2024/11/13
Published & Edited by Seoul Tourism Organization |
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This newsletter, issued by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Organization, is intended for Seoul Partner Travel Agencies and related organizations around the world.Issued on the second Wednesday of every month, the newsletter introduces some of Seoul's best hidden charms and newest attractions.We look forward to your continued interest and support as we bring you a variety of content in the future!
โป Please note that the "KR" on a button indicates that the website is available only in Korean.
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Have you ever experienced a winter night in Seoul?
Here are some must-visit spots for the winter season, where the cityโs dazzling lights and warm memories come to life!
This December, the Seoul Lantern Festival, a signature nighttime event that lights up the heart of the city, returns alongside Gwanghwamun Market, offering a feast for the senses with a variety of goods and delicious food to delight both the eyes and the palate!
Seoul offers a range of daytime attractions and enchanting nighttime spots that can only be enjoyed in the winter. Glide across the ice at the Seoul Plaza Skating Park in the city center or take in breathtaking winter views of the Han River at Hangang Park Snow Sledding! Also, donโt miss Luminarie Festival, a seasonal highlight that beautifully captures the essence of autumn and winter in the Songpa area.
Discover all about them in this monthโs issue! |
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ใContentsใ๐
1. Seoul Lantern Festival
2. Gwanghwamun Market
3. Seokchon Lake Luminarie
4. Hangang Park Snow Sledding
5. Seoul Plaza Skating Park |
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"Seoul's Nighttime in Winter" |
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โ Seoul Lantern Festival
#LanternFestival #CheonggyecheonStream #Festival #Lights #LED #DIY #Ornaments
"Playing in the Lights of Seoul!"
First held in 2009 and now in its 16th year, the 2024 Seoul Lantern Festival, Seoulโs signature nighttime event, is just around the corner!
In 2023, the festival attracted an impressive 3.12 million visitors over a period of 38 days. This year, it gained international recognition by winning the Silver Award in the Cultural Event category and the Bronze Award in the Festival category at the 14th Eventex Awards 2024, firmly cementing its status as Seoulโs premier nighttime event!๐
This yearโs festival, to be held under the theme of โPlaying in the Lights of Seoul,โ once again promises dazzling light displays that will illuminate Seoulโs winter nights. Highlights include traditional paper lanterns, air balloons, and interactive light sculptures.โจ
The beautiful lights, beginning at Cheonggye Plaza and extending along Cheonggyecheon walkway, are sure to create a breathtaking spectacle!
In addition, a variety of experiential programs will be available including two exclusive programs designed for tourists that require advance booking.
To celebrate the Christmas season, participants can assemble LED Christmas ornaments using foam board designs shaped like a snowman or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. For the New Year season, visitors can paint a wooden template to create their own lucky โcow nose rings,โ believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead.
Special Alert! Reserved seating is available exclusively to Seoul Partner Travel Agencies (Daily, 18:00 ~ 22:00). This is an opportunity you definitely donโt want to miss!๐
The 2024 Seoul Lantern Festival will feature a range of exciting programs and exhibits, promising plenty to look forward to! Spanning 31 days, itโs the perfect opportunity to create magical, dazzling memories this winter in Seoul!
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[TIP]โ
- Period: Dec 13, 2024 to Jan 12, 2025
- Location: Cheonggae Plaza, Cheonggyecheon Stream (from Mojeon Bridge to Samil Bridge)
- Website: https://www.stolantern.com/
- Instagram: @seoullanternfestival
[Experience Program Reservation Period]โฑ
- Christmas Season: Nov 28 to Dec 11
- New Year Season: Dec 12 to 25
[Experience Program Operation Period]โฑ
- Christmas Season: Dec 13 to 25
- New Year Season: Dec 26 to Jan 12
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โก Gwanghwamun Market
#Gwanghwamun #ChristmasMarket #SmallBusinesses #HandmadeGoods #Snacks #Desserts
"Santa Village Is Coming to Gwanghwamun Square!"
