Exploring the captivating blend of history and modernity, Seoul is set to host the Seoul Light Festival from December 15, 2023, to January 21, 2024. Spanning 38 days, the festival promises a spectacular showcase of light, media art, and cultural displays across Gwanghwamun Square, reinvigorating the iconic space after a century.
Seoul Light Festival Gwanghwamun 2023
Event Duration
From December 15, 2023 (Friday) to January 21, 2024 (Sunday), immerse yourself in the brilliance of the Seoul Light Gwanghwamun festival spanning 38 days.
Event Venue
Located within Seoul’s iconic Gwanghwamun Square, the festival unfolds against the backdrop of historical significance.
Concept
Under the theme “Beat’s Square,” the Seoul Light Gwanghwamun aims to reshape the heart of Seoul with a dynamic fusion of light and music, creating a pulsating atmosphere.
Schedule
- Weekdays, Weekends, and Christmas: 18:00 to 22:00
- December 31: 18:00 to January 1:00
- Flexible Operation from January 24, 2024
Experience the Transformation
Witness the metamorphosis of Gwanghwamun Square as it comes alive with a captivating interplay of lights and music. This event promises to forge a new and exhilarating Seoul experience.
Transportation Guide to Gwanghwamun Square
Gwanghwamun Square
Address: 1-68 Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Subway Access
- Line 3: Alight at Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 6 – Head towards the Government Central Government Complex and Gwanghwamun.
- Line 5: Alight at Gwanghwamun Station – Utilize the underground passage connected to Haechi Madang, Exit 7 toward Gwanghwamun Forest.
Express Buses
- Routes: 1000, 1100, 1200, 1900, 9701, 9703, M7106, M7129, 9714, 9709, 9710, 9710-1, G7111, M7111, M7154, 1004, 8600, 8601, G6005, M7119, 5000A, 5000B, 5005, 5500-2, 9000, 9000-1, 9200, 9401
Intercity Buses
- Routes: 101, 103, 109, 150, 160, 260, 270, 271, 273, 370, 401, 406, 470, 600, 601, 602, 606, 700, 02A, 702B, 704, 707, 708, 720, 721, 741, N26, N37, N51, N75
Local Buses
- Routes: 1020, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7019, 7022, 7212
Village Buses
- Routes: Jongno 09, Jongno 11
Circular Buses
- Route: 01 (In front of KT Gwanghwamun Branch)
Airport
- Airport Bus: 6002
Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square is conveniently accessible via various modes of transportation, including subway lines, express buses, intercity buses, local buses, village buses, circular buses, and even airport buses. Plan your journey to experience the vibrant events and festivities hosted at this iconic location.
The Grand Opening
The festival kicks off with a mesmerizing illumination ceremony on December 15 at 7:30 PM in front of Sejong Cultural Center. The unveiling continues the next day with a live broadcast on KBS Cool FM’s ‘Park Myung Soo’s Radio Show’ at 6:00 PM.
Seoul Winter Fiesta Highlights
Part of the Seoul Winter Fiesta, the festival boasts an array of events, including the Gwanghwamun Media Facade Show, Light and Media Sculptures, and more. Over 20 artists from 14 countries will contribute to various media art exhibitions, transforming Seoul into a dazzling spectacle.
Gwanghwamun Media Facade Show
Internationally acclaimed media artists will present ‘The Gate of Time – Digital Gwanghwa,’ a projection mapping show depicting the landscapes of Joseon-era Seoul. Running four times daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, this digital masterpiece promises a journey through historical Seoul.
Digital Abstract Art
The festival introduces ‘Digital Abstract,’ showcasing the aesthetic expansion of digital abstraction by five artists. The K-Culture Screen at the National Museum of Korean History will host these mesmerizing video artworks.
Sejong Cultural Center Media Gallery
Experience the revival of AI-generated music and historical figures through multimedia works at the Sejong Cultural Center’s media gallery. The Seoul Light Gwanghwa and Atelier Gwanghwa’s joint exhibition, ‘Drop the BIT,’ will be a permanent display until March 31.
Bits by Dada
A specially crafted 14m x 4m LED display at Gwanghwamun Square’s West Yard will feature ‘Bits by Dada,’ showcasing digital neo-Dadaist works by eight artists.
Light Sculptures and Media Art
Explore light sculptures and media installations at Gwanghwamun Square’s Main Yard, featuring works like Kwon Chi-Gyu’s ‘Full Moon’ and ‘Resilience – Paradigm Shift of the 21st Century,’ as well as Han Ho’s ‘Eternal Light – 21c Dreaming Garden.’
Mirroring Nature
Discover the future of virtual environments and virtual humans through ‘Mirroring Nature’ and ‘Mirroring Human’ exhibited on 34 LED cubes.
Countdown to 2023
Ring in the New Year at Gwanghwamun Square on December 31 at 11:30 PM with a countdown event. Live reporting and citizen interviews will add to the festive atmosphere.
Conclusion
Seoul invites you to witness the city’s heartbeat at the restored Gwanghwamun Square. The Seoul Light Festival 2023 promises a unique blend of history, technology, and art, creating an unforgettable experience for citizens and visitors alike.
