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| Lantern installations along Cheonggyecheon Stream during the Seoul Lantern Festival ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-라이브스튜디오 |
When traveling to Seoul, exploring different neighborhoods and experiencing local culture is often one of the main highlights. At the same time, taking part in seasonal events or festivals can add another meaningful layer to the trip.
Winter in Seoul is a particularly interesting time. With Christmas, the end of the year, and the New Year closely connected, various winter-themed events take place across the city, allowing visitors to experience a distinct seasonal atmosphere.
In this article, we take a closer look at the types of winter events and festivals that typically take place in Seoul, and where travelers can find accurate and up-to-date information about them.
The events mentioned below may not follow the exact same format every year. However, similar types of winter events have been held consistently, and many international visitors have found them relatively easy to enjoy and participate in.
If you are visiting Seoul during the winter season, or planning a winter trip in the future, this guide is intended to serve as a helpful reference.
Types of Winter Events Commonly Found in Seoul
Rather than being defined by a single large festival, Seoul’s winter events are better understood as a collection of different formats spread throughout the city.
Because outdoor activities are more limited during winter, many events are designed to be enjoyed briefly—during an evening walk or between scheduled sightseeing plans. They often rely more on atmosphere and visual presentation than on language-heavy explanations.
For this reason, visitors frequently mention that these events felt accessible even without prior research or detailed planning.
Winter Event Categories and Examples Popular with Visitors
Based on past experiences and traveler feedback, Seoul’s winter events can generally be grouped into a few recognizable categories.
Year-End and Christmas Season Events
During the year-end and Christmas season, many areas of Seoul host winter-themed events that highlight seasonal decorations and lighting. Shopping districts and central public squares often become focal points, creating a festive environment that feels welcoming to both locals and overseas visitors.
In past years, examples have included Christmas markets and outdoor seasonal stalls held around Seoul Plaza and nearby streets. Many visitors who attended these events noted that they felt less like tourist attractions and more like everyday local experiences.
Most of these events are free to enter, and people can enjoy the atmosphere without committing to a structured program, which makes them especially convenient for short visits.
Winter Lighting and Nighttime Illuminations
Because daylight hours are shorter in winter, lighting-focused events naturally become more prominent across the city.
Public spaces and pedestrian areas are often enhanced with seasonal lighting, making them ideal for evening walks, casual sightseeing, or photography. These nighttime illuminations are frequently mentioned by international visitors as a simple and enjoyable way to experience Seoul after sunset.
Even when not officially labeled as festivals, these lighting displays are widely regarded as a defining winter experience in the city.
Public Cultural Programs and Seasonal Exhibitions
Winter is also a time when various public cultural programs and exhibitions are offered. Some are organized by the city, while others are hosted by local cultural institutions.
These events often include temporary exhibitions, cultural showcases, or small-scale workshops, many of which do not require reservations or charge only a minimal fee. In some cases, advance registration may be needed for specific programs.
Examples from past seasons include winter-themed exhibitions at public libraries or galleries, as well as community-based workshops held at local cultural centers.
Feedback from visitors often highlights that these experiences were unexpectedly engaging and easy to fit into a city itinerary, especially on colder days.
Where to Check Winter Event Schedules in Seoul
Winter event schedules in Seoul are not always listed in a single place, so checking official sources is the most reliable approach.
For international travelers, the Seoul city government maintains official platforms that provide seasonal event information in a structured and relatively accessible format.
Visit Seoul – Official Tourism Portal (English)
https://english.visitseoul.net
This platform offers information on major seasonal events, festivals, and exhibitions, with updates that are generally kept current and traveler-focused.
Seoul Public Service Reservation – Cultural Events
https://yeyak.seoul.go.kr
This site provides schedules for cultural programs, exhibitions, and public events organized or supported by the city, including many winter-season offerings.
In addition, some smaller events are announced at the district or neighborhood level. While these may not always appear on major tourism platforms, they can be worth checking if your travel plans focus on a specific area.
Because schedules and formats may change from year to year, confirming details shortly before your visit is always recommended.
Closing Thoughts
Winter events in Seoul are rarely the main reason people visit the city. Instead, they serve as an added layer that helps visitors experience Seoul in a more nuanced and seasonal way.
Even within a short stay, these events offer an opportunity to observe how the city changes with the season and how everyday spaces are temporarily transformed.
For many travelers, this can be a meaningful way to experience Seoul beyond standard sightseeing routes.
If you are curious about winter festivals outside of Seoul, you may also find it helpful to look at how winter events are experienced in other cities.
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