In March 1887, the first electric light illuminated Geoncheonggung Palace at Gyeongbokgung. This magical moment is recreated through LED displays and hanji lanterns. Experience the wonder of the very first lighting, just as people did long ago.
Cheonggye Plaza → Gwangtonggyo Bridge
Korean traditional hat : Gat
This lighting display is inspired by the ‘gat’—the traditional hat worn by Joseon-era scholars—reinterpreted as a trendy motif in the Netflix animation “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” which draws on Korean culture. The result is a presentation of global Korean culture that blends tradition and modernity.
Gwangtonggyo Bridge → Gwanggyo Bridge
Light of Cheonggye : The Past of Ceonggyecheon
Created as a special exhibition piece for the Seoul Lantern Festival to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cheonggyecheon’s restoration, this work gently sheds light on the lives of ordinary people through “Panjachon” and “Supyoseok,” alongside Seoul’s modern history. It captures the stories of those who held onto hope and the bustling community of Cheonggyecheon in the 1950s and 1960s, allowing visitors to feel close to the valuable traces of life. In the past, the Supyoseok stone was set up along Cheonggyecheon to measure water levels.
Gwanggyo Bridge → Jangtonggyo Bridge
The Aurora of Light
The area beneath Samilgyo Bridge is transformed with projections and lasers, allowing visitors to see and enjoy the aurora at Cheonggyecheon.
angtonggyo Bridge ~ Samil Bridge
Royal Procession
Voted the number one sculpture people want to see again at the 2024 Seoul Lantern Festival! Inspired by the grand royal procession of the Jongmyo Daeje, one of the major ceremonies, and the royal palanquin parade of the Joseon Dynasty, this display allows visitors to enjoy a dazzling performance of light where tradition and modernity blend together in historic Seoul (Hanyang).
Uigyo Bridge ~ Ssanghangyo Bridge
Find Christmas photo spots hidden throughout Santa Village and capture joyful memories.
Don’t miss the Santa Village storybook that marks the beginning of this winter fairy tale, the sensory delights of the Nutcracker and Gingerbread House, and the mirror photo zone where you can capture the full view of Santa Village!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
① Santa Village Storybook
Welcome to Santa Village in a winter fairy tale! The storybook at the entrance of the market will guide you into the magical world of Santa Village.
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
② Nutcracker House
Take photos in a photo zone that feels like a scene from a play, featuring the Nutcracker and a ballerina doll. The classical music playing in the background will make you feel like the star of the stage!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
③ Lucky Carousel
2026 is the Year of the Red Horse! The Lucky Carousel, curious about Santa Village, has dressed up in Christmas decorations and come to visit.
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
④ Gingerbread Cookie House
This cookie house fills Santa Village with the warm scent of gingerbread. You can also submit your Christmas wish letter here—share your wish if you have one!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
⑤ Santa Village Express Train
The Santa Village Express Train has arrived, loaded with Christmas gifts Santa left behind!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
⑥ Snowflake Fountain
The Snowflake Fountain is a beloved landmark of Santa Village, filled with shimmering snowflakes. There’s a rumor that dropping a snowflake into the top of the fountain brings good luck—try tossing one in and see for yourself!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
⑦ Carousel Ticket Booth
Here, you can receive a ticket to ride the Rudolph Carousel. Anyone who completes the Santa Village Stamp Tour can get a ride ticket!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
⑧ Mirror Photo Zone
At the candy cane–shaped mirror photo zone, you can take photos with a full view of the Santa Village as your backdrop.
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
⑨ Christmas Elf’s House
This is the cozy home where a Christmas elf stays for a while. Warm up by the fireplace and take a photo with the elf enjoying the glow.
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
⑩ Santa Village Signpost
This signpost marks the end of Santa Village. How was your day in this winter fairy tale? After exploring the entire Santa Village, don’t forget to take a commemorative photo here!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
Major Light Installations
The Moment of Lighting
In March 1887, the first electric light illuminated Geoncheonggung Palace at Gyeongbokgung. This magical moment is recreated through LED displays and hanji lanterns. Experience the wonder of the very first lighting, just as people did long ago.
