Experience the Magic of the Hangang Winter Festival 2025
If you’re in Seoul this holiday season, there’s one event you simply can’t miss — the Hangang Winter Festival 2025. Every December, the banks of the Han River transform into a winter wonderland filled with lights, festive markets, cozy food stalls, and fun activities for all ages. This year, the festival opens on December 19 and runs through the end of the month, offering three main experiences:
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Romantic Hangang Christmas Market
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Spring ON Hangang
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Hangang Wind Festival
From romantic photo zones to cheerful music and creative workshops, the Hangang Winter Festival brings warmth and joy to Seoul’s chilly December nights. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or that special someone, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it. If you think the Hangang is way too cold to visit, try to visit Lantern Festival in Seoul.
Romantic Vibes at the Hangang Christmas Market
The highlight of the Hangang Winter Festival is, without a doubt, the Romantic Hangang Christmas Market, held from December 19 to 25 (2 p.m. – 9 p.m.) at Ttukseom Hangang Park’s Jabeolle Hall and the area under Cheongdam Bridge.
This year’s theme is “A Playground Full of Joy,” and it truly lives up to the name. The Christmas Market is divided into three signature zones:
1. Market Zone
Enjoy browsing through more than 40 small shops offering unique Christmas ornaments, handmade gifts, and seasonal goods. The market has moved indoors this year — to the first floor of Jabeolle Hall — creating a cozier, warmer shopping experience. You’ll also find Seoul’s popular direct-trade market, Seoro Market, bringing together local artisans and small businesses.
2. Food Zone
Warm up under Cheongdam Bridge with delicious winter comfort food! The Food Zone features 16 food trucks and several special vendors selling everything from hot snacks and winter soups to sweet desserts and beverages. There’s also a dedicated indoor dining area so visitors can enjoy their meals in comfort, away from the chilly wind.
3. Photo Zone
No festival visit is complete without Instagram-worthy photos — and the Hangang Winter Festival delivers on that front! The outdoor and indoor photo zones at Ttukseom Hangang Park are absolutely stunning. Under Cheongdam Bridge, the “Romantic Forest” features seven beautifully decorated trees, sparkling lights, and a cookie house that glows with holiday charm. Inside Jabeolle Hall, you’ll find themed spots such as “Christmas Panorama” and “Romantic Lounge,” perfect for capturing the season’s magic.
4. Experience Zone and Performances
If you love hands-on activities, don’t miss the craft workshops inside Jabeolle. From porcelain ornament painting to keyring making, a total of 10 programs will be offered across 30 sessions during the week.
Special live performances will make your evenings even brighter. The Brillante Children’s Choir performs on December 19 (4:30 p.m.), and again on December 24 and 25 (7:00 p.m.). You can also enjoy 19 smaller live street performances by Seoul artists throughout the festival grounds.
All participation details, program schedules, and ticketing information are shared via the official Instagram account, @hangang.christmas. Some programs may charge a small materials fee.
Spring in the Middle of Winter: “Spring ON Hangang”
If you’re craving something unique, head over to the Spring ON Hangang zone at Banpo Hangang Park, right in front of Sebitseom Island. Running from December 19 to 28, this installation creates the feeling of “early spring blossoming in midwinter.”
The area transforms into three immersive, dome-shaped spaces — each one designed to evoke warmth, optimism, and creativity.
1. Spring Flower Dome
The centerpiece is the giant Spring Flower Dome, a breathtaking 15-meter-wide space filled with spring floral elements. Look up, and you’ll see a massive daisy symbolizing “love and new beginnings.” Surrounding you is a tunnel of wisteria flowers and soft pink cherry blossoms — the perfect spot for a reflective stroll or a photo session.
2. Photo Domes
There are also two Photo Domes (each 3.5 meters wide) decorated with festive Christmas and New Year’s themes. These domes are compact, cozy, and perfectly lit for taking memorable holiday pictures.
3. Rest Domes
The Rest Domes (six in total) resemble mini campsites equipped with seating areas where you can warm up with winter treats and drinks while enjoying a view of the river.
Admission to all domes is free, and reservations are not required — just walk in and experience the joy of winter at Hangang.
Special Mini Events
Throughout the festival, visitors can join in small yet delightful experiences — making grain-based hand warmers, crafting traditional dried pollack charms for good luck, or even getting a tarot card reading. Don’t miss the magical “Flower Snow Time” event, when the Spring Flower Dome transforms into a giant snow globe (or “snow ball”), filling the space with floating petals and shimmering lights.
And if you get hungry afterwards, check out the special winter menu at Sebitseom’s cafes and restaurants: Cafe Dolce, Mood Seoul, and eSOLA are all offering discounts and seasonal dishes exclusively during the Hangang Winter Festival dates.
Follow @hangangfestival on Instagram for updates, daily schedules, and photos.
Fly High at the Hangang Wind Festival
For a touch of traditional Korean winter fun, the Hangang Wind Festival will be held on December 27–28 (1 p.m.–6 p.m.), also at Banpo Hangang Park in front of Sebitseom’s waterside stage.
This event celebrates the joy of kite flying, one of Korea’s most beloved winter pastimes. You’ll get to see giant kites — including a 30-meter-long whale and a 6-meter Santa kite — soaring above the river. The festival also features breathtaking stunt kite performances, where experts perform acrobatic maneuvers in the air, creating an unforgettable visual display.
It’s an excellent event for families, kids, and anyone who enjoys outdoor fun.
Essential Visitor Tips for the Hangang Winter Festival
To help you make the most of your visit, here are some practical tips:
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Dress Warmly: The Han River area can be very windy and cold in December. Bring scarves, gloves, and heat packs.
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Visit in the Evening: The festival lights and atmosphere are most enchanting from sunset onward.
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Plan for Weekdays if Possible: Weekends can get crowded, especially at the Christmas Market.
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Use Public Transportation: Ttukseom and Banpo Hangang Parks are easily accessible via subway (Line 7 for Ttukseom Resort Station; Line 9 for Express Bus Terminal or Sinnonhyeon).
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Check Social Media: Festival updates, weather-related notices, and special event changes are posted on Instagram — follow @hangang.christmas and @hangangfestival.
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Bring a Camera or Phone Charger: You’ll want extra battery life for all those beautiful night photos!
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Hangang Winter Festival
The Hangang Winter Festival isn’t just another seasonal event — it’s a celebration of Seoul’s creative energy and community spirit. It brings together music, lights, art, and local businesses in one place, offering a mix of entertainment, relaxation, and cultural discovery.
Whether you’re walking through the twinkling Romantic Forest, crafting ornaments with your kids, or sipping a warm drink under the stars, this festival reminds visitors that winter in Seoul can be just as vibrant and heartwarming as any summer event.
So this December, grab your warmest coat, gather your friends, and head to the Hangang Winter Festival for an unforgettable experience by the river.
