Published & Edited by Seoul Tourism Organization
This newsletter, issued by 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!
2025/07/16 |
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T O P I C ❕
‘Summer Romance in Seoul’ |
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How much of Seoul’s summer have you experienced?
Beneath the sweltering sun lie special moments
that can only be felt in this season. And in Seoul, those moments are filled with romance and culture.
The Moonlight Lotus Show, painting the serene
night of Changgyeonggung Palace in gentle hues. Summer activities on the cool river breeze, like the Tubester and Moonlight Rainbow Fountain at Banpo Hangang Park, Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall in Seodaemun—a healing space in the heart of Seoul.. And a refreshing indoor escape to the Seoul Culture Lounge,
where tradition meets modernity
Find out how you can enjoy the summer in the most Seoul-like way. Even in the height of the heat,
Seoul’s summer shines with its own unique kind of romance. Shall we explore it together?
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Contents📑
① Moonlight Lotus Show, Changgyeonggung Palace
② Banpo Hangang Park (Tubester, Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain)
③ Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall, Seodaemun
④ Seoul Culture Lounge |
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Moonlight Lotus Show, Changgyeonggung Palace |
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An Ancient Palace Illuminated by Light Art
Set against the scenic Chundangji Pond at Changgyeonggung Palace—one of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces—the Moonlight Lotus Show is a nighttime media art event that adds a touch of romance to Seoul’s summer nights.
This year, the event unfolds across eight zones within Changgyeonggung Palace, with Chundangji Pond at its heart. Each zone presents a distinct theme, blending light, video, and sound to transform the palace grounds into a single, immersive work of art.
Scenes 1 to 3 capture the flow of time and emotion within the palace. Scenes 4 to 6 explore harmony and healing drawn from its historical legacy. Scenes 7 and 8 express themes of unity and the enduring memory of light.
Did you know admission to the palace is free if you wear a hanbok? Put on a hanbok and capture unforgettable photos with the lotus lights at Chundangji Pond and the ancient palace as your backdrop!
The Moonlight Lotus Show offers two formats: full and partial screenings. Please note that during partial screenings, Scene 2 (Great Chundangji Pond) and Scene 5 (Small Chundangji Pond) will not be shown. Be sure to check the full schedule on the official website before your visit!
Shall we depart for a romantic summer night stroll illuminated by the lights and stories that fill the palace grounds?
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📣 Overview
- 📅 Closed on Mondays (If Monday is a public or substitute holiday, the park will close on the next non-holiday) - ⏰ May 20 (Tue) to Sep. 9 (Tue) 20:00-21:00 Sep. 10 (Wed) to Dec. 31 (Wed) 19:00-21:00 (Last entry at 20:00) - 📍185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul - 💵 KRW 1,000 (Free admission on the last Wednesday of the month, for visitors wearing a hanbok, and for those under 18 or over 65) - 🔗 https://www.kh.or.kr/brd/board/1049/L/menu/885?brdType=R&bbIdx=117739 - 💗@changgyeonggung_palace
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Banpo Hangang Park
(Tubester, Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain)
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A Rejuvenating Summer in the Water in the Middle of Seoul
As the sun sets between skyscrapers, a gentle breeze drifts across the river and lights dance on the water’s surface. If you want to fully experience the romance of a Seoul summer night, Banpo Hangang Park is the perfect destination.
A must-visit healing spot for those seeking a unique summer in the city, the park offers everything from fun activities to dreamy nighttime views. Among them, here are two standout experiences that will make your summer on the Hangang River truly unforgettable:
🛟 A Romantic Picnic on the Hangang River – Tubester
The Tubester is a tube-shaped electric boat that anyone can operate—no license required—making it one of the most popular water activities on the Hangang River.
Each boat seats up to six people and includes a central table, perfect for sharing snacks and drinks as you enjoy a “picnic on the water.”
For the most magical experience, hop on at sunset when the sky glows red and the city lights begin to shimmer along the river. It’s a moment where the romance of a Seoul summer night reaches a climax.
Operations may be suspended on windy or rainy days for safety, so don’t forget to check the weather before your visit!
🌈 The World’s Longest Bridge Fountain – Moonlight Rainbow Fountain
Located on Banpo Bridge, the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s longest bridge fountain and is one of Seoul’s most iconic nightscape attractions.
Shows are held here, each lasting 15 to 20 minutes and featuring dynamic water jets, over 200 colorful lights, and a vibrant soundtrack ranging from K-pop and Western pop to classical music. Together, these elements create a magical midsummer night performance that dazzles the senses.
For the best view, head to the grassy area of Banpo Hangang Park or near Sebitseom, where you can take in the entire show at a glance. Bring a picnic mat, sit back, and let the lights and music sweep you away—you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a scene from a movie, right in the heart of the city.