Now in its third year, Gwanghwamun Market aims to enhance Seoulโs nighttime tourism while supporting the cityโs small businesses. Modeled after European markets, it features a festive Santa Village that captures the charm of a traditional Christmas market.๐๐
๐ช
At Gwanghwamun Market, over 140 local small businesses showcase and sell a variety of seasonal items, handmade crafts, and delicious treats.๐งธ๐งฆ๐ฌ
From charming trinkets to beautiful handcrafted pieces, itโs the perfect place to find a unique gift or souvenir for your friends or family!๐๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง
And just for Seoul Partner Travel Agencies, thereโs a special perk you wonโt want to miss! If you visit the main information booth at Gwanghwamun Market during your trip to the Seoul Lantern Festival, you can receive a unique souvenir from the 2024 Gwanghwamun Market.๐ค
Curious about what it is? Hurry and visit!
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[TIP]โ
- Period: Dec 13, 2024 to Jan 5, 2025
- Time: Mon to Thu (17:30 ~ 21:30) / Fri to Sun (18:00 ~ 22:00)
- Location: Gwanghwamun Square, Sejongno Park
- Website: https://www.stolantern.com/
- Instagram: @seoullanternfestival
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โข Seokchon Lake Luminarie
#Songpa-gu #SeokchonLake #Luminarie #Dreamlike #light #Sculputures #DateNight #OutdoorPerformances #WinterFestival
"Autumn, Winter, and Luminarie by the Lake"
Located in Jamsil, Seokchon Lake is a beloved park among local residents. Each season brings its own unique charm, making it a popular spot for romantic outings. In spring, the lake is framed by blooming cherry blossoms; in summer, the lush green trees offer cool shade; and in autumn, the vibrant foliage transforms the lake into a stunning kaleidoscope of colors.๐บ๐ณ๐โ
From October through February next year, Seokchon Lake will host a spectacular festival of lights. The lake will come alive with scenic illuminations, dazzling light sculptures, and inviting photo zones, creating a truly magical experience.
Luminarie is a festival that creates or adorns architectural structures with lights, meaning "art of light" or "sculpture of light" in Italian.๐
Beginning at the main gate of Seokchon Lakeโs Dongho entrance, visitors will be greeted by large and small Luminarie gates, Luminarie tunnels, bridge gates, and scenic lights that create a dreamy, mystical atmosphere. Photo zones will also be placed along the walking paths and decks.๐ท
A highlight of the festival is the โThe Lake I Decoratedโ project. Messages under the theme โDream, Universe & Love,โ selected through a public contest, will be displayed through LED lighting that illuminates the lake. Created with the involvement of local residents, this project will beautifully reflect the spirit of the community!๐ฎ
The festival will also feature a variety of events to enhance visitors' experiences. Kicking off with the opening ceremony and fireworks on October 25, there will be plenty of cultural activities to enjoy, including artistic performances, interactive booths, food trucks, and a flea market.๐๐
At the flea market near Dongho Stage, which has been organized in partnership with local workshops from Songpa District, you can browse through a variety of charming handmade goods. Cultural performances such as busking, magic shows, and bubble & balloon shows will add to the festive atmosphere, offering a romantic and fun experience for couples and families alike.๐๐จโ๐จโ๐ฆโ๐ฆ๐
The flea market and cultural performances will take place every weekend from October 26 to November 24. Check it out for yourself before itโs too late!
Even if you miss the cultural events, donโt worry! The stunning lights illuminating the lake will be on display until the end of February 2025, so make sure to visit.โ๏ธ
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"Seoul's Daytime in Winter" |
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โฃ Hangang Park Snow Sledding
#Ttukseom #Jamwon #Yeouido #HangangPark #OutdoorPool #SleddingHill #Outdoors #Rides #IceFishing #Dalgona #CottonCandy
"Sledding Fun at the Han River"
Did you know you can go sledding at the Han River in winter? Every year, Ttukseom, Jamwon, and Yeouido Hangang Parks open their sledding slopes for visitors to enjoy!๐ท
Operated by the Seoul Hangang Park Headquarters, these facilities provide residents with a chance to enjoy winter sports right in the heart of the city. They typically open every year in late December and run until mid-February as signature winter attractions at Hangang Park.โ
The admission fee is also very affordable! For just KRW 6,000, you can enjoy all-day access to the sledding hill, snow play area, and relaxation facilities.
In addition to sledding, there are plenty of exciting rides, including Euro Bungee, Disco Pang Pang, Mini Viking, Star Speed, Bumper Cars, Elephant Trains, and mini bikes. With so many options, youโll be busy hopping from one ride to the next!๐ ๐ข
There are also various hands-on activities, such as ice fishing, the nostalgic Dalgona challenge made popular by Squid Game, balloon popping, and cotton candy making, offering a wide range of experiences for everyone to enjoy.
