"Seoul Light Gwanghwamun," a media art show projected on Gwanghwamun Gate, and Gwanghwamun Market will open on Dec. 12 at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul's Jongno-gu District. Shown is a scene from the market last year.
By Margareth Theresia
Photos = Seoul Metropolitan Government
Downtown Seoul next week will transform into a winter fantasy city of a Christmas village and Korean content.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Dec. 2 announced its hosting of the large-scale Seoul Winter Festa from Dec. 12 to Jan. 4 at Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul Plaza, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Bosingak Belfry and Uicheon Stream.
Held under the theme "Fantasia Seoul, Co-Created by Citizens," the festival will offer an array of events combining performing arts, interactive programs and Korean culture.
The K-Culture Experience Zone for foreign tourists will be expanded. Content that allow visitor interactivity with the country's unique culture and latest trends will be held throughout the city at the K-Idol Beauty Experience Zone, Traditional Culture Experience Zone, K-pop Reels Zone and K-Pop Dance Party.
The Seoul Lantern Festival will open on Dec. 12 in and around Cheonggyecheon Stream to warm up the nightscape. Shown is a snapshot of the event last year.
First, "Seoul Light Gwanghwamun," a media art show will run from Dec. 12 to Jan. 4 to transform Gwanghwamun Square into a gargantuan canvas. The work will show a combination of traditional aesthetics and futuristic video technology at night against the backdrop of Gwanghwamun Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Other highlights include sculptures inspired by an irworobongdo, a traditional folding screen showing the sun, moon and five mountain peaks to represent the king from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and "Gwanghwamun Light Performance."
From Dec. 12-31, Gwanghwamun Market will feature decorations under a "Santa Village" concept to evoke the atmosphere of a European Christmas market. A carousel themed on Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer will offer free rides at a corner of Gwanghwamun Square.
The Seoul Lantern Festival will run from Dec. 12 to Jan. 4 along Cheonggyecheon. Light and artistic works and interactive media art will illuminate the night, ranging from the sculpture Palma (Eight Horses) near Cheonggye Plaza to light installations and experimental media art displayed at a section extending to Samilgyo Bridge and Ogansumun Floodgate Site near DDP.
The annual ice skating at Seoul Plaza will run from Dec. 19 to Feb. 8. Nicknamed "Happiness of KRW 1,000" referring to its admission fee, the rink will offer winter leisure to the public.
The media art festival Seoul Light DDP from Dec. 18-31 featuring colossal light installations and shows will be held alongside SeoulCon, the world's largest festival for global creators and influencers of Korean content, fashion, beauty, and entertainment, from Dec. 29 to Jan. 1 to globally promote the competitiveness of such content.
The Bosingak bell-ringing ceremony, a traditional event to usher in a new year, is set for Dec. 31 at Bosingak Belfry in Seoul's Jongno-gu District. Shown is a scene from last year's event.
The annual countdown to greet 2026 is scheduled for Dec. 31 at the three locations of Bosingak Belfry, DDP and Gwanghwamun. The traditional bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak in the evening will feature a spectacular media facade beamed on the roof tiles of the bell.
The festival's opening ceremony on Dec. 12 is slated for 7 p.m. at Gwanghwamun Square. Performances like a Philippine performing arts troupe, traditional dance by Areumdri Dance Company and a gala featuring the nation's top musical actors will energize the atmosphere.
More information is on the festa's official website (https://www.winta.co.kr/) and Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/seoulwinterfesta/).
margareth@korea.kr