Seoul Lantern Festival Extended Until January 18
서울특별시 종로구 서린동
서울빛초롱축제
The festival is not over yet, bringing light back to Seoul’s winter nights with an extended schedule until January 18.
Set along the festival blends traditional lantern craftsmanship with modern media art, creating a nighttime experience filled with dreams and imagination.
With clearly defined themed zones and immersive displays, this year’s festival invites visitors to walk slowly through Seoul’s past, present, and future illuminated by light.
Seoul Lantern Festival Extended Until January 18
For those who thought the festival had already ended, there is welcome news.
The Seoul Lantern Festival at Cheonggyecheon has been officially extended until January 18, 2026.
Some exhibitions have concluded, so checking the remaining sculptures and new installations before visiting is recommended.
Notably, sections such as the I Love Magikarp exhibition are no longer on display.
The festival runs daily from 18:00 to 23:00.
The extended viewing area covers the main section of Cheonggyecheon, from Cheonggye Plaza to Samil Bridge.
Festival Theme and Storytelling Through Light
The official theme of this year’s festival is My Light, Our Dreams, The Magic of Seoul.
Its slogan reflects the mood of the event, describing magical moments unfolding across Seoul’s winter nights.
The festival focuses on capturing miraculous moments of the city through light.
From historical memories to imagined futures, each installation expresses shared dreams in visual form.
Three Key Viewing Highlights of the 2025 Festival
This year’s Seoul Lantern Festival presents a cohesive narrative built around dreams and magic.
The installations are designed to feel connected rather than fragmented.
The experience is immersive, engaging sight, sound, and spatial movement.
Walking through the displays feels like stepping into a shared dreamscape.
Another standout point is the fusion of tradition and modernity.
For the first time, traditional Hanji lanterns are combined with contemporary media art.
Zone-by-Zone Guide Along Cheonggyecheon
The first zone, stretching from Cheonggye Plaza to Gwangtong Bridge, is titled Miracle Seoul.
It showcases the miraculous light of Seoul, tracing the city’s journey from past to future.
The second zone, from Gwangtong Bridge to Gwanggyo, is called Golden Secret.
This section reveals inner dreams through sparkling colors and layered lighting.
The third zone, Dream Light, runs from Gwanggyo to Jangtong Bridge.
Here, light symbolizes dreams floating and shining within the universe.
The final zone, Seoul Fantasia, extends from Jangtong Bridge to Samil Bridge.
It presents magical winter-night moments, including aurora-like lighting effects.
Important Notes Before Visiting
While the festival has been extended, not all original exhibitions remain.
The I Love Magikarp section has officially ended.
Checking updated maps and display lists beforehand will help you plan a smoother visit.
Even with some sections concluded, the remaining installations still offer a rich and satisfying experience.
The Seoul Lantern Festival continues to be a meaningful winter event.
It is a place where light, dreams, and the city quietly meet along the flowing stream.
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