To make unforgettable summer memories, be sure to plan a day at Banpo Hangang Park!
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📣 Overview
- 📅 Tubester: March – November / Moonlight Rainbow Fountain: April – October - ⏰Tubester: Summer (June – September): Weekdays 16:00-24:00 / Weekends and Public Holidays 14:00-24:00 Spring/Fall (March – May / October – November): Weekdays 15:00-23:00 / Weekends and Public Holidays 13:00-23:00
- ⏰ Moonlight Rainbow Fountain:
Off-peak season (April – June, September – October): 19:30-21:00
Peak season (July – August) Extended until 21:30 (Each show lasts about 20 minutes)
- 📍 650, 649-1 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul - 💵 Tubester: KRW 35,000 (30 min) / KRW 55,000 (60 min) (Per boat, up to 6 people) Moonlight Rainbow Fountain: Free - 🔗 Tubester / Moonlight Rainbow Fountain - 💗 Tubester @tubester1
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Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall, Seodaemun
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An Escape to Nature in the Heart of the City
Looking for a place to experience the cool, refreshing charm of nature on a hot summer day? Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall in Seodaemun-gu is just the spot!
Located along Hongjecheon Stream, this man-made waterfall impresses with its grand scale—25 meters high and 60 meters wide. Its seamless integration with the natural surroundings makes it hard to believe it’s artificial.
A destination for all seasons, the waterfall transforms throughout the year: In spring, it's surrounded by blossoms; in summer, cooled by flowing streams;
in autumn, framed with vibrant foliage; and in winter, it becomes a frozen waterfall spectacle. It’s a place where nature tells a different story each season.
Recently gaining popularity among international visitors through word of mouth, the waterfall is known as a “healing spot in Seoul.” It’s especially stunning at night when illuminated, creating a beautiful and tranquil evening scene.
Right in front of the falls, you’ll find the café Pokpo, a former warehouse reborn as a stylish coffee shop. With a terrace overlooking the water, it’s the perfect place to relax with a drink while taking in the soothing view.
On the first floor, you can enjoy the waterfall through large glass windows.
Head to the second-floor rooftop for a closer, more vivid view—an ideal way to immerse yourself in the essence of Seoul’s summer.
Drawing around 20,000 visitors each month, this local hotspot also hosts various youth cultural events, making it an open, welcoming space for travelers and locals alike.
If you’re looking to escape the heat and recharge in the heart of the city, why not spend a peaceful afternoon at Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall—where cool streams and city charm meet?
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Experience Trendy K-Culture in Seoul
If you want to truly immerse yourself in Korean culture while in Seoul, the Seoul Culture Lounge is a must-visit. Conveniently located near popular attractions like Gwanghwamun and Myeongdong, it offers easy access and a unique blend of tradition and modernity, drawing increasing attention from international visitors.
Having opened their doors in June 2024, the Seoul Culture Lounge is already celebrating its first anniversary!Over the past year, more than 18,000 visitors from 101 countries have experienced firsthand a wide range of K-culture activities.
In 2025, the Lounge is expanding its offerings with hands-on programs centered around four key themes: K-Hangeul, K-Art, K-Beauty, and K-Trend—giving visitors even more ways to engage with Korean culture.
Notably, when you book the three popular programs below through core travel agencies, the Seoul Tourism Organization will fully cover all expenses.
🎨 Mother-of-Pearl Craft 🍪 Making Traditional K-Sweets ✍️ Calligraphy
At Seoul Culture Lounge, you can create, experience, and become fully immersed in the beauty and spirit of Korean culture. If you’re looking to add a truly special K-culture experience to your trip, be sure to make your reservation today!
Discover authentic Korean culture in the heart of Seoul by immersing yourself in the charm of K-culture at Seoul Culture Lounge.
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📣 Overview
- 📅 Open Tuesday to Saturday (Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays) - ⏰ 10:00-17:00 - 📍11F, 85, Cheonggyecheon-ro (Samil Building), Jongno-gu, Seoul - 💵 Free classes (Mother-of-Pearl Craft, Making Traditional K-Sweets, Calligraphy) available only through bookings by core travel agencies - 🔗 https://www.seoulculturelounge.com/?lang=en - 💗 @seoulculturelounge |
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The Summers of Seoul become truly special when you experience it firsthand.
The soft glows of the Moonlight Lotus Show installations lighting up the night
at Changgyeonggung Palace, A moonlit picnic at Banpo Hangang Park, where the cool river
breeze harmonizes with music, Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall, a refreshing hidden escape
tucked withinthe city, And Seoul Culture Lounge, where you can experience the richness
of Korean culture and art all in one place. Seoul’s summers are filled with special moments where nature and culture
come together in perfect harmony.
We hope the places introduced in this newsletter become a refreshing oasis during your summer travels, and that each day you spend in Seoul turns
into a truly unforgettable memory.
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