Seoul Light Gwanghwamun: Must-See Media Art, Light Shows and New Year Countdown Event
Explore the magic of Seoul Light Gwanghwamun: Luminous Axis
Seoul Light Gwanghwamun is a breathtaking annual winter illumination event held in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. As a part of the Seoul Winter Festa, this dazzling showcase is conveniently located right next to the Gwanghwamun Winter Market, giving visitors the perfect chance to enjoy two incredible experiences in one visit. Known for its innovative digital art projections and stunning light displays, the event transforms the iconic Gwanghwamun Square into a mesmerizing wonderland of light, art, and culture. If you’re visiting Seoul during the winter season, this is an unmissable opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant artistic spirit and holiday cheer.
What is the Seoul Light Gwanghwamun about?
Seoul Light Gwanghwamun celebrates the harmony of tradition and modernity through captivating visual displays. The event features cutting-edge media art by four globally renowned media artists. This year’s media art project “Luminous Symphony” blends Gwanghwamun’s historical significance with a vision of Seoul’s present and future. This multisensory experience uses cutting-edge technologies like addressable LEDs, projection mapping, and generative AI, harmonizing them with classical music, Korean traditional music, and sound art. The project offers a kairos-like moment of audience interaction, creating a boundary-breaking synesthetic journey that reimagines the possibilities of Gwanghwamun as a cultural space while expanding the contemporary audience’s sensory perceptions.
What to Expect
An Immersive Media Facade: Luminous Symphony – A Symphony of Light
The highlight of Seoul Light Gwanghwamun, the “Luminous Symphony” media facade, offers a captivating journey of light and sound. You’ll be able to see a display combining traditional Korean patterns with modern designs, symbolizing Seoul’s connection to the world and a sustainable future. It’s a must-see experience that blends art, innovation, and culture.Viewing Schedule: The show runs regularly from December 13, 2024 to January 5th, 2025, between 6PM to 9PM, but specific dates – December 13, 14, 15, and 31 (Countdown Show) – feature unique schedules. For all other days, the viewing times are consistent. Be sure to check the full schedule here to plan your visit.
2. Global K-Content Zone: Watch out for the Squid Game 2 exhibition
If you are a fan of the Squid Game, don’t miss out on the must-visit collaboration with the Squid Game 2! Look out for the signature shapes from Squid Game – the circle, triangle, and square – featured in light sculptures, alongside the scary Red Light, Green Light doll from the series.
3. 2025 New Year Countdown Event
Ring in the New Year with a dazzling light show featuring sequential performances across the Gwanghwamun Square. There will also be a community-led wish making event for a happy new year.
Event Time : December 31st
11:00PM: Pre-show media facade
11:55PM: Official countdown begins
12:00PM: New Year Light Show
4. More Artworks Across the Square
Explore various installations scattered throughout Gwanghwamun Square and immerse yourself in the full artistic experience.
How to Get There
The festival is held at the Gwanghwamun Square area.
By Subway: Take Line 5 (Purple Line) and get off at Gwanghwamun Station (exit 9). The square is a short walk from the station.
By Bus: Several city buses stop at Gwanghwamun. Check routes 101, 102, or 7016 for convenient access.
By Taxi: Ask your driver for “Gwanghwamun Square” (광화문 광장).
Gwanghwamun Square
Event Details
When | Dec 13th, 2024 – Jan 5th, 2025 6:00PM – 9:00PM |
Where | Gwanghwamun Square |
Price | Free *Certain programs may incur fees |
Inquiries | Homepage: Seoul Light Gwanghwamun Instagram: @mediaartseoul |
