November 01, 2026 – November 15, 2026

Two weeks of illuminated lantern sculptures lining the Cheonggyecheon stream through central Seoul. Each year a different theme shapes the installations — past editions have featured Korean folk tales, zodiac animals, and world cultural heritage sites. Free to walk, best visited after 7 PM when the stream reflections double the effect. The Jongno section near Gwangtong Bridge is the most photographed stretch.

The Festival

The Seoul Lantern Festival transforms a 1.2 km stretch of Cheonggyecheon Stream into one of the world’s most beautiful illuminated urban landscapes over ten nights (November 1–10). Hundreds of large-scale lantern installations — depicting Korean history, folklore, seasonal themes, and cultural stories — line both banks of the stream and reflect in the water below. The festival is entirely free to attend and draws over a million visitors annually. Evening hours from 5PM onward are when the full illumination effect comes to life.

Walking the Stream

The festival route runs from Cheonggye Plaza near Gwanghwamun down to Supyogyo Bridge and beyond. Walking the full length takes about 45–60 minutes at a relaxed pace, with frequent stopping points and photography spots. Weeknights are significantly calmer than weekends — Friday and Saturday evenings attract the largest crowds. The installations are impressive both up close and from the bridges above the stream.

Getting There & Tips

• Start point: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Exit 5 — Cheonggye Plaza is a short walk
• Accessible from multiple stations: Jonggak (Line 1), City Hall (Lines 1 and 2), Euljiro 1-ga (Lines 2 and 3) all have stream access
• Go on a weeknight: Weekend crowds can make the walking path uncomfortably packed
• Best time: 6–8PM for full illumination with some ambient light remaining
• Free entry: No tickets required for the entire festival route