Seoul is preparing to light up its winter nights once again! From December 11, 2026, to January 31, 2027, Cheonggyecheon Stream will welcome the return of the Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제), turning a popular downtown walking route into a glowing seasonal attraction.
And there's a big reason this year's festival deserves attention: the event will run for more than seven weeks, giving visitors a much longer opportunity to experience Seoul's winter lights than the roughly three-week schedule associated with previous editions.
The extended dates come after strong public interest in the festival. The previous edition drew millions of visitors, and organizers extended its run in January 2026 following an exceptionally strong turnout. Here's what travelers should know about the upcoming festival.
2026 Seoul Lantern Festival at a Glance
- Event: Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제)
- Dates: December 11, 2026 – January 31, 2027
- Lighting time: 6 PM–11 PM
- Duration: More than seven weeks
- Location: Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul
- Address: 1 Taepyeong-ro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 태평로1가 1)
- Subway: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Exit 5 — only 143m away
- Organizer: Seoul Tourism Organization
- Official website: stolantern.com
The festival's dates cover the Christmas season, New Year's celebrations, and much of January, making it easier for travelers to fit a visit into different winter itineraries.
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| Seoul Lantern Festival 2025 |
Why Is the Seoul Lantern Festival Running Longer in 2026?
The festival's growing popularity helps explain why its extended schedule is particularly noteworthy.
During the 2025 edition, the event attracted a record 2.77 million visitors in its first 20 days, according to The Korea Times. The strong turnout prompted organizers to extend the festival by two weeks, allowing the main Cheonggyecheon displays to remain open until January 18, 2026. The closing time was also extended to accommodate visitors coming after work.
This growing interest reflects Seoul's appeal as a winter travel destination, where illuminated attractions and nighttime cultural experiences have become important parts of the city's tourism offering.
For 2026, the announced December 11–January 31 schedule provides a substantially longer festival period. Visitors will have more flexibility to choose when to go, rather than trying to fit their visit into a short seasonal window.
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| Seoul Lantern Festival 2025 |
Cheonggyecheon Stream Will Become a Winter Wonderland
Cheonggyecheon Stream runs through central Seoul, offering a peaceful walking route amid the surrounding streets and city buildings. During the lantern festival, illuminated displays transform the area into a colorful nighttime attraction.
Visitors can explore the stream on foot, admire lantern artwork, photograph the glowing installations, and enjoy the contrast between the water and the lights against Seoul's winter skyline.
The festival is known for combining traditional Korean lantern artistry with contemporary lighting and creative installations. Previous editions have featured themed lanterns, large-scale illuminated sculptures, and media art, offering visitors a mix of cultural and modern visual experiences.
The full lineup and theme for the 2026 edition have yet to be confirmed in the information available for this guide.
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| Seoul Lantern Festival 2025 |
What Can Visitors Expect at the 2026 Festival?
Although the complete program is still to be announced, the festival's central attraction is its illuminated display along Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Here are a few reasons to consider visiting:
Beautiful nighttime scenery: The lantern displays provide a different perspective on central Seoul after dark.
A winter photography spot: The illuminated artwork and stream create opportunities for memorable travel photographs.
A flexible travel date: With the festival scheduled across more than seven weeks, visitors have a broader window to plan around sightseeing, shopping, and other winter activities.
A seasonal cultural experience: The combination of lantern art, light installations, and an urban stream makes the festival a distinctive way to experience Seoul in winter.
For the best experience, consider visiting after sunset and dressing warmly. Check the official festival channels closer to opening day for confirmed operating hours, featured installations, and any special events.
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| Seoul Lantern Festival 2025 |
Planning a Winter Trip to Seoul?
The extended festival period makes it easier to include Cheonggyecheon in a wider Seoul itinerary. Visitors can explore the surrounding downtown area during the day, enjoy Korean food nearby, and finish the evening with a walk through the illuminated festival area.
The dates also span two major winter holiday periods: Christmas and New Year's. Whether you're visiting Seoul in December or planning a January getaway, the long schedule gives you more opportunities to experience the event.
As with any outdoor winter attraction, weather conditions and crowd levels can affect your visit, so checking official updates before heading out is worthwhile.
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| Seoul Lantern Festival 2025 |
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Seoul Lantern Festival runs from December 11, 2026, to January 31, 2027, bringing more than seven weeks of winter festivities to Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Following the previous edition's remarkable visitor numbers and schedule extension, the longer 2026 run gives travelers even more time to experience one of Seoul's signature winter attractions.
If you're planning a trip to South Korea this winter, keep the festival on your itinerary and watch for the official announcement of this year's lantern displays.
Would you visit Seoul to see Cheonggyecheon Stream glowing with lanterns this winter?