The Most Romantic Place in Seoul Right Now! The '2025 Han River Winter Festival' Opens December 19th

The Most Romantic Place in Seoul Right Now! The '2025 Han River Winter Festival' Opens December 19th If you are looking for a way to melt away the winter chill with some heartwarming holiday vibes, look no further. The 2025 Han River Winter Festival officially kicks off on December 19th.

While the wind off the Han River can be biting, this festival promises to keep you warm with a mix of romantic Christmas lights, unique indoor experiences, and traditional winter activities. From the "Romantic Han River Christmas Market" at Ttukseom to the surreal "Spring ON Han River" at Banpo, here is your complete guide to enjoying Seoul’s distinctive winter charm.

Part 1: Romantic Han River Christmas Market

• Location: Ttukseom Han River Park (Inside the "J-Bug" Complex & Under Cheongdam Bridge)
• Dates: December 19 – December 25
• Time: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM

The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the Christmas Market. This year, the "Market Zone" has moved inside the Ttukseom J-Bug (Jabeol-le), a distinctively shaped cultural complex that looks like a geometric caterpillar. This means you can enjoy shopping without freezing in the cold!

What to Expect:

• Market Zone: Located on the 1st floor of the J-Bug, this area features over 40 shops selling Christmas-themed goods and handmade items. It also hosts the "Seoro Market," Seoul’s representative market for direct exchange between farmers and consumers.

• Food Zone: Located under the Cheongdam Bridge, 16 food trucks will serve warm winter street food and desserts. Crucially, the organizers have set up an Indoor Dining Zone, so you can eat your hot food comfortably.

• Photo Zones: The area under the bridge is transformed into a "Romantic Forest" with seven Christmas trees set against the backdrop of luminarie lights and a "Cookie House." Inside the J-Bug, look for the "Christmas Panorama" and "Romantic Lounge."

Special Activities:

• Workshops: Try making ceramic ornaments or keyrings (material fees apply).

• Performances: Enjoy special concerts by the Brillante Children's Choir (Dec 19 at 4:30 PM; Dec 24 & 25 at 7:00 PM) and various busking performances throughout the week.

Part 2: Spring ON Han River (Bom ON Hangang)

• Location: Banpo Han River Park (Riverside near Sevit Some)
• Dates: December 19 – December 28
• Time: Weekdays 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM / Weekends & Holidays 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Imagine seeing spring flowers in the dead of winter. The "Spring ON Han River" event creates a surreal "Early Spring" experience right on the frozen riverbank. This zone features three types of experience domes that you can enter for free without a reservation.

The Domes:

• Spring Flower Dome: A massive 15-meter wide dome filled with giant daisies, a wisteria tunnel, and cherry blossoms. It is a visual explosion of spring colors.

• Photo Domes: Two smaller domes (3.5m) decorated with Christmas and New Year themes.

• Rest Domes: Six domes styled like small camping spots where you can relax and enjoy winter snacks.

Events: Don't miss the "Flower Snow Time," where the Spring Flower Dome transforms into a giant snow globe. You can also craft hand warmers using grains, make "Guardian Pollack" (a traditional charm to ward off bad luck), or get a Tarot card reading.

Tip: During the festival, restaurants and cafes inside the nearby Sevit Some floating islands (Cafe Dolce, Mood Seoul, Isola) offer special discounts.

Part 3: Han River Wind Festival

• Location: Banpo Han River Park (Waterfront Stage near Sevit Some)
• Dates: December 27 – December 28
• Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Experience a traditional Korean winter pastime: Kite Flying (Yeon-nalligi). The strong winter winds of the Han River make it the perfect location for this event.

Highlights:

• Giant Kites: Watch a massive 30-meter whale kite and a 6-meter Santa kite take to the skies.
• Stunt Kites: Professional flyers will perform acrobatic aerial shows.
• Visitor Participation: It is a rare chance to see traditional kites up close and enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of kites dancing over the river.

Visitors Information

• Admission: Most events are free (some craft workshops may have a material fee).

• Transportation:

• • For Ttukseom (Christmas Market): Take Subway Line 7 to Ttukseom Park Station, Exit 2 or 3. The J-Bug complex is directly connected.

• • For Banpo (Spring ON & Wind Festival): Take Subway Line 3, 7, or 9 to Express Bus Terminal Station, Exit 8-1, and walk about 15 minutes toward the river / Sevit Some.

• Dress Code: It gets very windy and cold by the river. Wear your heaviest coat (padded jacket), gloves, and a scarf.

Reference: Seoul Newsletter