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Seoul Cafe Guide: Villa Coffee Bar, a Rooftop Spot with Stunning City Views

I’ve been posting a lot about Haebangchon lately, and as I mentioned in another article, one of the area’s biggest charms is its high elevation, which offers great views of Seoul. So today, I’d like to introduce a café where you can enjoy that beautiful cityscape. I visited this café in the spring with a friend and was able to enjoy the fresh, green scenery under clear skies. The café I visited is called Villa Coffee Bar. It’s a renovated old house turned into a cozy café. The space isn’t large, but its charm lies in its small, homey atmosphere paired with an open, panoramic view of Seoul. As soon as you walk in, the “ta-da” moment of the view catches your eyes immediately.  The music album covers displayed on the walls also add a hip vibe to the space. The Basque cheesecake is said to be the café’s signature menu item. What makes this place even better is that you can go up to the rooftop. The interior is stylish and pleasant, but the rooftop offers truly stunning views. From up t...
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Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival: A Magical Winter Night Walk in Seoul

Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival

As winter gradually settles in, Seoul’s weather gets noticeably colder. Yet even in the chilly season, the city continues to sparkle thanks to its beautiful winter light festivals.
I previously introduced the Gwanghwamun Light Festival, and this time I’d like to share another winter highlight: the Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival (BitChorong Festival).

seoul-lantern-festival-2025

Cheonggyecheon is a small urban stream that runs through the center of Seoul. It’s a popular walking path where nature and city life blend seamlessly. Every winter, the stream is transformed with a variety of illuminated installations, offering visitors plenty to see and enjoy.

cheonggyecheon-night-event-2025
(Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival, 2025)
Picture Source : https://www.stolantern.com/m04_02/32

(Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival, 2024)

The lantern displays tell diverse stories from scenes inspired by traditional Korean culture to modern themes featuring well-known characters. At night, the glowing lights create a truly magical atmosphere, making it one of the most enchanting winter walks in Seoul.

<Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival, 2025>
Picture Source : https://www.stolantern.com/m04_02/29?page=2

Festival Information

  • Period: December 12, 2025 ~ January 4, 2026
  • The period has been extended to January 18. 
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Location: Cheonggyecheon Stream (from Cheonggyecheon to Ui Stream)
  • Official Festival Website (English): https://www.stolantern.com/en/

seoul-festival-cheonggyecheon-2024
(Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival, 2024)

I still remember enjoying this festival last year while strolling along Cheonggyecheon, discovering lanterns filled with different stories along the way. The stream is quite long, so walking the entire route can easily take 40 minutes or more.

Cheonggyecheon-Lantern-Festival
(Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival, 2024)

If you prefer a shorter walk, I recommend starting from Gwanghwamun Station and continuing along the stream from there. Many of the highlight installations begin around this area and extend toward Jongno.

📍 Starting Point near Gwanghwamun: Cheonggye Plaza

(1 Taepyeong-ro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul)


Cheonggyecheon-Lantern-Festival-2024
(Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival, 2024)

Since Gwanghwamun Square also hosts its own winter festival, it’s a great idea to enjoy the festivities there first and then continue your walk along Cheonggyecheon.

Because you’ll be spending a long time outdoors, make sure to dress warmly. Seoul’s winter cold can be quite intense especially at night. Bundle up well and enjoy the festival comfortably!

Lastly, Cheonggyecheon has a deep and fascinating history. If you’re interested, feel free to check out my previous post about its past. Knowing the history will make your walk along the stream even more meaningful and enjoyable.

cheonggyecheon-history

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