Top 6 Places To Visit During Winter Season In Seoul

In Korea, Christmas is centered more around commercial and cosmetic events and is mostly celebrated as a romantic holiday for couples in comparison to western traditions of gathering with family. It is common to buy cakes to celebrate the holiday then having a grandiose homecooked meal with relatives & friends. However, Seoul offers sparkling Christmas lighting throughout the city streets, department stores and malls. You can witness a showcase of glittering lights & holiday decorations displayed all over Seoul. It’s a great opportunity to get candid photos and get you in that holiday spirit.

MyeongDong | Address: Shinsegae Department Store, 63 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

The tourist destination where you can find a wide range of entertainment such as street foods, restaurants, shopping and cultural events. There are over 360 street vendors who operate their businesses from 3pm to 11pm, and offer seasonal and trendy street delicacies as well as souvenir items. During the winter season, the street is filled with glittery lights and fantastic Christmas decorations. It is a popular spot to get all your holiday gifts and check out a wide variety of local shops.

Everland Winter World ( Period: Nov 21st, 2022- Jan 7th, 2023) | Address: Gyeonggi-do, Yongin-si, Cheoin-gu, Pogog-eup, Everland-ro, 199

Every year Everland ( The Korean version of Disney land) hosts a winter wishes festival. The amusement park is one of the largest and most famous attractions in Korea. The highlights are the fireworks and display of lights at Magic Garden with special performances of Christmas Jingle Bamm Parade with elves, Santa and along with more fun holiday characters. There is also a Christmas Market in the Holland Village and a chance to go sledding. 

The Garden of Morning Calm (Period: December 9th, 2022- March 19th, 2023) | Address: 432 Sumogwon-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Geonggi-do

The lighting Festival at the Garden of Morning Calm has magnificent lights of all color and covers nearly an area of 330,000m. It’s a perfect spot to take pictures and enjoy the festive atmosphere under the gleaming lights. The lighting hours are from 17:00 to 21:00 and extended hours until 23:00 during Saturdays. Don’t forget to bundle up in layers and grab something warm to drink as you walk around the garden!

Seoul Lantern Festival ( Period: December 19^-31^st, 2022) | Address: 172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

For over 14 years the Seoul Lantern Festival has been one of the biggest and most popular festivals to attend in Seoul. Over 3 million visitors attend the 1.3km long path along Cheong yecheon Stream to enjoy the wonderful lanterns & colorful LED sculptures.

Winter Land at Lotte World Adventure ( Period: Nov 11^th- Dec 31^st, 2022) | Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Lotte World offers the largest indoor theme park as well as outdoor space. Some of the popular rides include the Gyro Drop, Atlantis roller coaster and the Flume ride. The entertainment area also offers an ice skating rink, mall, hotel and a museum. The theme parks are divided into two. The indoor park is known as “Lotte World Adventure” & the out door park is known as “Lotte World Magic Island.” Every year a special Christmas parade, performance, White winter village and special photo zones attract both Koreans and foreigners.

Herb Island Light Festival (Period: Nov 1^st- March 31^st, 2023) | Address: 35, Cheongsin-ro 947 Beon-gil, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

At Herb Island in Pocheon, you can enjoy the Christmas festivities by visiting the Christmas market, Santa village and enjoy spectacular lights. You can take the Seoul Metro station to Soyosan Station and then transferring to bus #57 for Sinbuk Oncheon.