Light Up Your Christmas in Seoul! Must-See Illuminations & Holiday Events!
- lewishooper1
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
For most people, Christmas is a magical time of year often spent with family or loved ones. Koreans, however, typically love the Christmas hype; however, they treat the actual day itself as one to spend with their other half. This article will focus on some of the hottest places and things to experience in the lead-up to Christmas in Seoul this year!
Iconic Department Stores
Seoul’s department stores host the city's most spectacular lighting displays, competing to create dazzling visual experiences, as does any capital city. The Shinsegae Main Store in Myeongdong is famous for its multi-story media façade show that loops throughout the evening, and since it's so central, it is not to be missed this year. Also, The Hyundai Seoul is celebrated domestically for its highly immersive, European-inspired indoor Christmas village that draws huge crowds, and the Dojeon team thinks this is the best place to experience a Christmas market theme in Seoul this year!
Shopping and Entertainment Destinations
Seoul has no shortage of large malls and entertainment venues, which are fun for the family. The shopping destinations make this festive season even more special, and one not to be missed this year is The Starfield Library in the COEX Mall. It's not only an iconic indoor spot, but it also features a massive, dramatically decorated Christmas tree at its center. The Christmas tree is a great photo spot, and one that, if you visit, you should tag the Dojeon team! Families can also enjoy special Christmas-themed events, parades, and light shows at the festive Lotte World Adventure theme park at a separate admission cost.
City-Wide Festivals and Public Spaces
The Seoul Winter Festa transforms key public areas like the Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gwanghwamun Square into pathways of light, and since they are central to the heart of the city, they make way for some very special photo opportunities this year. These large-scale festivals feature shimmering traditional lanterns, light installations, and festive markets from mid-December.
Planning Your Visit & Final Thoughts
Since December is winter in Seoul, it is not actually a peak time to visit, as Korea's main holidays are Chuseok or Seollal. However, Seoul's spectacular light displays generally begin in early November and continue dazzling visitors into early January. To experience the full brilliance of the light shows and media facades, plan your visits after sunset, typically around 5:00 PM onwards, just as people are finishing their days at work.
Be prepared for extremely heavy crowds at popular locations like Myeongdong and the Lotte World area, especially during weekends and the Christmas week. You can think of these as more local ways to experience the magic of Christmas! The Dojeon team wishes you a very Merry Christmas!
How will you light up your Christmas in Seoul this year? Let the Dojeon team know in the comments below!
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