9 Most Beautiful Light Festivals Across Korea This Winter
From Haeundae to Cheonggyecheon, here are 9 must-see light festivals across Korea this year!
As winter deepens, cities across the country light up, offering more dazzling nightscapes than ever. This year, various unique light festivals are being held nationwide, filling the end of the year with a festive atmosphere.
We've gathered and introduced 9 light festivals across the country that brightly illuminate the darkness of winter in diverse settings, from the sea and urban centers to forests, parks, and even industrial complexes. If you're considering travel plans, refer to this list to experience the most sparkling winter yet.
2025 Light Festivals in Korea: A Comprehensive Guide
<Table of Contents>
1. 12th Haeundae Light Festival
2. Seoul Lantern Festival
3. Taean Light Festival
4. Changwon National Industrial Complex Media Art
5. 2025 Guri Light Festival
6. Cheongdo Santa Village Light Festival
7. Incheon Namdong Light Street
8. Hampyeong Winter Light Festival
9. Winter Lights of Cheonggyecheon
1. 12th Haeundae Light Festival
First, the 12th Haeundae Light Festival, representing Busan, will take place from November 29, 2025 (Sat) to January 18, 2026 (Sun) at Haeundae Beach and Gunamro. This festival combines lighting, media art, and large sculptures against the backdrop of the winter night sea, making it a very attractive domestic travel destination.
The entire sea promenade is decorated with lights, creating a spectacular display of light cascading over the night sea. It's a beloved winter destination in Busan, perfect for couples' dates or family outings. Among the permanently operating 'Light Festival Destinations,' Haeundae is highly recommended as a must-visit place in Busan with its stunning sea backdrop.
✅ 12th Haeundae Light Festival
✅ 2025.11.29 (Sat) ~ 2026.01.18 (Sun)
✅ Haeundae Beach ~ Gunamro area, Busan
2. Seoul Lantern Festival
In Seoul, the entire Cheonggyecheon Stream transforms into a Christmas wonderland with the Seoul Lantern Festival, held from December 12, 2025 (Fri) to January 4, 2026 (Sun). The Seoul Lantern Festival takes place in the Cheonggyecheon and Uicheon Stream areas, featuring light sculpture exhibitions and interactive programs.
Enjoying this festival in the heart of the city is special, making it a representative light festival in Seoul with excellent accessibility and attractions, perfect for winter visits.
✅ Seoul Lantern Festival
✅ 2025.12.12 (Fri) ~ 2026.01.04 (Sun)
✅ Cheonggyecheon area (Cheonggye Plaza ~ Samil Bridge), Uicheon Stream area (Uigyo Bridge ~ Suyu Bridge)
3. Taean Light Festival
The third light festival we recommend is the Taean Light Festival, which maintains its splendor 365 days a year. The Taean Light Festival, held in Taean, operates as a permanent light garden, offering deeper and clearer light when visited around sunset.
Walking among the sparkling sculptures from sunset to late at night allows you to feel the winter ambiance regardless of the season, making it a highly recommended light festival destination for taking photos.
✅ Taean Light Festival
✅ 2025.01.01 (Wed) ~ 2025.12.31 (Wed)
✅ Taean Nature World, Chungcheongnam-do
4. Changwon National Industrial Complex Media Art
A unique type of light festival where technology meets art, the Changwon National Industrial Complex Media Art takes place from November 18, 2025 (Tue) to December 1, 2025 (Mon). It features media facades, anamorphic videos, and interactive content set against symbolic locations within the industrial complex.
The freshness of the industrial complex setting, rather than a city or sea backdrop, makes it a must-add to your list of 'Light Festival Destinations'.
✅ Changwon National Industrial Complex Media Art
✅ 2025.11.18 (Tue) ~ 2025.12.01 (Mon)
✅ Gyeongnam Webtoon Campus, Korea Industrial Complex Corporation, Gyeongnam Social Economy Innovation Town, Changwon Cultural Complex Town
5. 2025 Guri Light Festival
The 2025 Guri Light Festival, easily accessible from Seoul, operates for free near Jangja Lake Park Station from October 18, 2025 (Sat) to December 25, 2025 (Thu).
With large mascot sculptures and neon forest paths, it offers many elements perfect for a family stroll, making it a highly accessible and satisfying light festival near Seoul. It is particularly recommended for those residing in the Seoul metropolitan area.
✅ 2025 Guri Light Festival
✅ 2025.10.18 (Sat) ~ 2025.12.25 (Thu)
✅ Jangja Lake Park, Guri, Gyeonggi-do
6. Cheongdo Santa Village Light Festival
In Cheongdo, Gyeongbuk, the Cheongdo Santa Village Light Festival is held for an extended period from May 1, 2025 (Thu) to February 28, 2026 (Sat).
With a large tree, various photo zones, a petting zoo, a self-studio, and even archery experiences, it offers plenty of interactive content, making it a great family-friendly winter destination. The long operating period is also an advantage, allowing for flexible planning.
✅ Cheongdo Santa Village Light Festival
✅ 2025.05.01 (Thu) ~ 2026.02.28 (Sat)
✅ Cheongdo Provence Photoland
7. Incheon Namdong Light Street
In Incheon, the Namdong Light Street illuminates the entire city with subtle lighting until the end of the year. With various attractions such as busking and local artists' cultural performances, it is highly accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The Incheon Namdong Light Street, recommended as an Incheon light festival, combines urban walks, lighting, and street performances, making it a great destination for couples, friends, and families alike.
✅ Incheon Namdong Light Street
✅ ~ 2025.12.31 (Wed)
✅ Namdong-gu area, Incheon
8. Hampyeong Winter Light Festival
In Hampyeong, Jeollanam-do, the Hampyeong Winter Light Festival will decorate the Expo Park area with large sculptures and nighttime landscape lighting from November 28, 2025 (Fri) to January 11, 2026 (Sun).
It is particularly popular with families, and it's great for leisurely exploring the themed zones in the spacious area.
✅ Hampyeong Winter Light Festival
✅ 2025.11.28 (Fri) ~ 2026.01.11 (Sun)
✅ Hampyeong Expo Park, Hampyeong-gun, Jeollanam-do
9. Winter Lights of Cheonggyecheon
Lastly, the Winter Lights of Cheonggyecheon, which warmly illuminate Seoul's Cheonggyecheon Stream, is a short-term Seoul light festival operating from December 12, 2025 (Fri) to December 31, 2025 (Wed). It features cute and charming themes such as cake trees, teddy bears, and mini train sculptures, making it a recommended spot for those who want to fully experience the year-end atmosphere.
✅ Winter Lights of Cheonggyecheon
✅ 2025.12.12 (Fri) ~ 2025.12.31 (Wed)
✅ Cheonggyecheon Stream area, Seoul
Festival schedules and programs are subject to change depending on the organizer's circumstances, so it is recommended to check the latest information on the official website or SNS before visiting.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/tour_toctoc/224086614466
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