Every year on January 4th, just like always, the warm glow of traditional Korean lanterns lights up the cold heart of Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul.
Each December, the Seoul Lantern Festival is held along the beautiful Cheonggyecheon Stream, stretching from Cheonggye Plaza to Samilgyo Bridge, covering about 1.2 kilometers. During this time, the stream transforms into a magical walkway filled with hundreds of illuminated lanterns. These lanterns represent Korea’s history, folklore, and traditional symbols, such as dragons, lotus flowers, and tigers, creating a colorful and meaningful historical scene.
Many of the lanterns are giant sculptures, sometimes reaching several meters in height. The festival not only celebrates Korea’s rich cultural heritage but also reflects international friendship and cultural exchange, as stories from around the world come together through light.
The best time to visit is between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, when the darkness of the night gently embraces the glowing lanterns, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery—completely free of charge—visitors can take part in various activities such as:
- Traditional performances
- Cultural experience booths
- Lantern-making workshops
- Korean street food stalls
As the festival area extends toward Gwanghwamun Square, visitors can also enjoy Christmas decorations, holiday markets, and multimedia light shows, making the experience even more enchanting.
Getting there is very easy, as the area is accessible from several major subway stations such as Jonggak, City Hall, and Gwanghwamun.
The Story Behind the Seoul Lantern Festival
Although the Seoul Lantern Festival feels modern and artistic, its roots reach back more than 1,200 years. The festival originally began as part of celebrations honoring Buddha’s Birthday, and over time, it has evolved into a global cultural event that represents peace, hope, and harmony among cultures.
The festival also reflects Korea’s long-standing tradition of light festivals and fine craftsmanship. In Buddhist culture, lanterns hold deep symbolic meaning, as light represents enlightenment and spiritual awakening. For centuries, people believed that lighting a lantern could wash away worries, bring peace to the heart, and illuminate the path toward a brighter future.
Each lantern displayed along Cheonggyecheon Stream tells its own story.
Dragons symbolize strength and protection, flowers represent rebirth and beauty, and moons reflect hope and guidance. Images of children and dreams symbolize the future and new beginnings. Walking along the stream feels like reading a living story written in light.
The modern Seoul Lantern Festival began in 2009, following the restoration of Cheonggyecheon Stream. Since then, it has become one of Seoul’s most beloved winter events. Unlike loud or overwhelming festivals, this celebration offers a calm, emotional, and poetic atmosphere, especially after sunset.
For many visitors, the festival becomes a meaningful moment to reflect on the past year, make silent wishes, and find comfort in the gentle glow of light shining through the winter darkness.
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