Seoul’s Lantern Festival and Gwanghwamun Christmas Market: A Winter Celebration attracting Millions and Enhancing South Korea’s Cultural Tourism Experience- Check It Out Now

Published on December 16, 2025

The Seoul Lantern Festival and the Gwanghwamun Christmas Market, two of the city’s most anticipated events, are creating a magical winter atmosphere in Seoul, South Korea. These festivals, held in the heart of the city, are attracting millions of visitors, both local and international, and contributing significantly to the growth of cultural tourism. As Seoul becomes a focal point for winter celebrations, the festivals also underscore the importance of cultural exchange and local business support, making them integral to the city’s tourism strategy.

The Seoul Lantern Festival: A Radiant Display of Culture and Innovation

Held annually in Gwanghwamun Plaza and Cheonggyecheon Stream, the Seoul Lantern Festival has grown to become a key tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. This year, the festival marks its 17th anniversary and continues to be one of Asia’s largest light festivals. The event’s grandeur lies not only in the spectacular light displays but also in its ability to capture the essence of Seoul’s rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit.

The festival’s theme for 2025 is “My Light, Our Dream, and the Magic of Seoul,” a concept that celebrates both the city’s history and its aspirations for the future. With more than 400 mammoth light sculptures and cutting-edge media art installations, the festival showcases a harmonious blend of traditional Korean paper lanterns and modern digital light art. The dazzling displays of color and light transform Cheonggyecheon and Uicheon Stream into an immersive experience that delights visitors of all ages.

The festival’s floating population increases dramatically during its run, with 3.28 million people visiting the festival site last year, according to the Korea Tourism Organization’s tourism data analysis. This year’s event is on track to surpass these numbers, with over 1 million visitors already attending in the first days following the festival’s opening. If this trend continues, the festival could potentially hit a record of 4 million visitors, making it an essential event in the Seoul tourism calendar.

Cultural Tourism: Boosting the Local Economy

The Seoul Lantern Festival plays a pivotal role in boosting local tourism, contributing to the economy of Seoul by attracting visitors who engage in a wide range of activities, from sightseeing to shopping. As people flock to the Cheonggyecheon area to experience the festival, local businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, experience a significant uptick in sales. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops see increased demand, benefiting from the influx of both domestic and international tourists.

The festival is also a platform for promoting Seoul’s cultural assets, positioning the city as a global cultural destination. Events like the Lantern Festival allow Seoul to showcase its artistic heritage while incorporating modern elements, thus creating a unique and attractive experience for tourists. By fostering cultural tourism, the city can enhance its international standing as a dynamic and welcoming destination for travelers seeking both history and modernity.

A Closer Look at the Themes and Installations

The main festival area, stretching from Cheonggye Plaza to Samilgyo Bridge, is divided into four mesmerizing themes: Miracle Seoul, Golden Secret, Dream Light, and Seoul Fantasia. These themes explore various aspects of Seoul’s identity, incorporating elements of Korean tradition, modernity, and fantasy.

Miracle Seoul features a dazzling combination of traditional Korean paper lanterns and media art that immerses visitors in a luminous celebration of the city’s heritage. This section invites visitors into a world of light, symbolizing the magic and wonder of Seoul as both an ancient city and a modern metropolis.

The “moment of light” section takes visitors through a historical journey, recreating the first time electricity was introduced to Korea in 1887 at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Using LED technology and Korean paper lanterns, this installation beautifully tells the story of the city’s first encounter with light, linking Seoul’s historical roots to its modern developments.

The festival also features the “Seoul Moon”, a stunning 15-meter aerial sculpture that brings a sense of grandeur to the event, along with collaborative art pieces that reflect K-culture and global partnerships. For example, Pokémon Korea’s “I LOVE Mermaid King” installation and Nongshim‘s commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Shin Ramen showcase how Korean brands engage with both local culture and international fandoms, contributing to the festival’s unique appeal.

Gwanghwamun Christmas Market: A Family-Friendly Winter Wonderland

In addition to the Seoul Lantern Festival, the Gwanghwamun Christmas Market has become a cornerstone event for visitors looking to experience the holiday season in Seoul. The market, a collaboration between the Seoul Tourism Foundation and local businesses, transforms Gwanghwamun into a winter wonderland, featuring a 15-meter-tall Christmas tree, a carousel, and several photo zones perfect for family photos.

The market’s mission is not only to provide holiday cheer but also to support local businesses in the area. The event is a commercial boost for small business owners, with some earning between 500 million won and 700 million won in sales annually. The market is a vibrant symbol of Seoul’s commitment to supporting its local economy while providing a festive atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

As one of the most popular winter festivals in the city, the Gwanghwamun Christmas Market attracts thousands of families and tourists who come to enjoy the festivities, shop for seasonal treats, and soak in the holiday atmosphere. The market serves as an example of how cultural events can create a mutually beneficial relationship between local businesses and the tourism sector, promoting a sense of community while driving tourism revenue.

Seoul’s Role in Cultural Diplomacy and Global Tourism

Both the Seoul Lantern Festival and the Gwanghwamun Christmas Market play significant roles in Seoul’s cultural diplomacy by attracting international tourists. As the global tourism industry continues to recover post-pandemic, cultural festivals like these provide a key opportunity for cities like Seoul to showcase their unique cultural identity and foster global connections through art, tradition, and shared celebrations.

The participation of global brands and international tourism agencies at the Lantern Festival exemplifies the growing role of Seoul in global cultural exchange. By hosting events that unite people from different parts of the world, Seoul is positioning itself as a central player in the Asian cultural tourism scene.

The Future of Cultural Tourism in Seoul

The Seoul Lantern Festival and Gwanghwamun Christmas Market are just two examples of how cultural tourism is becoming an essential component of Seoul’s tourism strategy. As South Korea continues to leverage its rich heritage, vibrant contemporary culture, and cutting-edge technology, Seoul is set to remain at the forefront of cultural tourism in Asia.

Moving forward, it’s likely that Seoul will continue to enhance these events and introduce new initiatives aimed at enriching the tourist experience. Whether through expanded light displays, more international collaborations, or innovative uses of technology, these festivals are helping to establish Seoul as a city that celebrates diversity, fosters cultural exchange, and creates unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world.

Conclusion: A Winter Celebration of Culture, Light, and Global Connectivity

The 2025 Seoul Lantern Festival and Gwanghwamun Christmas Market represent more than just holiday festivities. They are a testament to the power of cultural tourism to bring people together, support local economies, and celebrate a shared appreciation for art, light, and tradition. With millions of visitors expected and increasing international participation, these events highlight Seoul’s status as a leading cultural destination and serve as a beacon for future tourism initiatives.

As visitors from across the globe experience the magic of Seoul’s winter festivals, the city continues to embrace its role as a cultural ambassador, fostering a deeper understanding and connection between cultures. For travelers seeking an enriching cultural experience, the Seoul Lantern Festival and Gwanghwamun Christmas Market provide the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s festive spirit while contributing to the growth of its vibrant tourism industry.