On cold winter nights, light festivals fill the air with warmth and color. Department stores dazzle travelers with sparkling decorations, while city streets, parks, and arboretums glow with vibrant light installations and media art displays, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.

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  Seoul Lantern Festival

  Region: Jongno-gu, Seoul Period: December 12, 2025 – January 4, 2026 Along Cheonggyecheon and Uicheon streams, Seoul’s signature night light festival unfolds in a dazzling display. Visitors can enjoy illuminated art installations and interactive experiences, bringing the city to life. Step into a magical world of light and wonder. View more >>
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  Haeundae Light Festival

  Region: Haeundae-gu, Busan Period: November 29, 2025 – January 18, 2026 Waves of starlight sweep across Haeundae, one of Busan’s most beloved coastal destinations. The festival begins on November 29 at 18:00 with a lighting ceremony and fireworks show, transforming Haeundae Beach and its surrounding area into a dazzling seaside wonderland for about two months. View more >>
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  Suseong Light Art Festival

  Region: Suseong-gu, Daegu Period: December 24, 2025 – January 4, 2026 A brilliant light festival unfolds at Suseongmot Lake, one of Daegu’s most scenic landmarks. Light art installations adorn the lakeside and Sanghwa Hill, while 400-drone storytelling show lights up the night sky. View more >>
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  Apsan Christmas Festival

  Region: Nam-gu, Daegu Period: December 20-21, 2025 A two-day weekend Christmas festival taking place at Ppalleteo Park in Apsan, Daegu. A popular attraction known for its stunning sunset views and nightscapes, Apsan welcomes visitors to enjoy a fascinating feast of lights. View more >>
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  E-World Illumination

  Region: Dalseo-gu, Daegu Period: November 15, 2025 – February 28, 2026 E-World, one of Daegu’s best-known night-view attractions, hosts its year-end celebration this winter. The festival kicks off on November 15 with a lighting ceremony, ushering in the season’s most dazzling light display. View more >>
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  Lighting Festival at The Garden of Morning Calm

  Region: Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do Period: December 5, 2025 – March 15, 2026 The Light Festival at the Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong is known for its stunning harmony of nature and light. Widely regarded as one of Korea’s most picturesque winter festivals, it’s the perfect place to capture the magic of winter nights. View more >>

Korea’s east coast is dotted with iconic sunrise spots where the year’s first light gilds the horizon. Watching the first sunrise of New Year’s Day over the sea, locals and visitors alike make wishes for the year ahead and welcome new beginnings.

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  Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival

  Region: Gangneung, Gangwon State Period: December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026 Jeongdongjin Beach’s Sandglass Park in Gangneung draws visitors year-round for its coastal views and iconic giant hourglass. On New Year’s Eve, join the lively countdown and welcome the first sunrise of the year at one of Korea’s best-loved seaside festivals. View more >>
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  Homigot Sunrise Festival

  Region: Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do Period: December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026 Homigot Sunrise Plaza in Pohang welcomes over 2 million visitors each year and grows even livelier on December 31. Now in its 25th year, the long-running sunrise festival treats crowds to a spectacular first sunrise of New Year’s Day. View more >>
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  Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise Festival

  Region: Yeosu, Jeollanam-do Period: December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026 Hyangiram Hermitage in Yeosu is one of Korea’s best-known places for prayer and reflection. Each December 31, large crowds gather here to ring the New Year’s bell, watch the first sunrise of New Year’s Day, and make wishes for the year ahead. View more >>

Each January and February, Korea’s frozen rivers and lakes host one-of-a-kind winter festivals. Centered in Gangwon State, these dynamic events offer a thrilling way to embrace the cold and enjoy Korea’s icy outdoors.

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  Pyeongchang Trout Festival

  Region: Pyeongchang, Gangwon State Period: January 1 – February 2, 2026 From tent and ice fishing to indoor fishing ponds and even bare-handed catches, the Pyeongchang Trout Festival offers the thrill of catching trout in the heart of winter. Since 2007, the festival has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, making it one of Gangwon State’s most popular winter events. View more >>
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  Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

  Region: Hwacheon, Gangwon State Period: Janaury 10 – February 1, 2026 The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival offers a variety of experiences, from drilling holes in the ice for fishing to bare-handed mountain trout catches. Visitors can also enjoy ice sledding, ice soccer, and other fun winter activities. Drawing over one million visitors annually, it’s one of Korea’s most popular festivals—especially among international travelers. View more >>
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  Cheorwon Hantangang River Ice Trekking Festival

  Region: Cheorwon, Gangwon State Period: January 17–25, 2026 The Cheorwon Hantangang River Ice Trekking Festival offers an ecotourism experience, where visitors trek along the frozen Hantangang river amid sheer cliffs and frozen waterfalls. It’s a memorable way to appreciate the raw beauty of Korea’s winter landscape. View more >>
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  Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival

  Region: Taebaek, Gangwon State Period: January 31 – February 8, 2026 The Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival, held in the scenic city of Taebaek, is one of Korea’s most iconic winter events. Set against a backdrop of magnificent snowy landscapes, the festival features intricate snow sculptures with a new theme each year. View more >>
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  Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival

  Region: Cheongyang, Chungcheongnam-do Period: December 24, 2025 – February 22, 2026 The Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival in Cheongyang takes place in a high mountain referred to as the “Alps Village.” Visitors can enjoy ice bobsledding and tube sledding, surrounded by sweeping snow-covered fields and glittering ice sculptures that showcase the beauty of Korea’s winter. View more >>