2026 Seoul Christmas Photo Spots Guide

Christmas is very important to people in Korea. Besides creating a romantic holiday atmosphere, it is also a great opportunity for businesses to boost sales, and it is a national holiday.

By the time Christmas arrives, temperatures in Korea have already dropped sharply. The festive atmosphere makes everyone look forward to the holiday. We have put together the latest information for 2026, including Christmas celebrations and photo spots around Seoul, for your reference. If you are visiting Korea in winter, be sure not to miss them.

Last updated: October 21, 2026

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Seoul Lantern Festival

• Location: Around Cheonggyecheon (from Cheonggye Plaza to Samilgyo Bridge)
• Dates: December 11, 2026 to January 31, 2027
• Getting there: Seoul Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station Exit 5, or Line 1, Jonggak Station Exit 5

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The 2026 Seoul Lantern Festival is themed “Seoul’s Romance (Seoul의 낭만),” bringing dazzling Christmas decorations and light art installations to the area around Cheonggyecheon.In addition to photo opportunities, there will be plenty of hands-on activities, so don’t miss it during your trip to Seoul.

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Gwanghwamun Square Christmas Market

• Location: Gwanghwamun Square and the area around Sejongno Park
• Dates: December 11, 2026 to January 3, 2027
• Getting there: Exit 9 of Gwanghwamun Station on Seoul Subway Line 5
• Official website: @gwanghwamunmarket

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government

At the end of 2026, the Gwanghwamun Market will feature a large Christmas tree in Gwanghwamun Square, along with a Christmas market. Since it is located close to the Christmas attractions at the Seoul Lantern Festival, we recommend visiting both in one trip to enjoy the vibrant energy of winter.

Seoul Plaza Christmas Tree

• Address: Seoul Jung-gu Eulji-ro 12
• Getting there: Exit 5 of City Hall Station on Seoul Subway Lines 1 and 2

Source: Yonhap News

Seoul Plaza near City Hall Station and Cheonggyecheon is also home to a huge Christmas tree that lights up the surrounding area at night. Since it is not far from the two Christmas attractions mentioned above, we recommend planning a full Christmas itinerary to visit them all.

COEX Starfield Library

• Address: Seoul, Gangnam-gu, 513 Yeongdong-daero, B1
• Dates: The decorations will be changed in mid-November 2026
• Getting there: Seoul Subway Line 2, Samseong Station Exits 5 and 6

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Source: Seoul Economy

If you're worried about the cold outdoors and freezing while taking photos, you can enjoy a beautiful large Christmas tree inside the COEX Starfield Library. With a huge wall stacked with more than 14,000 books behind it, the setting creates the perfect Christmas atmosphere.

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MyeongdongShinsegae Department Store

• Address: Seoul Jung-gu Sogong-ro 63
• Dates: October 30 to December 28, 2026, lights expected to turn on at 17:30
• Getting there: Exit 6 of Euljiro 1-ga Station on Seoul Subway Line 2, Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit 7 of Hoehyeon Station on Line 4, Hoehyeon Station, or Exit 5 of Myeongdong Station on Line 4

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Source: Shinsegae Department Store

Shinsegae Department Store in Myeongdong has become one of the most popular Christmas photo spots. Its 2026 Christmas projection and light show is once again highly anticipated, while the nearby Myeongdong shopping district takes on a warm and festive atmosphere every winter. Are you ready to visit Myeongdong Shinsegae and capture this year's Christmas light show?

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Jamsil Seokchon Lake Light Sculpture and Art Lighting Festival

• Location: Seokchon Lake
• Dates: October 30, 2026 to February 28, 2027, 17:30 to 22:30
• Getting there: Seoul Subway Lines 2 and 8, Jamsil Station

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Source: Korea Tourism Organization

The 2026 Jamsil Seokchon Lake Light Sculpture and Art Lighting Festival begins on October 30! The lakeside will be illuminated with dazzling lights and dreamy light sculptures, creating a romantic nighttime view. There will also be an exciting fireworks show on opening day, so be sure not to miss it when you visit Seoul at the end of the year.

Seoul Light DPP 2026

• Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Dates: December 17 to 31, 2026
• Getting there: Exit 1 of Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Seoul Subway Lines 2, 4, and 5

Using the streamlined architecture of Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP, as its canvas, this spectacular light show combines large-scale projections with colorful media art to create a stunning visual experience, filling Seoul's nights with a romantic atmosphere. In addition to the Christmas light show, a New Year's Eve event will also be held on December 31. If you will be in Korea to welcome 2027, be sure not to miss it.

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Myeongdong Cathedral

• Address: 74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Getting there: Seoul Subway Line 4, Myeongdong Station Exit 8, or Line 2, Euljiro 1-ga Station Exit 5

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Source: Every.D

South Korea has a high proportion of people who follow Western religions, so churches and Christmas decorations can be seen all over the country. If you are visiting Myeongdong and want to experience the most solemn Christmas atmosphere, head to Myeongdong Cathedral and immerse yourself in the unique spirit of Christmas in Korea.

Christmas in New York City

• Address: 517 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Period: Opens October 27, 2026
• Getting there: Seoul Subway Line 2, Samseong Station Exit 5

Seoul's newest Christmas photo spot is arriving in 2026! Located at Hyundai Department Store next to COEX in Samseong, the venue will unveil its adorable Christmas decorations on October 27. The official account has already released several teasers, and the giant cat installation is by far the most highly anticipated. Just seeing the photos is enough to make your heart flutter, so if you're visiting Seoul this Christmas, be sure to stop by and take plenty of photos.

The Hyundai Seoul Christmas Village

• Address: 108 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
• Dates: Opens November 10, 2026, and is expected to run through the end of the year
• Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:30 to 20:00; Friday to Sunday, 10:30 to 20:30
• Getting there: Exit 1 of Yeouinaru Station on Seoul Subway Line 5Yeouinaru Station

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Source: thehyundaiblog

The most popular Christmas photo spot in Seoul is The Hyundai Seoul on Yeouido. It is scheduled to open on November 10, 2026, and will recreate the atmosphere of a charming European alleyway, making it an incredibly photogenic destination. However, reservations are required in advance for entry every year. If you are planning to spend Christmas in Seoul this year, be sure to book when the first round of reservations opens on November 5!

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Yeongdeungpo Time Square

• Address: 15 Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
• Hours: 10:30 to 22:00
• Getting there: Exit 6 of Yeongdeungpo Station on Seoul Subway Line 1

Source: Dong-A Ilbo

During the Christmas season, Yeongdeungpo Time Square is also decorated with a dazzling Christmas tree that fills the area with brilliant lights. What will the 2026 photo spot look like? Let’s look forward to it together!

What do you think of these popular Christmas festivals and attractions around Seoul? Although winter in Seoul is truly freezing, these annual celebrations bring a sense of hope as the year comes to an end and a brand-new beginning awaits.

As 2026 draws to a close, if you're in Korea, be sure to make the most of your last chance to take festive Christmas photos. Miss it, and you'll have to wait until next year!

See you next time, everyone!