Breaking: Seoul Unveils Dual Christmas Installations Blending pop Culture and Public Art
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Seoul Unveils Dual Christmas Installations Blending pop Culture and Public Art
- 2. J.Tree x Peanuts Pop-Up in Jongno
- 3. The Sphere and Gallery Hosu: A Giant Ornament at Seokchon Lake
- 4. What is included in the holiday high tea menu at The Shilla Seoul?
- 5. 1. Luxury High Tea at The Shilla Seoul – A Festive Culinary Escape
- 6. 2. Riverside Christmas Market at Hangang River Park – Yeouido
- 7. 3. Hidden Garden Retreat – Seoul Forest’s Winter Secret Garden
- 8. 4.Night‑time Hanbok Parade & Gwanghwamun Square Ice Festival
- 9. Rapid Reference: How to Plan Your Off‑The‑Beaten‑Path Christmas in Seoul
Two new holiday experiences in Seoul fuse whimsy with public art, offering visitors a mix of nostalgia and immersive visuals. One centerpiece is a Peanuts-themed pop-up in the heart of Jongno, while the other is a duo of media art installations at Seokchon Lake in Songpa.
J.Tree x Peanuts Pop-Up in Jongno
Throughout the venue, familiar Peanuts characters such as Charlie Brown and Snoopy add a playful, youthful mood to the seasonal setting. By day, the space offers sweeping views of central Seoul; by night, the trees illuminate in unison, transforming the area into a cozy, miniature winter world amid the city’s bustle.
A small merchandise shop on site sells Christmas-themed Peanuts items-key rings and ornaments-giving guests a keepsake to carry the festive mood home. Reservations are required via Naver. The entry fee is 5,000 won per person, with admission free for children under seven. J.Tree notes that a portion of the pop-up’s proceeds will be donated to a cause.
The Sphere and Gallery Hosu: A Giant Ornament at Seokchon Lake
southern Seoul’s Songpa District has joined forces with Getty Images Korea to present six new Christmas-themed media artworks at The Sphere and The Gallery Hosu. The Sphere, a seven-meter-diameter floating installation on the western edge of Seokchon Lake, accompanies The Gallery Hosu, a lakeside, district-run art space that opened late last year. The holiday works were unveiled this week and are scheduled to run through mid-January, organized under two themes: Christmas content through December 31, followed by New Year’s greeting visuals from January 1 through mid-January.
Current displays at The Sphere include rotating, ornament-inspired pieces-such as a spherical Christmas tree, felt characters, and snow globe motifs-while The Gallery Hosu presents Christmas illustrations and snowfall scenes projected on its facade.
Summary details:
| Event | Location | What’s Featured | Dates | Admission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J.Tree x Peanuts Pop-Up | Jongno District, central Seoul (between J.Tree and Peanuts displays) | Peanuts-themed environment with Charlie Brown and Snoopy; daytime city views; illuminated evening trees; small Peanuts merchandise shop | Ongoing through December (specific end not stated) | 5,000 won per person; under 7 free | Reservations via Naver; a portion of proceeds donated |
| The Sphere & the Gallery Hosu | Seokchon Lake (The Sphere) and The Gallery Hosu, Songpa District | Six Christmas-themed media artworks; rotating Sphere installations; facade projections at Gallery Hosu | Unveiled this week; runs through mid-January | Free admission (Gallery Hosu); Sphere access governed by public viewing policies | Two themed phases: Christmas until Dec 31, New Year visuals Jan 1-mid-Jan |
As Seoul lights up this season, these installations underscore a citywide emphasis on accessible, family-pleasant art and pop-culture-driven holiday experiences. If you’re planning to explore festive Seoul, these two destinations offer complementary moods-from whimsical nostalgia to contemporary media art.
Reader questions:
1) Which installation would you prioritize for a holiday outing with family or friends? 2) How do you think such public-art events impact the city’s winter atmosphere and nighttime economy?
1. Luxury High Tea at The Shilla Seoul – A Festive Culinary Escape
Why it stands out
- Exclusive holiday menu curated by Michelin‑starred pastry chefs
- Seasonal décor with hand‑blown glass ornaments and Korean‑inspired Christmas wreaths
- Intimate indoor lounge overlooking Namsan Tower, perfect for small groups and corporate gifting
What to expect
| Course | Signature Item | Seasonal Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Savories | Smoked salmon & kimchi croissant | Yuletide seaweed butter |
| Scones | Customary English scone | Red‑bean and chestnut jam |
| Desserts | White chocolate truffle tart | Persimmon & ginger crème brûlée |
| Tea Selection | Earl Grey, Darjeeling | Chrysanthemum-ginger infusion (K‑style winter spice) |
Practical tips
- Reservation window: 2 pm-5 pm (book at least 48 hours in advance via the hotel’s online portal).