Get in on the fun and go sledding in Seoul this winer!
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[TIP]โ
- Period: TBD, Please refer to the homepage (As of 2023: December 22, 2023 to February 12, 2024)
- Time: 09:00 ~ 17:00 (Weekdays and weekends)
- Location: Ttukseom, Jamwon, and Yeouido Hangang Parks
- Fees: Admission KRW 6,000 / Rides KRW 5,000 ~ 7,000 per ride / Other Activities KRW 4,000 ~ 6,000 per session
- How to Use: On-site purchase
โป The sledding hill and rides will be closed daily from 12:00 to 1:00 for snow clearing.
โป Rides and other activities may be subject to change or may be unavailable due to conditions at the sledding hill and adverse weather. |
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โค Seoul Plaza Skating Park
#SeoulPlaza #CityHall #Exit5 #SkatingRink #Outdoor #Winter
โEnjoy Seoul While Gliding Across Silvery Plazasโ
Youโve probably noticed the spacious green lawn in front of Seoul City Hall before, but did you know it transforms into a silvery outdoor skating rink during winter? The outdoor rink at Seoul Plaza, in front of City Hall, is set up every winter, allowing locals to enjoy ice skating as a fun winter activity.โธ
Ever since it first opened in 2004, the admission fee has remained the same at a measly KRW 1,000 per person, allowing people of all ages to enjoy fun times on the refreshing ice rink.
There is also a dedicated childrenโs rink on one side, ensuring that children can enjoy skating safely even without adult supervision.๐โโ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ
Better yet, the purchase of an admission ticket allows you to โrentโ skates, a helmet, and other safety gear for free! There is also a small shop where you can purchase winter gear and snacks, making your visit even more convenient.
This time, as a special offer for Seoul Partner Travel Agencies, we will be providing souvenirs for groups who visit the Seoul Plaza Skating Rink. Each participant will receive a Seoul-themed souvenir and a pair of winter gloves, so donโt miss out on this exclusive offer!๐งค๐
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[TIP]โ- Period: Dec 20, 2024 to Feb 9, 2025
- Time: 10:00 ~ 21:30
- Location: Seoul Plaza
- Fee: KRW 1,000 (1 hour per session, including helmet and skate rental)
- How to Use: Online reservation (See website) / On-site purchase
- Website: https://seoulskate.com/
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A Word from the Seoul Tourism Organization!๐
Right next to Gwanghwamun Market, yet another exciting event is taking place! Itโs the K-Food Festival Knock Knock, showcasing the latest in Korean cuisine, running from May this year until next May. The Hangang Moonlight Night Market, which was a big hit in 2023, has returned this year as the K-food-focused โKnock Knock Festival.โ
The festival features 15 food trucks offering unique Korean dishes, along with plenty of spaces for visitors to relax, including dining areas and beanbag chairs. There are also pop-up stores showcasing handmade crafts and live performances! So, before heading to the Lantern Festival and Gwanghwamun Market, why not grab some tasty snacks to fuel up for the fun ahead?
- Period: May 29, 2024 to May 31, 2025- Time: Thu to Sun, 16:00 ~ 21:00- Location: Sejongno Park, adjacent to Gwanghwamun Square- Website: https://knock-knock.kr/2024/- Instagram: @knockknock_festival
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โ
Onul books
#Nobel Prize for Literature #First Asian Woman #Gyeongbokgung #Han Kang Author #Bookstore #Books
Did you know there is a book store run by Han Gang, the first Asian woman Nobel Prize Winner in Literature?
Onul booksโs shelves are filled with a variety of books, including novel, poetry, and humanities. Each book has a recommendation from the author, which you can refer to when choosing what to read next.
Also, there is a โSecret Book Bundleโ where the covers of the books are hidden with only one impressive quote from each book is released. This sparks curiosity since you canโt look up summaries or reviews in advance, and interesting to see whether the book that moved you with just one line will still resonate with you after reading it.
In addition, the bookstore hosts various literary events such as book talks and reading sessions, so be sure to check it out! Perfect place to visit after enjoying the maple at Gyeongbokgung Palace! |
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