Winter Magic on the River: The 'Ttukseom Romantic Han River Christmas Market' is Open

While the city center buzzes with the Seoul Winter Festa, the Han River offers a different kind of winter romance. The 2025 Romantic Han River Christmas Market has officially opened at Ttukseom Han River Park, transforming the unique "J-Bug" complex and the area under Cheongdam Bridge into a festive wonderland.

Here is your guide to enjoying this cozy, sparkling event running until Christmas Day.

1. The Venue: Ttukseom J-Bug (Jabeol-le)

The festival centers around the J-Bug, a cylindrical cultural complex that looks like a giant caterpillar, directly connected to Jayang Station (Line 7). This is the perfect winter destination because much of it is indoors, allowing you to enjoy the river views without battling the freezing wind.

• Market Zone: The long corridor of the J-Bug is filled with over 40 stalls selling Christmas props, handmade goods, and gifts.

• Seoro Market: This section features a direct-to-consumer market where farmers from Hongcheon County sell processed agricultural products, perfect for unique foodie gifts.

• Photo Zones:

• • Romantic Lounge: A cozy area styled with warm holiday decor.
• • Christmas Panorama: Features a large tree and festive video displays.
• • Over the Window: A stunning spot framing the Han River view with white frost wreaths.

2. Hangang Play Place (Hangang Peul-Peul)

Located on the 1st and 3rd floors of the J-Bug, this new cultural space offers interactive experiences:

• Virtual Travel: Step into a replica of the upcoming "Han River Bus" or the famous "Sky Suite" (the hotel on the bridge) to experience a Han River "staycation" atmosphere.
• Otter Playground: A fun zone featuring the Han River otter mascot, perfect for photos.
• Han River Beat: A zone where you can put on headsets and listen to DJ beats.
• Event: Visit the booth near the Otter Playground for a chance to win tumblers, keyrings, and otter sleeping socks.

3. Tasty Street & Outdoors

Step outside to the area under Cheongdam Bridge (famous among fans as a filming location for K-Pop Demon Hunters).

• Tasty Street: A lineup of food trucks serving warm winter snacks.
• Cozy Lounge: An indoor dining tent is available so you can eat your food comfortably away from the cold wind.
• Cookie House & Luminarie: The bridge pillars are illuminated with lights, and a cute Cookie House serves as a main outdoor photo spot.

4. Special Christmas Performances

If you visit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, do not miss the live music.

• Performance: Brillante Children's Choir Carol Performance.
• Time: December 24th and 25th at 7:00 PM.
• Location: Stage in front of the Cookie House

5. Hands-on Workshops: Joyful Atelier

Create your own souvenirs at the workshop zone.

• Activities: Ceramic ornaments, pipe cleaner snowmen, knitted cake candles, and perfume making.
• Cost: Material fees range from 8,000 KRW to 10,000 KRW.
• Booking: Primarily via Naver Reservation, but walk-ins are accepted if space is available.

Visitor Information

2025 Romantic Han River Christmas Market

• Dates: December 19, 2025 – December 25, 2025.
• Hours: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
• Location: Ttukseom Han River Park (J-Bug and under Cheongdam Bridge)
• Admission: Free (Workshops and food separate)

Hangang Play Place

• Hours:

• • Christmas Week: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• • Regular: Weekdays 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM / Weekends 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Closed: Mondays, Jan 1, Seollal, Chuseok.

Transportation

• Subway: Take Line 7 to Jayang Station. Exit 3 is directly connected to the J-Bug complex, making it incredibly easy to find.

Source: Seoul Newsletter.