The Seoul Lantern Festival Kicks Off in Grand Style: A Winter-Only 1.2-Kilometer Light Display Illuminates Cheonggyecheon

The Seoul Lantern Festival is held annually on the first Friday to the third Sunday of November along Cheonggyecheon. This year, it will grandly open from November 4 to 20, and visitors can explore the displays daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The lantern exhibition area stretches from Cheonggye Plaza to Soyanggang Bridge, with approximately 1.2 kilometers of the waterway lit up by various lanterns. Visitors can stroll along Cheonggyecheon, admire the softly glowing lanterns and night scenery, and experience a different side of Seoul.

▲Adorable children-themed lanterns will also be on display, attracting much attention.

The event showcases Han River-themed lanterns, works by light artists, children’s cartoon character lanterns, as well as lanterns from various government agencies and overseas participants. A variety of lantern styles compete in beauty and brilliance, creating a spectacular scene. Additionally, the public can participate in hanging wish lanterns, floating wish lanterns, and attaching 2017 New Year’s wish papers, expressing hopes for the coming year through lanterns and colorful Korean hanji paper.

▲The public can also purchase wish lanterns, write their wishes on them, and float them on Cheonggyecheon to pray for their fulfillment.

2016 Seoul Lantern Festival
Event Dates: November 4–20, 2016, 16:00–23:00 (Approximate visit duration: 1 hour)
Event Route:
＞ Entrances: Cheonggye Plaza, Samil Bridge, Soyanggang Bridge
＞ Exits: Cheonggye Plaza Stairs, Maojan Bridge, Gwangtong Bridge, Gwang Bridge, Changtong Bridge, Samil Bridge, Soyanggang Bridge
Direction of Visit: Two-way access from Monday to Thursday; one-way access from Friday to Sunday