Seoul Lantern Festival 2026 Lights Up Cheonggyecheon Dec. 11 to Jan. 31

The lights come on at 6 p.m. on Dec. 11

According to the Seoul Tourism Organization, this year's festival opens Friday, Dec. 11 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 31, 2027, 18:00-23:00 every day.

The hours suit a short stop on the way home in the cold season.

From hanji lanterns to media art

Traditional hanji lanterns, media-art light installations and hands-on programmes line the stream. This year's theme is "Seoul's Romance: Symphony of Light", and it is the 18th edition since 2009.

The detailed line-up has not been published yet.

Cheonggye Plaza to Samil Bridge

The route runs from Cheonggye Plaza to Samil Bridge along the water, so you can start from either end.

The lanterns floating on the stream, as in the archive photos here, are the signature scene.

Admission is still unconfirmed

The Seoul festival portal lists it only as planned for December and shows no fee. Last year's edition was free, but whether this year matches needs an official announcement.