Bigger and more dazzling than ever, the fifth edition of the lake festival runs through Feb. 28 under the theme 'Promise, Love & Destiny,' featuring light tunnels, illuminated sculptures and heart-shaped LED installations around The Sphere
Songpa-gu in Seoul will host the "Autumn and Winter at the Lake, and Luminarie" festival — known as the Luminarie Festival — at Seokchon Lake's east and west basins from Friday through Feb. 28 next year, spanning 122 days.
Now in its fifth year, the Luminarie Festival has transformed Seokchon Lake into a canvas of light every year since 2022, establishing itself as one of Seoul's signature autumn and winter events. Last year it drew about 2.89 million visitors, a 27 percent increase from the previous year.
This year's theme is "Promise, Love & Destiny" — a story told in light, tracing how a promise shared with someone dear blossoms into love and is fulfilled as destiny. The romantic light display will unfold along the 2.5-kilometer walking path that circles Seokchon Lake.
The fifth edition is bigger and more spectacular than any before, with an expanded array of illuminated sculptures set to make Seokchon Lake shine more brilliantly through autumn and winter.
Starting from the Luminarie Main Gate at the entrance to the east basin, visitors will be drawn into a world of light by a dazzling tunnel gate and a series of arch gates of varying shapes lining the walking path.
Strolling along the glittering east-basin promenade, visitors will also encounter works by Han Ho, a world-renowned installation artist.
Around The Sphere on the west basin, heart-shaped LED sculptures create a romance-filled space. The golden, sparkling hearts set against The Sphere make for a distinctive photo spot that captures the festival's message.
A rich lineup of cultural events will add to the festivities. The opening ceremony takes place Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the waterfront stage on the east basin. The evening opens with classical performances by tenor Kang Shin-ju and soprano Kim Eun-jeong, followed by a K-pop set from rookie girl group OurBirthday and a performance by crossover vocal group Forestella. A lighting ceremony and fireworks display will then illuminate the autumn night over Seokchon Lake.
On Saturday and Sunday, cultural performances and events — including flute, jazz piano and harp ensemble sets, a magic show, and performances by Songpa youth artists — will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A flea market, hands-on activity booths and food trucks will also operate Friday through Sunday.
From Friday through Nov. 6, the district will also run a "Hands of Light" photo challenge in partnership with the Songpa-Jamsil Tourism Special Zone Council. Participants can join by photographing themselves making a finger-heart or "hands of light" pose at the festival and posting it on Instagram with the designated hashtag. Fifty winners with the best poses will receive online coffee coupons.
The Luminarie landscape lighting and photo zones will be open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. through Feb. 28, 2027.
Songpa-gu District Mayor Seo Gang-seok said the festival "captured a special story of promise, love and destiny through light" under this year's theme, and encouraged visitors to "walk along the light-filled Seokchon Lake with the family, friends and loved ones you cherish, and create happy memories together."
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