Seoul is preparing to transform into a magical winter wonderland as the city announces the return of its annual Seoul Winter Festa. The large-scale festival will run from December 12 through January 4, featuring spectacular light displays, cultural experiences, and interactive entertainment across multiple iconic locations throughout the capital.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government revealed plans for this year's festival, which will be held under the theme "Fantasia Seoul, Co-Created by Citizens." The celebration will span six major venues: Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul Plaza, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Bosingak Belfry, and Uicheon Stream. Each location will offer unique attractions combining performing arts, interactive programs, and Korean cultural experiences.
One of the festival's main attractions will be "Seoul Light Gwanghwamun," a breathtaking media art show that will transform Gwanghwamun Square into a massive canvas. Running throughout the entire festival period, this nighttime spectacle will combine traditional Korean aesthetics with cutting-edge video technology, projected against the historic backdrop of Gwanghwamun Gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace. The installation will feature sculptures inspired by irworobongdo, a traditional folding screen depicting the sun, moon, and five mountain peaks that symbolized royal authority during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Gwanghwamun Square will also host the Gwanghwamun Market from December 12-31, designed as a "Santa Village" to recreate the enchanting atmosphere of a European Christmas market. Visitors can enjoy festive decorations and take free rides on a carousel themed around Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, adding a touch of holiday magic to the historic square.
The beloved Seoul Lantern Festival will illuminate Cheonggyecheon Stream from December 12 to January 4, warming up the winter nightscape with artistic light installations and interactive media art. The displays will stretch from the Palma (Eight Horses) sculpture near Cheonggye Plaza all the way to experimental media art installations at Samilgyo Bridge and the Ogansumun Floodgate Site near DDP, creating a continuous river of light through downtown Seoul.
Winter sports enthusiasts can look forward to the annual ice skating rink at Seoul Plaza, which will operate from December 19 to February 8. Known affectionately as the "Happiness of 1,000 KRW" due to its affordable admission fee, the rink provides accessible winter recreation for residents and visitors alike.
The festival will significantly expand its K-Culture Experience Zone, specifically designed for foreign tourists interested in Korean culture and trends. Interactive content will be available throughout the city at specialized zones including the K-Idol Beauty Experience Zone, Traditional Culture Experience Zone, K-pop Reels Zone, and K-Pop Dance Party, offering visitors hands-on experiences with Korea's unique cultural phenomena.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza will host the Seoul Light DDP media art festival from December 18-31, featuring colossal light installations and shows. This will coincide with SeoulCon, billed as the world's largest festival for global creators and influencers in Korean content, fashion, beauty, and entertainment, running from December 29 to January 1 to promote Korean creative industries on the global stage.
The festival will culminate with traditional New Year celebrations on December 31 at three locations: Bosingak Belfry, DDP, and Gwanghwamun. The highlight will be the time-honored bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Belfry, enhanced this year with a spectacular media facade projected onto the roof tiles of the historic bell pavilion.
The Seoul Winter Festa will officially begin with an opening ceremony at 7 p.m. on December 12 at Gwanghwamun Square. The inaugural event will feature diverse performances including a Philippine performing arts troupe, traditional Korean dance by the Areumdri Dance Company, and a special gala showcasing the nation's top musical theater actors. Complete information about events and schedules is available on the festival's official website at https://www.winta.co.kr/ and Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/seoulwinterfesta/.
