2026 Seoul Winter Festival Complete Guide | Gwanghwamun, Cheonggyecheon, DDP & Ice Rink Dates and Directions

If you're visiting Seoul in December, there's one event that absolutely belongs on your itinerary: the 2026 Seoul Winter Festival. Across major downtown landmarks—including Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul Plaza, DDP, Bosingak Pavilion, and Hangang Park—the city comes alive with dazzling lights and live performances.

Formerly known as 'Seoul Winter Festa,' this flagship winter celebration runs for 52 days, from Friday, December 11, 2026, to Sunday, January 31, 2027. It packs everything into a single trip—from stunning media facade projections and festive Christmas markets to glowing light installations, an ice skating rink for just 1,000 KRW, and unforgettable New Year countdown events.

This guide is based on the 2026 schedule published on the festival's official website. Details that haven't been officially confirmed yet are noted as 'TBA' or 'Based on last year's schedule,' so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

1. Seoul Winter Festival at a Glance

• Dates: Friday, Dec 11, 2026 – Sunday, Jan 31, 2027 (52 days)
• Seoul Light Gwanghwamun: Dec 11 (Fri) – Jan 10 (Sun), 18:00–23:00
• Gwanghwamun Market: Dec 11 (Fri) – Jan 10 (Sun) | Sun–Thu 17:30–22:00 / Fri–Sat 17:30–22:30
• Seoul Lantern Festival: Dec 11 (Fri) – Jan 31 (Sun), 18:00–23:00
• Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink: Dec 18 (Fri) – Feb 9 (Tue)
• Seoul Light DDP (Media Facade): Dec 17 (Thu) – Dec 31 (Thu), 18:00–22:00 (Tentative)
• SEOULCon: Dec 29 (Tue) – Jan 1 (Fri), around DDP
• New Year's Eve Bell-Ringing Ceremony: Dec 31 (Thu) – Jan 1 (Fri), around Bosingak Pavilion

The opening ceremony takes place on Friday, December 11, on a special stage in Gwanghwamun Square, featuring musical galas, festive parades, and community choir performances. The official start time hasn't been posted on the website yet, so be sure to check back closer to the event.

Admission: Except for the ice skating rink, official admission fees and booking info for individual programs haven't been posted yet. Some interactive zones may require paid entry, so check the official website (winta.co.kr) before heading out.

2. Gwanghwamun: Seoul Light & Market

① Seoul Light Gwanghwamun

This night exhibition turns Gwanghwamun Gate into a massive canvas for breathtaking media art. Watching vibrant lights and projections illuminate the historic palace gate is a winter spectacle you can only experience in Korea. The event also features glowing light displays across Gwanghwamun Square and a New Year's Eve countdown.

When & Where: Dec 11, 2026 (Fri) – Jan 10, 2027 (Sun), 18:00–23:00, Gwanghwamun Gate & North Gwanghwamun Square

Getting There: Take Subway Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station

Note: Dates and operating hours vary slightly between the official festival website and Seoul's festival portal, 'Fun Seoul' (which lists the event through Jan 3, running 17:30–22:00). This guide follows the official website, so double-check details if you plan to visit in early January.

② Gwanghwamun Market

Gwanghwamun Square transforms into a festive Santa Village-themed Christmas market. Centered around a giant tree and a market village, you'll find artisanal crafts, seasonal trinkets, food stalls, photo spots, and interactive activity zones. It is a fantastic spot to wander, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy warm winter snacks.

When & Where: Dec 11, 2026 (Fri) – Jan 10, 2027 (Sun), Sun–Thu 17:30–22:00 / Fri–Sat 17:30–22:30, South Gwanghwamun Square & Sejongro Park Area

Pro tip: Start by exploring the market right when it opens at 5:30 PM, then head north after 6:00 PM to check out Seoul Light—it makes for a perfectly smooth route!

3. Cheonggyecheon Stream: Seoul Lantern Festival

Stroll along Cheonggyecheon, a stream flowing through downtown Seoul, while admiring glowing light installations. This year's theme is 'Romance in Seoul: Symphony of Light,' featuring traditional Hanji (Korean paper) lanterns and captivating media art. (Note: The photo above shows the 2019 festival.)

When & Where: Fri, Dec 11, 2026 – Sun, Jan 31, 2027 | 18:00–23:00 | Cheonggyecheon Stream area

Getting There: The exact exhibition route for this year hasn't been announced yet. Last year (2025), it started around Cheonggye Plaza, so head toward Cheonggye Plaza from Gwanghwamun Station or City Hall Station. Be sure to check the on-site signage for guidance.

Tips: The streamside path is quite narrow and can get packed on weekend evenings, so a weekday visit is highly recommended. Since access involves stairs, check the ramp locations beforehand if you are using a stroller or wheelchair.

4. Seoul Plaza Ice Rink

Enjoy ice skating right in the heart of downtown Seoul in front of City Hall for just 1,000 KRW! The fee includes rentals for skates, a helmet, and knee pads, so you can just turn up empty-handed. (Note: The photo above shows a previous season.)

