Seoul Lantern Festival: A Dreamy Night Along Cheonggyecheon Stream ✨🏮

Every November, Seoul literally GLOWS UP for the Seoul Lantern Festival at Cheonggyecheon Stream! This annual event transforms a 1.2 km stretch—from Cheonggye Plaza in Gwanghwamun, heading east through downtown—into a magical river of light.

As soon as the sun dips, the whole area turns into an outdoor fairy tale. Hundreds of lanterns (we’re talking next-level artistry here) float above the water or pop up on colorful platforms. Expect to see classic Korean icons like fierce dragons, hanbok-wearing figures, and epic palaces mixed in with K-pop stars, cute cartoons, and worldwide legends. Seriously, every step feels like you’re walking inside a living anime—historical legends and pop culture icons are literally glowing all around you! 🤩🪄

🌟 Make a Wish—Seoul Style
One of the sweetest festival highlights? Grab a lantern, scribble your wish or dream, and set it off on the water. Watching your hope float alongside hundreds of glowing wishes will seriously give you the feels. It’s totally Insta-worthy and crazy therapeutic at the same time.

📍 Getting There is a Breeze:
• Subway Line 5 → Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 5), just a quick stroll to Cheonggye Plaza
• Subway Line 1 → Jonggak Station (Exit 5), walk straight ahead for the stream

OPEN: Lanterns glow nightly from sundown until about 10pm throughout early-mid November

🎟️ Entry Details
• Festival admission is 100% FREE!
• Wishing-lantern activity has a small fee (usually ₩3,000–5,000)

✨ Top-Notch Tips for Your Night Out
• Best Time to Go: Early to mid-November (cool nights, cozy vibes)
• Street Food FTW: Don’t sleep on hotteok (that ooey-gooey sweet pancake), crunchy roasted chestnuts, or spicy tteokbokki from roadside vendors—they’ll warm you right up!
• Snap the Vibes: Show up just before sunset—light-up time is unreal, and your pics will be absolute fire 🔥
• How Long?: Budget 1–2 hours to wander, soak in the art, and set your wish afloat

Trust me—Seoul’s Lantern Festival is a whole mood you don’t want to miss. Mark your calendar, bring a friend, and let the Seoul night work its magic! For more itinerary inspo and smooth city stays, check the deals on trip.com.

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