A Night of Elegance: 'Seoul Light Gwanghwamun' Opens December 12th

This winter, Gwanghwamun Square transforms into a massive canvas of light. Starting with the grand opening ceremony on December 12th, the city of Seoul hosts the spectacular ‘2025 Seoul Light Gwanghwamun,’ a 24-day digital art festival running through January 4th.

Under the theme "Gwanghwa, Breathe with Light," this year’s edition features 16 artists delivering breathtaking media facades, massive light sculptures, and an unforgettable New Year's Eve countdown.

World-Class Media Art on a Grand Scale

The main event features a massive media facade projected onto the Gwanghwamun gate and surrounding walls.

Highlights include:

• SONG 1 by Doug Aitken: The Golden Lion winner at the Venice Biennale brings "SONG 1," using the rhythm and emotion of the R&B classic "I Only Have Eyes for You" to depict the energy of the city.

• Are You Sleeping? by TZUSOO: A playful piece where the Sun and Moon exchange text messages, bridging Korean tradition with modern digital culture.

• Feast of Lights & Gesture Pop: Experience high-energy laser drawing performances and a meaningful work that uses sign language gestures to deliver a message of hope and inclusion.

Interactive Tip: Citizens can personally start the show by beating a traditional grand drum (Daebuk) as part of an interactive program!

The "Lucky Path" & Sejong Pavilion

Between the King Sejong statue and Gwanghwamun gate, look out for the ‘Lucky Path’ (Unsu-daetong-ro):

• Traditional Redesign: A 26-meter light installation that reinterprets the famous Irworobongdo (Painting of the Sun, Moon, and Five Peaks) and traditional Dancheong architecture.

• Wish Wall: Complete the masterpiece by inserting your own "2026 Wish Tile" into the Irworobongdo wall.

• Sejong Pavilion: A 3D digital stage with LED screens on the walls and floors, showcasing selected works from international and local artists.

2026 New Year's Countdown

On December 31st, Gwanghwamun becomes the ultimate spot to welcome the Year of the Red Horse (2026).

Collaborating with nine local organizations, the countdown will be synchronized across every major outdoor billboard in the area, including the Korea National Museum, KT Building, and Seoul Shinmun.

• Hanbok Fashion Show: From 11:00 PM, enjoy the "Gwanghwamun Fashion Road" show.

• Midnight Moment: At the stroke of midnight, all screens will launch into a coordinated New Year media art show and countdown.

Visitor Information

• Dates: December 12, 2025 – January 4, 2026.
• Location: Gwanghwamun Square area.
• Operating Hours:

• • Sun–Thu: 17:30 – 21:30
• • Fri–Sat: 17:30 – 22:00

*• Admission: Free.
*• Instagram: @mediaartseoul

Source: Seoul Newsletter