Christmas in Seoul 2026: Lights, Markets & Things to Do

Christmas in Seoul 2026: Lights, Markets & Things to Do

Seoul in December is pure magic. Department stores turn into giant light shows, Christmas markets fill the city squares, and the streets sparkle with trees and decorations. Even though Christmas is not a traditional Korean holiday, Seoul celebrates it in a big way.

If you are visiting Seoul this winter, here is your guide to the best Christmas lights, markets and festive things to do in the city.

How Do Koreans Celebrate Christmas?

In Korea, Christmas Day (December 25) is a public holiday. But unlike in many Western countries, Christmas in Korea is less about family gatherings and more about spending time with friends or a partner. It is one of the most popular days for couples to go on dates.

A few fun Korean Christmas traditions:

• Christmas cakes: Bakeries sell beautiful Christmas cakes, and many people order theirs in advance.

• Festive dates: Restaurants and cafes get fully booked, so make reservations early.

• Light shows: Department stores compete to create the most dazzling Christmas displays.

Tip: If you want to eat out on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, book a table in advance. Popular restaurants fill up quickly.

Best Christmas Lights in Seoul

1. Shinsegae Department Store Media Facade, Myeongdong (신세계백화점 미디어파사드)

The most famous Christmas sight in Seoul. Every winter, the front of the Shinsegae Department Store main branch in Myeongdong turns into a giant screen with a colorful light and video show. Crowds gather every night to take photos.

• Address: 63 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

• Subway: Hoehyeon Station (Line 4) or Myeongdong Station (Line 4)

• When: Usually from mid-November through December

Tip: The best photo spot is across the street. Go on a weekday evening to avoid the biggest crowds.

2. Seoul Light Gwanghwamun (서울라이트 광화문)

A media art festival that lights up Gwanghwamun Square with light, music and a giant media facade. It also hosts a New Year countdown event.

• Location: Gwanghwamun Square and surrounding area

• Dates: December 11, 2026 – January 3, 2027

• Hours: 17:30–22:00

• Subway: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5)

3. Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천)

Just a short walk from Gwanghwamun, Cheonggyecheon Stream is decorated with lights and lanterns in winter. It is a lovely place for an evening walk after visiting the Christmas market.

Best Christmas Markets in Seoul

4. Gwanghwamun Market (광화문 마켓)

Seoul’s own European-style Christmas market. Wooden booths sell handmade crafts, ornaments and snacks, and there are plenty of festive photo zones and hands-on activities.

• Location: Gwanghwamun Square, Jongno-gu, Seoul

• When: December 2026 (exact dates to be announced)

Tip: Combine the market with Seoul Light Gwanghwamun in the same evening.

5. Lotte World Tower Christmas Market (롯데타운 크리스마스 마켓)

One of Seoul’s most popular Christmas markets, held on the lawn in front of Lotte World Tower in Jamsil. Last year, it featured a two-story carousel, light shows and a snow shower, along with food and drinks.

• Address: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

• Subway: Jamsil Station (Line 2 and Line 8)

• When: Usually from late November to early January

Tip: Last year, tickets had to be bought in advance. Check before you go.

6. The Hyundai Seoul Christmas Village (더현대 서울)

Every year, The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido creates a Christmas village inside the department store, with festive exhibits, shops and photo zones. It is one of the most Instagrammable Christmas spots in Seoul.

• Address: 108 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

• Subway: Yeouido Station (Line 5 and Line 9)

• When: Usually from early November to late December

Tip: Reservations were required last year, and slots fill up quickly. Book as early as possible.

7. Shinsegae Wonderland, Myeongdong (신세계 원더랜드)

Inside the Shinsegae Department Store in Myeongdong, you can find a Christmas shop with limited-edition ornaments, festive snacks and a forest of lit Christmas trees. Visit it right before watching the media facade outside.

Ring in the New Year in Seoul

Staying until New Year’s Eve? Don’t miss the Bosingak Bell Ringing Ceremony in Jongno. At midnight on December 31, the bell is rung 33 times to welcome the new year, and thousands of people gather to celebrate together.

A Perfect Christmas Evening in Seoul

• 5:00 PM: Shop for ornaments at Shinsegae Wonderland in Myeongdong.

• 6:00 PM: Watch the Shinsegae media facade light show.

• 7:00 PM: Walk to Gwanghwamun and explore the Christmas market.

• 8:00 PM: Enjoy Seoul Light Gwanghwamun.

• 9:00 PM: End the night with a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Tips for Christmas in Seoul

• Dress warmly. December in Seoul is cold, often below freezing at night.

• Book early. Restaurants, popular pop-ups and Christmas markets can need reservations.

• Go on weekdays. Weekends near Christmas are extremely crowded.

• Bring hot packs. Buy them at any convenience store to keep your hands warm while watching the lights.

Plan Your Christmas Trip with KOncierge

Want to know which Christmas events are open during your stay, or need help booking a restaurant for Christmas Eve? With KOncierge, you can ask our local team anything about your trip in Korea, 24 hours a day, from event schedules and reservations to directions.

Merry Christmas from Seoul!