Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, left, and dignataries participate in the Boshingak bell-ringing ceremony in Seoul, Jan. 1, 2023. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Whether you’re visiting Seoul for the holidays or calling the city home, the capital offers many ways to welcome the New Year.
From centuries-old rituals to large-scale media shows and family-friendly activities, Seoul blends tradition and contemporary culture in its year-end celebrations. For those spending New Year’s Eve in the city — residents and travelers alike — here is a guide to where and how to ring in the New Year.
Bosingak bell-ringing ceremony
The Bosingak bell-ringing ceremony offers one of Seoul’s most time-honored New Year traditions. Located in the city’s historic center, the event dates back to the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty. Each year, city officials, celebrities and residents ring the bell 33 times before tens of thousands of spectators. The number 33 symbolizes peace and safety in Buddhism.
Visitors should expect large crowds and are strongly advised to use public transportation as roads near the venue will be closed. Taking the subway is the best option for getting in and out. The closest station is Jonggak Station on Seoul Metro Line 1 and Euljiro 1-ga Station on Line 2.
Spectators enjoy lights projected on the Gwanghwamun facade in this photo taken on Dec. 15, 2023. Yonhap
Gwanghwamun Square will host a wide variety of celebrations that combine tradition and contemporary culture. With the main gate of Gyeongbok Palace as the backdrop, Seoul Light Gwanghwamun will feature gugak (traditional Korean music) performances, a hanbok (traditional Korean attire) fashion show, and large-scale light shows and media art shedding light on the area’s past, present and future.
The night will culminate in a countdown, with performances by singer Yoon Min-soo and alternative band Balming Tiger.
Large crowds are expected. The nearest station is Gwanghwamun Station on Seoul Metro Line 5.
A media art show on the facade of Shinsegae Department Store in Myeong-dong, a shopping district in Seoul / Yonhap
Myeong-dong Square Global Countdown Show
Visitors already in Myeong-dong, Seoul’s main shopping district, can stay put for a New Year’s Eve countdown accompanied by a media show.
For the first time, the tourist district will host a countdown event using media facades installed throughout the area. The facade of Shinsegae Department Store the Main will serve as the main stage for the show, featuring a variety of media shows and a countdown.
The show will run from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., accompanied by fireworks.
The closest station is Euljiro 1-ga Station on Seoul Metro Line 2 and Myeongdong Station on Line 4.
Fireworks illuminate the sky above Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul in this undated photo. Courtesy of DDP
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) has recently emerged as another New Year’s Eve venue, with its iconic facade designed by architect Zaha Hadid transforming into massive media art.
The countdown event, Seoul Light DDP, will include a performance by Korean band The Solutions and a dance party led by DJ G-Park.
Get there using Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station on Seoul Metro Lines 2, 4 and 5.
An outdoor ice rink at Seoul Plaza / Yonhap
Outdoor options for families
Families looking to celebrate outdoors can consider the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink, which will operate special hours from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. The late-night session will include a countdown event and a DJ performance.
The Seoul Lantern Festival along Cheonggye Stream is another family-friendly option. The ongoing festival features illuminated sculptures, including human figures and animals, that are particularly appealing to children. The stream is within walking distance of Seoul Plaza and Gwanghwamun Square.
South of the Han River, the Gangnam Media Art Festival near Samseong Station on Seoul Metro Line 2 and Bongeunsa Station on Line 9 offers large-scale projections on building facades. The show features a foal transforming into a dynamic fire horse, a visual spectacle to entertain visitors of all ages.
A poster for “Reply 1988” / Courtesy of tvN
Staying indoors
For those planning to welcome the new year at home, watching a movie or drama can make for a cozy gathering.
Families with young children may enjoy “The Sea Beast” (2022), an animated fantasy adventure about a young orphan who joins a crew hunting a legendary sea monster known as the Red Bluster. The film is available on Netflix.
For a Korean drama that works well for all ages, “Reply 1988” (2015) is a good option. The drama centers on five friends and their families going through struggles living in Seoul in the 1980s as Korea went through major economic and political changes.