Cheonggye Plaza → Gwangtonggyo Bridge
Korean traditional hat : Gat
This lighting display is inspired by the ‘gat’—the traditional hat worn by Joseon-era scholars—reinterpreted as a trendy motif in the Netflix animation “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” which draws on Korean culture. The result is a presentation of global Korean culture that blends tradition and modernity.
Gwangtonggyo Bridge → Gwanggyo Bridge
Light of Cheonggye : The Past of Ceonggyecheon
Created as a special exhibition piece for the Seoul Lantern Festival to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cheonggyecheon’s restoration, this work gently sheds light on the lives of ordinary people through “Panjachon” and “Supyoseok,” alongside Seoul’s modern history. It captures the stories of those who held onto hope and the bustling community of Cheonggyecheon in the 1950s and 1960s, allowing visitors to feel close to the valuable traces of life. In the past, the Supyoseok stone was set up along Cheonggyecheon to measure water levels.
Gwanggyo Bridge → Jangtonggyo Bridge
The Aurora of Light
The area beneath Samilgyo Bridge is transformed with projections and lasers, allowing visitors to see and enjoy the aurora at Cheonggyecheon.
angtonggyo Bridge ~ Samil Bridge
Royal Procession
Voted the number one sculpture people want to see again at the 2024 Seoul Lantern Festival! Inspired by the grand royal procession of the Jongmyo Daeje, one of the major ceremonies, and the royal palanquin parade of the Joseon Dynasty, this display allows visitors to enjoy a dazzling performance of light where tradition and modernity blend together in historic Seoul (Hanyang).
Uigyo Bridge ~ Ssanghangyo Bridge
Find Christmas photo spots hidden throughout Santa Village and capture joyful memories.
Don’t miss the Santa Village storybook that marks the beginning of this winter fairy tale, the sensory delights of the Nutcracker and Gingerbread House, and the mirror photo zone where you can capture the full view of Santa Village!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
① Santa Village Storybook
Welcome to Santa Village in a winter fairy tale! The storybook at the entrance of the market will guide you into the magical world of Santa Village.
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
② Nutcracker House
Take photos in a photo zone that feels like a scene from a play, featuring the Nutcracker and a ballerina doll. The classical music playing in the background will make you feel like the star of the stage!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
③ Lucky Carousel
2026 is the Year of the Red Horse! The Lucky Carousel, curious about Santa Village, has dressed up in Christmas decorations and come to visit.
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
④ Gingerbread Cookie House
This cookie house fills Santa Village with the warm scent of gingerbread. You can also submit your Christmas wish letter here—share your wish if you have one!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
⑤ Santa Village Express Train
The Santa Village Express Train has arrived, loaded with Christmas gifts Santa left behind!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
⑥ Snowflake Fountain
The Snowflake Fountain is a beloved landmark of Santa Village, filled with shimmering snowflakes. There’s a rumor that dropping a snowflake into the top of the fountain brings good luck—try tossing one in and see for yourself!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
⑦ Carousel Ticket Booth
Here, you can receive a ticket to ride the Rudolph Carousel. Anyone who completes the Santa Village Stamp Tour can get a ride ticket!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
⑧ Mirror Photo Zone
At the candy cane–shaped mirror photo zone, you can take photos with a full view of the Santa Village as your backdrop.
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
⑨ Christmas Elf’s House
This is the cozy home where a Christmas elf stays for a while. Warm up by the fireplace and take a photo with the elf enjoying the glow.
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
⑩ Santa Village Signpost
This signpost marks the end of Santa Village. How was your day in this winter fairy tale? After exploring the entire Santa Village, don’t forget to take a commemorative photo here!
Santa Village Entrance, Santa Village Play Plaza, Santa Village Market Village
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow @seoullanterfestival @gwanghwamunmarket on Instagram Be the first to receive major updates from 2025 Seoul Lantern Festival & Gwanghwamun Market
Follow @seoullanterfestival @gwanghwamunmarket on Instagram Be the first to receive major updates from 2025 Seoul Lantern Festival & Gwanghwamun Market