Skate for Just ₩1,000! Seoul Plaza Ice Rink Opens December 19th

The most anticipated winter destination in the heart of Seoul is returning for its 19th season! The Seoul Plaza Ice Rink is opening on December 19th and, amazingly, the admission fee remains the same as its first year in 2004: just 1,000 KRW! This incredibly low price includes skate and helmet rental, making it an affordable must-do for both locals and tourists.

The New Theme: "Winter Ring"

This year, the Seoul Plaza Ice Rink has been completely refreshed under the theme “Winter Ring.” Designed as part of the 2025 Seoul Winter Festa, the rink transforms the busy urban plaza into a bright, cheerful winter playground. The diamond-shaped ring, glowing with warm yellow light, adds a festive atmosphere and provides a special space for visitors to create unforgettable winter memories.

Operation Details

• Opening Date: December 19, 2025 (5:00 PM opening ceremony).
• Closing Date: February 8, 2026 (Total of 52 days of operation).
• Hours:

• • Sunday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• • Saturday and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• • Extended Hours: Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and New Year's Eve (Dec 31) will feature an extra session until 12:30 AM the next day.

• Fee: 1,000 KRW per session (1 hour), including skate and helmet rental.
• Safety: Helmets and knee pads are provided free of charge. Personal cold-weather gear and lockers are available for a small fee.

Tickets and Booking

To manage crowds and ensure safety, tickets are split between online and on-site sales: • Online Reservation (50%): You can book 7 days in advance for a specific session (300 tickets per session online).
• On-site Sales (50%): 300 tickets per session are available for purchase on the day of use at the ticket office.

Grand Opening and Special Guests

The opening ceremony will take place on December 19th at 5:00 PM, featuring a performance by the percussion group Rapper Cussion. This year’s event is extra special, as it will be attended by Korean figure skater Cha Jun-hwan and short-track speed skater Shim Suk-hee, both preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

• Free Skate Day: After the opening ceremony ends, the rink will be free for all visitors for the remainder of the opening day!

More Than Just Skating

The fun extends far beyond the ice:

• Winter Sports Experience: From January 31 to February 7, a special Luge and Bobsleigh promotional booth will be set up. Visitors can see and even try out the actual equipment used for these Winter Olympic sliding sports, co-hosted by the relevant Korean sports federations.

• Local Market Zone: The popular direct-exchange market from last year has been expanded into the Local Market Zone. Jeollabuk-do’s Gunsan City will participate for the entire duration, selling delicious winter snacks and regional agricultural products. You can find everything from roasted sweet potatoes and fresh seafood to processed foods like Ganjang Gejang (marinated crab). The market will rotate features from 14 different cities and counties, offering new products every weekend.

• Holiday Celebrations: Expect a festive lineup of cultural programs, especially on weekends and holidays, including romantic proposals, carol busking, a New Year's Eve countdown, a DJ party, and K-Pop dance performances.

Tourist Perks and Safety

• DSP Holders: Foreign tourists who have the Discover Seoul Pass (DSP), the all-in-one Seoul tourism pass, can use the Seoul Plaza Ice Rink for free.

• Safety First: The city ensures safety with on-site medical staff, ambulances, and resurfacing after every session.

• Weather Policy: Since it is an outdoor rink, operation is subject to air quality and weather conditions (heavy snow/rain, ultrafine dust warnings). Always check the official website before visiting.

Source: Seoul newsletter