Brightening the Year-End: Top 3 Christmas Hot Spots in Seoul

As winter deepens, the Christmas atmosphere is getting stronger throughout downtown Seoul. I visited three of Seoul's most representative Christmas landmarks that are loved by citizens and tourists alike every year.

1. COEX Starfield Library

The first place I visited was the Starfield Library at COEX, which is loved every year for its spectacular indoor tree decorations.

This year, the library has transformed under the theme of "Christmas Festival Unfolded in a Book." Centered around a massive 10-meter paper tree, the space is filled with carols, the sound of Santa's laughter, and twinkling starlight.

With decorations like merry-go-rounds, ferris wheels, hot air balloons, and snow globes, it feels like a small winter theme park. You can feel its immense popularity by seeing the lines of visitors waiting for photos from opening time until late at night.

Visitor Information

• Theme: Christmas Festival Unfolded in a Book.
• Period: November 13, 2025 – January 31, 2026.
• Location: B1, Starfield COEX Mall, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
• Transportation: 353m from Exit 5 of Samseong Station (Subway Line 2).
• Hours: 10:30 – 22:30

2. Seoul Plaza Christmas Tree (City Hall)

The second spot is the Christmas tree at Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall, a symbol of winter in Seoul.

Lit up on November 17th, this 20-meter tall giant tree shines brightly in the darkness, delivering a warm message of hope to citizens. The Seoul Plaza tree has been a tradition since the 1960s, serving as a winter landscape that connects generations.

Tip: The 'Seoul Plaza Skating Rink' is scheduled to open in this square on December 19th.

Visitor Information

• Theme: The Light of Hope Shining in the Darkness.
• Period: November 17, 2025 – January 1, 2026.
• Location: 12 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul.
• Transportation: 64m from Exit 6 of City Hall Station (Subway Lines 1 & 2)

3. Shinsegae Department Store Main Branch Media Facade

The final destination is the Shinsegae Department Store Main Branch, famous for its media facade that becomes a hot topic every year.

This year, under the theme "A Magical World Connecting Time," a spectacular video show plays every day from 5 PM to midnight. The large-scale media art, unfolding at 5-minute intervals, transforms the entire building into a work of art with a blend of light, color, and music, captivating the footsteps of passersby.

Visitor Information

• Theme: A Magical World Connecting Time.
• Period: November 7, 2025 – January 31, 2026.
• Location: 63 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul.
• Transportation: 232m from Exit 7 of Hoehyeon Station (Subway Line 4).
• Hours: 17:00 – 00:00

These three places, full of year-end excitement and emotion, capture the richness of Seoul's winter. I hope you enjoy the romance of Christmas in downtown Seoul, looking back on the year and welcoming a hopeful new year under the sparkling lights.

Source: [Seoul Newsletter](https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/2016472)