Seoul Lantern Festival on Cheonggyecheon: Dates and How to Visit

Short answer: The Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제) is a free outdoor light festival where large illuminated lantern sculptures are set up along the Cheonggyecheon stream in central Seoul. In recent years it has moved to the winter holiday season: the last edition ran from December 12, 2025 to January 18, 2026. As of early November 2026, the official dates for the next edition had not been announced, but a December-to-January run is expected. Go after dark, start at Cheonggye Plaza near Gwanghwamun, and walk downstream along the water. Always confirm dates and hours on the official festival site or Visit Seoul before you go.

What the Seoul Lantern Festival is

The festival grew out of Korea's long tradition of paper lanterns, and today it mixes traditional hanji (Korean paper) lanterns with large modern light installations, character sculptures, holiday themes and interactive photo spots. Each edition has its own theme, so the displays change every year. The heart of the festival is a walk along Cheonggyecheon, the restored stream that runs below street level through the middle of downtown Seoul.

It is easy to confuse this with the Lotus Lantern Festival (연등회), which is a separate Buddhist celebration held in spring around Buddha's Birthday, with a big lantern parade near Jongno. If you are visiting in April or May, that is the one you will find. The Seoul Lantern Festival on Cheonggyecheon is the winter event.

When it runs

For most of its history the festival was held in November, but recent editions have shifted to December and run into January, overlapping with Christmas and New Year. The 2025–26 edition opened on December 12, 2025, and the Cheonggyecheon section ran until January 18, 2026. A separate section along Ui-cheon stream in northern Seoul closed earlier, on January 4.

For the 2026–27 edition, check the official site (seoullantern.com) or the Seoul Tourism Organization for the announcement. Some travel sites list estimated dates, but treat those as guesses until the city confirms them. Lights are switched on in the evening, typically from around sunset until late at night; the exact hours are published with each edition.

Where to go and how to get there

The starting point: Cheonggye Plaza

The main entrance is at Cheonggye Plaza (청계광장), where the stream begins, just east of Gwanghwamun Square and near Seoul City Hall. From here you walk down the steps to the stream path and follow the displays east.

Nearest subway stations

Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5): a short walk to Cheonggye Plaza.
City Hall Station (Lines 1 and 2): about a five- to ten-minute walk.
Jonggak Station (Line 1): handy if you want to join the stream a little further down.

If you are new to the metro, our Seoul subway guide for first-timers explains lines, transfers and T-money.

How long the walk takes

The display area stretches along a section of the stream from Cheonggye Plaza heading east. Walking slowly and stopping for photos, most people spend one to two hours. The path is flat, but there are stairs to get down to and up from the stream, and it can be crowded and narrow in places.

How to visit: a simple plan

Arrive just after the lights come on on a weekday if you can. Weekend evenings and the days around Christmas and New Year are the busiest.
Start at Cheonggye Plaza and walk downstream with the flow of people. Some displays are designed to be viewed in order.
Exit at any set of stairs when you are done. Each bridge has access to the street above, so you can leave towards Jonggak, Euljiro or Gwangjang Market.
Eat afterwards. Gwangjang Market is a natural next stop further east; see our Gwangjang Market food guide.

Combining it with other winter sights

Because the festival is right in the centre of Seoul, it fits neatly into an evening of holiday lights. Gwanghwamun Square often hosts its own winter light displays and markets, the area around City Hall usually has a Christmas tree, and department stores near Myeongdong decorate their facades in December. Our guide to Korean Christmas and where to see lights in Seoul has more ideas, and the Seoul winter festival guide covers skating rinks and other seasonal events.

Photo tips

Shoot from the bridges above the stream for wide shots of the lanterns reflected in the water.
Turn off your flash; it flattens the colours of the lanterns.
Phone night modes work well, but hold still or rest your phone on a railing.
Do not block the narrow path for long photos; step aside so the crowd can keep moving.
Respect any signs asking you not to touch the installations.

What to wear and bring

Seoul in December and January is cold, often below freezing at night, and the stream path can feel colder than the street above. Wear a warm coat, gloves and a hat, and comfortable shoes for stairs. Bring a portable charger, since cold drains phone batteries quickly. Our indoor things to do in Seoul in winter list is handy for warming up before or after.

"I always tell first-timers to walk it twice: once looking at the lanterns, once looking at their reflections." — LUMI, POPORO CITY

Quick tips

Entry is free; you just walk along the stream.
Confirm the current year's dates on the official site before planning your trip.
Go on a weekday evening to avoid the biggest crowds.
Start at Cheonggye Plaza near Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5).
Dress for freezing temperatures and wear shoes good for stairs.
Do not confuse it with the spring Lotus Lantern Festival.

FAQ

Is the Seoul Lantern Festival free?

Yes. Walking along Cheonggyecheon to see the lanterns is free and you do not need a ticket. Some special programmes or nearby events may have separate rules, so check the official information.

What are the 2026 Seoul Lantern Festival dates?

As of early November 2026, official dates had not been announced. The previous edition ran from December 12, 2025 to January 18, 2026, so a similar December-to-January window is likely. Check seoullantern.com or Visit Seoul for the confirmed dates.

What time are the lanterns lit?

The lanterns are lit in the evening, usually from around sunset until late at night. Exact hours are published for each edition, so check before you go.

How long does it take to see the whole festival?

Most visitors spend one to two hours walking the display area along the stream, depending on crowds and how many photos they take.

Is the festival good for kids and wheelchair users?

Children usually love the character lanterns. The stream path is flat, but access is mostly by stairs and the path can be crowded, so wheelchair and stroller users should look for ramp or elevator access points and visit at quieter times.