Why NOW picked itIf you have dinner plans in Jamsil, come an hour early and walk the lake. The lights come on at 5:30 p.m., and opening night (Oct. 30) adds fireworks from 6:30, so expect crowds that evening.
At 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, the Seokchon Lake Luminarie switches on at the East Lake waterside stage. After the light-up, girl group 아워벌스데이 and Forestella play a celebration set, and the night ends with fireworks over the lake.
Opening night: Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m., ending in fireworks
The opening ceremony runs 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 at the East Lake waterside stage. Tenor Kang Shin-joo and soprano Kim Eun-jung open the show, followed by the light-up performance, a celebration set by 아워벌스데이 and Forestella, and the fireworks.
Songpa's official YouTube channel has a video of a past season's opening, so you can see the mood in advance.
The lights come on every evening
You don't need to hit opening night. The scenic lighting runs 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. and the festival lasts until Feb. 28, 2027. Along the East and West Lakes you'll find the main gate, a luminarie tunnel, arch gates and 'The Sphere' photo spot.
It gets dark early in winter, so even right after the lights come on the lake already looks its best. A lap around the lakes after work is an easy plan.
Booths from noon on the first weekend
From Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, experience booths, a flea market and food trucks open around the East Lake waterside stage from noon to 8 p.m.
Stage performances run Oct. 31 (Sat) and Nov. 1 (Sun), 5 to 7 p.m., with magic, mime, jazz guitar, flute and band acts.
Take a hand-heart photo, win a coffee coupon
From Oct. 30 to Nov. 6 the 'Hands of Light' SNS event is on. Post a hand-heart photo on Instagram with the three required hashtags and 50 best-pose winners get an online coffee coupon.
About five minutes from Jamsil Station
According to Seoul's guide for the previous season, it is about a five-minute walk from Exit 2 or 3 of Jamsil Station (Lines 2 and 8). Opening night will be crowded, so take the subway.
Event inquiries: Songpa-gu, 02-2147-2100. Lighting hours can run later depending on the crowd, so check Songpa's notice too.
