Seoul Light Gwanghwamun 2025: A Winter Festival of Light in the Heart of Seoul

When winter arrives, one of the most exciting sights is the dazzling lights that brighten the cold streets. Glittering trees and beautifully decorated shop windows make us forget the chill for a moment. If you want to fully experience the magic of winter lights in Seoul, there’s a special festival you shouldn’t miss—Seoul Light Gwanghwamun 2025.

<Seoul Light Gwanghwamun 2024>

Now in its fourth year, Seoul Light Gwanghwamun has become a beloved winter event. I personally visited several times last year and truly enjoyed seeing Gwanghwamun illuminated by stunning light installations. The large-scale projections on historic architecture, combined with music and storytelling, create a magnificent and almost surreal atmosphere. I can’t wait to see what kind of story will light up Gwanghwamun this year.

Picture Source : https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/2016467?utm

Seoul Light Gwanghwamun 2025: Event Information

• Dates: December 12, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• Location: Gwanghwamun Square & Gwanghwamun Gate
• Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 9
• Operating Hours: Sun–Thu: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM / Fri–Sat: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Theme: This year’s festival is held under the theme “Gwanghwa, Breathe with Light.”

The Gwanghwamun Media Facade Exhibition features world-renowned media artists, including Doug Aitken, winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale, along with TZUSOO, A-Plan Company, and The First Gate.
Each media facade show runs for 24 minutes, with a total of 8–9 sessions per evening.

<Seoul Light Gwanghwamun 2024>

More to See at Gwanghwamun Square

In addition to the media art projected onto Gwanghwamun Gate, a variety of light installations will be displayed throughout Gwanghwamun Square, stretching from the statue of King Sejong to the gate itself.

Highlights include:

• A 26-meter-long giant light sculpture inspired by Irworobongdo (the traditional royal folding screen), recently made famous worldwide, and reinterpreted Korean dancheong architectural patterns
• Colorful lighting installations where light and music blend together to create an immersive experience

Picture Source : https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/2016446?utm

In front of the King Sejong Statue, a large LED media screen called the “Sejong Pavilion” will showcase works by 6 invited Korean and international artists and 5 artists selected through an international open call. Visitors will also be able to participate in selecting the best artwork.

<Gwanghwamun market 2025>

<Gwanghwamun market 2024>

An outdoor market will also be held at Gwanghwamun Square, where you can browse and shop for cute and unique items.
※ The outdoor market runs until December 31.

Be sure to enjoy the diverse media art installations spread throughout the square as well.

New Year’s Eve Countdown Event (December 31)

On the last day of 2025, a special countdown event will take place at Gwanghwamun Square. From 11:00 PM to midnight, visitors can enjoy:

• A hanbok fashion show titled “Gwanghwamun Fashion Road”
• A spectacular light dance performance

Welcoming 2026 at Gwanghwamun Square will surely be a meaningful and unforgettable experience.

Tips for Visitors

Since all exhibitions are held outdoors, make sure to dress warmly. Proper winter clothing is essential to fully enjoy the media art and events without discomfort.

Enjoy the magical winter lights of Seoul—I’ll definitely be heading to Gwanghwamun to experience them myself! ✨

<Seoul Light Gwanghwamun 2024>