Christmas and New Year in Seoul: Lights, Markets and the Countdown

Seoul in December is cold, bright and busy. This guide covers where the city’s winter lights and Christmas market are, where people gather to count down to the New Year, what stays open on the holidays and how to get around when the crowds are out. Dates change every year, so check the official schedule before you go.

Winter lights and the Christmas market

The Seoul Metropolitan Government runs a winter festival, Seoul Winter Festa, spread across central Seoul:

• Gwanghwamun Square: light displays and a Christmas market.
• Cheonggyecheon: the stream walk hosts the Seoul Lantern Festival.
• Seoul Plaza: an outdoor ice rink in front of City Hall.
• DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza): light shows on the building and year-end events.

Shopping streets and department stores also put up decorations, so an evening walk from Gwanghwamun along Cheonggyecheon is an easy free plan.

Sources: The Korea Herald — Seoul Winter Festa

Want a guided night tour or a day out of the city? Compare Seoul activities you can book ahead.

Where to count down to the New Year

• Bosingak bell-ringing: the traditional New Year’s Eve bell at Bosingak pavilion in Jongno draws a huge crowd.
• DDP countdown: a light-show countdown on the building’s facade.
• Hotels, rooftop bars and riverside parks also hold their own events — check each venue.

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What’s open over Christmas and New Year

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are public holidays in Korea, but most shops, cafés, restaurants, department stores and convenience stores stay open. Some museums, palaces and tours have their own closed days — for example, the DMZ tours from Paju do not run on New Year’s Day (see day trips from Seoul). The bigger holiday is Seollal (Lunar New Year), when many family-run shops close for a few days; check if your trip overlaps.

Getting around in the crowds

• Take the subway: roads near Bosingak and the festival sites can be closed or jammed. Get a transit card first — see Seoul subway & T-money.
• Seoul sometimes extends subway and bus service on New Year’s Eve — check the city’s announcement for that year.
• Taxis are hard to get right after the countdown. Walk a few streets away first, and check a fair fare with the Seoul taxi fare calculator.
• Staying near Jongno or Myeongdong makes it easy to walk back: where to stay in Seoul.

What to wear

December nights in Seoul are cold, and you will be standing outside. Layer up, bring gloves and a hat, and pick up hot packs at a convenience store. More in visiting Korea in winter.

Last checked: October 2026. Events, schedules and store services change every year — check the official site before you go.

FAQ

Is there a Christmas market in Seoul?

Yes. Seoul Winter Festa includes a Christmas market at Gwanghwamun Square. Dates and opening times change every year — check the official schedule.

Where do people celebrate New Year’s Eve in Seoul?

The traditional bell-ringing at Bosingak in Jongno is the best known; DDP also holds a countdown. Expect big crowds and road closures.

Are shops open on Christmas Day in Korea?

Christmas Day is a public holiday, but most shops, restaurants and convenience stores stay open. Some museums and tours close — check each one.

How do I get home after the countdown?

Use the subway if service is extended that year, or walk a few streets away from the crowd before looking for a taxi.

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