed "Experiencing Nature in Mysterious Light Garden," the 2023 Light Festa in Songhyeon will showcase six distinct exhibition spaces, including "Shadow Forest," "Hill of Light," and "Road of Light." The park also offers unique photo zones for families, friends, and couples, providing picturesque backgrounds for social media posts. 

▲ The 2022 Seoul Lantern Festival (Korea Tourism Organization)

Visitors can engage in interactive activities and explore stores selling distinctive merchandise. Additionally, the festival will feature food venues offering Korean winter snacks like bungeoppang and hobbang.

Songhyeon Green Plaza, serving as an urban refuge, is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with lights illuminating the park from 6 p.m. The festival, running from December 15 to January 21, 2024, is free of charge. Further details can be found on the festival's official Instagram and website, www.seoullight.com.

▲ A sample image of the 2023 Light Festa's "Shadow Forest" (Seoul Metropolitan Government)Simultaneously, the Seoul Lantern Festival will captivate tourists and citizens with stunning light installations near Gwanghwamun Square and the Cheonggyecheon in central Seoul. The annual event, commencing on December 15 and concluding on January 21, features a Christmas tree, markets, food trucks, and creative lighting fixtures, including a blue dragon symbolizing the Year of the Dragon in 2024.

Accessible via Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line No. 5 (Exit No. 4, 5, or 9), the Seoul Lantern Festival lights up from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. For information in Korean, English, Japanese, or Chinese, visit www.stolantern.com, with the official website available starting from December 11.

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