How to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Seoul 2026

As the end of December approaches, the question on every expat and local's mind is the same: "What are we doing for New Year's Eve?"

While Seoul generally skips the Times Square-style ball drops, the city has evolved into a massive hub for celebration. Whether you are looking for a traditional cultural experience at Bosingak, a futuristic light show at DDP, or just a warm place to eat Tteokguk, this is your definitive guide to celebrating New Year's Eve in Seoul to ring in 2026.

Witnessing Bosingak Bell Ringing Ceremony

If you want to experience the most historic version of New Year's Eve in Seoul, head to Jonggak. Every year, crowds gather to watch dignitaries (and typically a trending K-Pop star or athlete) ring the massive Bosingak Bell.

• The Significance: The bell is rung exactly 33 times at midnight. This number comes from Buddhism and symbolizes prosperity, peace, and luck for the coming year.
• The Reality Check: Realistically, this draws about 30,000–60,000 people depending on the weather. Be prepared for extremely tight security, including police barricades and bag checks.
  Warning: This is a "crush" crowd. If you are claustrophobic or with small children, this event is not recommended.
• Insider Tip: Skip the street-level crush in Jongno-3-ga (which is also packed). For a view where you can actually breathe, try booking a high-rise bar in Jongno Tower or a spot in the nearby Ikseon-dong Hanok Village (though these must be booked months in advance).

Watching Seoul Winter Festa (DDP & Gwanghwamun)

Formerly known just as the Seoul Light Festival, the city has consolidated its winter events under the massive brand Seoul Winter Festa.

• Gwanghwamun Square: This has recently become the preferred spot for Gen Z. It is less cramped than Bosingak and features stunning media facades projected onto the palace walls. The countdown here is visually spectacular and feels more modern.
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): Expect a futuristic vibe with high-tech laser shows. While there is usually a countdown, check the specific schedule as some years it focuses more on the ongoing light exhibition.

Viewing Lotte World Tower Countdown

Lotte World Tower in Jamsil—the tallest building in Korea—is the epicenter for vertical spectacles.

• Fireworks Caveat: While the tower sometimes does fireworks, they are frequently canceled or scaled back due to wind conditions. The LED countdown, however, is reliable.
• Best Viewing Spot:
  • The "Pro" Spot: Hike up the small hill at Mongchontoseong (Olympic Park). It’s further away but offers a clean, full-tower shot without the chaos of Seokchon Lake.
  • The "Warm" Option: Skip Jamsil Bridge (it acts as a freezing wind tunnel). Instead, book a Han River Cruise that idles near the bridge for the countdown.

Enjoying First Sunrise at Haedoji

In Korea, the first sunrise of the New Year (Haedoji) is arguably more culturally significant than the midnight countdown. It is believed that making a wish as the sun crests the horizon brings powerful luck.

Top Sunrise Spots in Seoul (No Car Needed)

• Achasan Mountain: An easy 30-minute hike (mostly stairs/slope). It offers the best view of the sun rising over the Han River.
• Maebongsan: An excellent local pick in Seongdong-gu. It offers a great pavilion view and is much quieter than Namsan.
• Haneul Park: Great views, but warning: If you plan to take the electric cart (Maengkkongi) up, expect a 45+ minute wait. Walking up the stairs is faster.
• Timing: Sunrise on Jan 1, 2026, is calculated for 7:47 AM. Popular spots fill up by 6:30 AM, so arrive early to get a spot.

Eating Traditional Tteokguk Soup

To truly celebrate like a local, your New Year isn't complete without a bowl of Tteokguk (rice cake soup).

• The Age Myth: You might hear that eating this soup makes you one year older. While Korea legally switched to the international age system in June 2023, the cultural sentiment runs deep. Locals still joke that you aren't really ready for the New Year until you've finished your bowl.
• Where to find it: Don't look for fancy restaurants. The best authentic Tteokguk is often found in 24-hour Gimbap Cheonguk (kimbap shops) or traditional markets early in the morning.

Surviving Cold Weather and Transport Chaos

If you are heading out, you need to prepare for two things: the cold and the transport chaos.

The Weather Forecast

Prepare for a freeze. While specific forecasts vary, late December averages in Seoul hover between -5°C and -10°C.

• The Real Killer: It is the wind chill. Standing still for a countdown or sunrise can make it feel like -15°C.
• Dress Code: Fashion is secondary. Wear Heattech, a long padded coat ("long padding"), and bring hot packs (kairo) for your pockets.

Transport and Getting Home

• The Taxi Crisis: Do not rely on KakaoTaxi or Uber after midnight. It is nearly impossible to hail a ride between 12:00 AM and 2:00 AM in areas like Gangnam, Itaewon, or Jongno.
• The Lifeline: Owl Bus (Night Bus): If you miss the subway (which typically runs until ~2:00 AM), your backup is the "Owl Bus" (look for the 'N' prefix). Download KakaoBus or Naver Map to track them.
  • N13: Runs Gangnam ↔ Jongno ↔ Dongdaemun ↔ Jamsil. (The "Party Route").
  • N26: Runs Hongdae ↔ Sinchon ↔ Jongno ↔ Dongdaemun.
  • N62: Runs Hongdae ↔ Jongno ↔ DDP ↔ Konkuk Univ.
• Strategy: These buses will be crowded, but they are reliable. If all else fails, find a 24-hour cafe or pc-bang and wait for the first subway train at 5:30 AM.

FAQ About New Year at Seoul 2026

Is fireworks confirmed for Lotte Tower this year? While the LED display is guaranteed, full pyrotechnics are often decided close to the date based on wind conditions. Check the official Lotte World Tower Instagram 24 hours prior.

Where is the best place for a couple? Skip Jongno (too crowded). Head to Naksan Park along the Seoul City Wall. It offers a romantic, panoramic night view of the city lights and is far quieter than the main events. Note: It can be very windy and cold up there, and some sections may close temporarily for safety if icy.