When & Where: Fri, Dec 18, 2026 – Tue, Feb 9, 2027 | Seoul Plaza

Hours: Sun–Thu 10:00–21:30 | Fri–Sat 10:00–00:30 (next day). Extended until 01:00 on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Tickets: Admission is 1,000 KRW, available via online advance booking or on-site purchase. Last season (2025–26), sessions lasted 1 hour, and online reservations opened 7 days prior at seoulskate.kr. Check the official site for this year's detailed guidelines.

Getting There: Take Subway Line 1 or 2 to City Hall Station.

Tips: Operations may be temporarily suspended due to poor weather or severe air pollution (based on last year's rules). Be sure to bring gloves to protect your hands in case you slip.

5. DDP: Seoul Light DDP & SEOULCon

① Seoul Light DDP (Winter 2026)

Famous for its sleek, futuristic curves, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) will light up under the theme 'K-Iconic Light.' Featuring a special Kakao Friends collaboration media facade and festive holiday displays, it's a fantastic spot to snap memorable photos with friends and family.

• Christmas Themed Displays: Fri, Dec 11 – Thu, Dec 31
• Media Facade Show: Thu, Dec 17 – Thu, Dec 31 (Opening Ceremony on Dec 17)
• New Year's Eve Countdown: Thu, Dec 31 (Media Facade, Live Performances & Fireworks)
• 365 Light Show & Daily Performances: Fri, Jan 1, 2027 – Sun, Jan 31, 2027

Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (tentative)

How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2, 4, or 5 to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station.

② SEOULCon

SEOULCon is a major global festival bringing together top influencers, content creators, and fans from all around the world. Taking place around DDP from Tuesday, December 29, 2026, to Friday, January 1, 2027, the lineup includes K-pop concerts, international dance battles, and designer art toy exhibitions. For event schedules and entry details, visit the official website (seoul-con.com).

6. December 31st & Special Events

① Bosingak New Year's Eve Bell-Tolling Ceremony

Ringing in the New Year by tolling the bell 33 times at Bosingak Pavilion is Seoul's signature year-end tradition. Running from Thursday, December 31, 2026, through Friday, January 1, 2027, the festivities around Bosingak will feature live performances, the 33 bell tolls, New Year greetings, and interactive public activities.

For reference (based on last year): The ceremony ran from 11:00 PM on Dec 31 to 12:20 AM the next day. Trains bypassed Jonggak Station (Line 1) non-stop between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM. Last subway trains were extended until around 2:00 AM, while roads around Bosingak were closed starting at 6:00 PM. This year's transit details haven't been announced yet, so be sure to check official Seoul City updates in December.

Pro Tip: Just like last year, trains might bypass Jonggak Station. Plan to walk from nearby stations instead, such as City Hall, Jongno 3-ga, Euljiro 1-ga, or Gwanghwamun. Huge crowds gather here, so agree on a specific meeting spot with your group in advance.

② Special Programs

• Hangang Night Sauna: Dec 24 (Thu) – Dec 31 (Thu), under Cheongdam Bridge at Ttukseom Hangang Park. Try an authentic Finnish-style outdoor sauna! Registration details will be announced later.
• Winter Hibernation Competition: Dec 20 (Sun), DDP Art Hall 1. A fun, quirky contest where the winner is whoever sleeps most deeply (measured by heart rate). Registration opens in November.
• K-Dance Performance Contest: Semifinals on Dec 11 at Gwanghwamun Square & Dec 19 at DDP Oullim Square; Finals on Dec 25 at Gwanghwamun Square. Check the official website for performance schedules if you'd like to catch the show.

7. Tips for Enjoying the Seoul Winter Festival

• Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza, and Cheonggye Plaza are close enough to explore together in one evening. A great route is: Gwanghwamun Market at 5:30 PM → Seoul Light at 6:00 PM → Seoul Lantern Festival along Cheonggyecheon Stream.
• Take the subway to DDP on a separate evening so you can take your time without rushing.
• Winter nights in Seoul during December and January frequently drop below freezing. Bundle up with a thick padded jacket, gloves, a beanie, and heat packs.
• Expect massive crowds on Dec 24–25, Dec 31, and weekend evenings. In congested areas, keep moving with the flow of the crowd instead of stopping.
• For emergencies, dial 112 for Police or 119 for Fire/Ambulance. For general festival inquiries, call 02-120.
• Outdoor schedules may change due to rain, snow, or extreme cold. Check the official website and Instagram (@seoulwinterfestival) before heading out.

8. Travel Even Easier with WOWKOREA SERVICE

After a chilly night out at the festival, stepping back outside from your hotel room is probably the last thing you'll want to do. Wrap up your day in warm comfort by ordering Korean fried chicken or tteokbokki through WOWKOREA SERVICE Food Delivery. Need hot packs, snacks, or beverages? Get them delivered straight to your room with Mart Delivery.

Getting between the airport and your accommodation is hassle-free when you book a Private Van in advance—a real lifesaver when traveling with bulky winter coats and heavy luggage. Don't forget to check out the WOW Special coupon page to grab exclusive discounts.

Schedules and operating hours are subject to change depending on weather conditions or event organizers, so make sure to double-check the official Seoul Winter Festival website (winta.co.kr) before heading out.

Photo credits: Seoul Tourism Organization, Wikimedia Commons (KOGL Type 1) / Ethan Doyle White, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) / Republic of Korea, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) / Richard Mortel, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)