Experience Year-Round Light Festivals at 5 Korean Travel Spots

As the weather warms up, many people are planning their spring trips. Enjoying the splendid night view while basking in the spring weather is a great idea. We would like to introduce Korean travel destinations where light festivals are held annually.

① Light Festival Locations Near Seoul

The Garden of Flowing Starlight is underway at Paju’s First Garden in Gyeonggi Province. First Garden is a multipurpose cultural space where you can utilize various facilities. It’s a great place to visit from Seoul without much hassle.

First Garden is a year-round light festival. As the sun sets, a different ambiance unfolds. When the entire garden begins to light up, it exudes an exotic atmosphere. The festival takes place on a vast property of about 66,115 square feet and is organized around various themes. The lighting tailored to each theme makes the experience even more enjoyable

• Address: 260, Topsakgol-gil, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, First Garden
• Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Admission: Weekends/Holidays Adults 12,000 won ($10), Children 11,000 won ($9) / Weekdays Adults 11,000 won ($9), Children 10,000 won ($8)

The ‘Five-Color Starlight Garden Exhibition’ is underway at the Morning Calm Arboretum in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. The Morning Calm Arboretum is a must-visit place in Gapyeong. The festival uses diverse lights in its approximately 330,578-square-foot outdoor garden. It’s the first attempt in Korea to create a landscape of light where you can appreciate the beauty of Korean nature in artificial lighting.

They use eco-friendly LED bulbs. Various photo zones with diverse lights are set up around the place. Walking under the colorful lights is an excellent place for a date.

• Address: 432, Sumokwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
• Operating hours: Mon – Wed 08:30 AM – 07:00 PM, Thu – Sun 08:30 AM – 09:00 PM
• Admission: Adults 11,000 won ($9), Teenagers 8,500 won ($7), Children 7,500 won ($6)

② Gardens with Splendid Photo Zones

The Ansan Starlight Village: Animal & Heart Town Light Festival occurs in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province. This festival, held in Ansan Starlight Village, is decorated with brilliant lights. Enjoy your time here with over 200 animal sculptures and light photo zones.

The light festival started this January and will continue until December 31st. We recommend strolling between the lights to create special memories. It’s also famous as a dating spot for couples.

• Address: 1723, Suin-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do
• Operating hours: 03:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Admission: Adults 8,000 won ($7), Children 5,000 won ($4)

Seoul Land in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, also hosts a year-round light festival. ‘Seoul Land Light Festival: Luna Park’ is the closest light festival to Seoul. When night falls, the expansive area of Seoul Land, approximately 3,037,600 square feet, is filled with light, and a fantastic lighting performance takes place.

Seoul Land’s Earth Star symbol hosts a performance combining 3D mapping and music. The giant mirror ball in Korea, about 20 feet in diameter, draws attention. The festival features splendid lights and exciting music.

The main programs of the Seoul Land Light Festival include various Earth Star stage night performances, such as Legend of Luna Light, Mirror Ball Dance Time, fireworks displays, and more. There are also programs for children, which include classic puppet shows, character roadshows, and busking and band performances that families can enjoy together.

• Address: 181, Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
• Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 08:00 PM
• Night Ticket Admission: Adults 45,000 won ($37), Teenagers 39,000 won ($32), Children 36,000 won ($30)

③ Festivals Held in the Land of Lights

The Taean Light Festival is taking place in Taean, Chungcheongnam Province. It’s a landmark and a must-visit place. The Taean Light Festival is the first light festival in the Chungnam region. It’s held on a vast site spanning approximately 16,528 square feet.

The Taean Light Festival, which started with the ideas and humble skills of farmers, has established itself as a beloved attraction over a long period. Under the theme Memories Blooming with Light in the Sea Breeze, they’ve added the glamour of LED lights. The dazzling scenery captivates visitors, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. The Taean Light Festival is also a perfect family travel destination to visit with children. If you’re planning a trip to Taean, it’s a great tour course to consider.

• Address: 200, Mageompo-gil, Nam-myeon, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
• Operating hours: 06:30 PM – 10:30 PM
• Admission: Adults 10,000 won ($8), Teenagers 8,000 won ($7)