- Dress code: Smart‑casual; festive accessories welcomed.
- Parking: Complimentary valet at Shilla’s underground garage (code “CHRISTMAS2025”).
- Special offer: Complimentary holiday souvenir (hand‑crafted lantern) for groups of 4 +.
Benefits
- Experience Korean hospitality blended with British tradition, ideal for travelers seeking a refined holiday vibe.
- Allows effortless gift‑giving with the included elegant holiday box of artisanal chocolates.
2. Riverside Christmas Market at Hangang River Park – Yeouido
Overview
- Pop‑up market runs from Dec 10 to Jan 2 along the Hangang promenade, featuring 35 stalls from local artisans, Nordic‑style food trucks, and a vintage carousel.
- Live performances include K‑pop carol covers, traditional samul nori drummers, and a nightly “christmas Light Symphony” projected onto the river’s surface.
Must‑try stalls
- “Snowy Bingsu” – Shaved ice topped with peppermint syrup, candied ginger, and gold leaf.
- “han River hot Cider” – Mulled apple cider infused with Korean citrullus seeds (a seasonal twist).
- “Seoul Skyline Gifts” – Hand‑etched glass ornaments depicting the N Seoul Tower lit in neon.
How to navigate
- entry points: Yeouido Hangang Park Gate A (nearest subway Line 5, Yeouido Station, exit 2).
- Transport: Free river‑shuttle buses run every 15 minutes from Yeouido Park to the market zone.
- Timing: Arrive early (before 5 pm) for the “Golden Hour” photo backdrop; night‑time schedule (7 pm-10 pm) offers illuminated stalls and live jazz acoustic sets.
Practical tips
- cashless only: All vendors accept QR‑code payment (KakaoPay, Naver Pay).
- Family‑kind: Stroller‑friendly pathways and a designated kids‑play zone with a miniature ice‑skating rink.
- Weather gear: Portable heated blankets rent at the “cozy Corner” stall (₩5,000 per hour).
Benefits
- Combines the charm of European Christmas markets with a distinctly korean riverside ambiance.
- Perfect for Instagram‑ready moments: skyline reflections, lantern‑lit walkways, and the “Han River Snowfall” light installation.
Concept
- Curated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government for 2025’s “Green Holiday” initiative, a secluded garden within Seoul Forest transforms into a winter wonderland, accessed via a concealed gate near the deer enclosure.
Key attractions
- Illuminated Orchid Pavilion: 200 orchids bathed in soft blue LED lights, each labeled with its botanical name and a short Korean folklore story.
- Snow‑Moss Walkway: A tactile path covered in preserved moss that feels like fresh snow underfoot.
- Silent Snowfall Hall: Sound‑proof glass dome playing gentle wind chimes and soft instrumental carols, creating an immersive “indoor snowfall” effect.
Seasonal activities
- Guided horticulture tours (30 min): Led by certified botanist Dr. Lee Hye‑jin, focusing on winter‑hardy native plants and their roles in korean holiday rituals.
- Tea‑time at the “Zen Tea House”: Organic green tea infused with pine needle essence, served on low‑profile wooden tables.
- Eco‑workshop: DIY natural ornaments using fallen pine cones and recycled paper,suitable for all ages.
practical tips
- Access: Reserve a time slot via the Seoul Forest app (max 15 visitors per slot).
- Timing: Best visited at 10 am-12 pm for the natural light in the Orchid Pavilion; evening slots (4 pm-6 pm) highlight the illuminated pathways.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair‑friendly ramps and tactile paving throughout the garden.
- Photography rule: No flash; low‑light lenses recommended to preserve the garden’s ambience.
Benefits
- Offers a tranquil option to bustling city festivities, ideal for wellness‑focused travelers.
- Provides a unique cultural‑botanical insight into korean winter traditions.
4.Night‑time Hanbok Parade & Gwanghwamun Square Ice Festival
Event snapshot
- Held nightly from Dec 15 to Dec 31, the parade combines traditional hanbok attire with contemporary light‑performance art, culminating in an open‑air ice‑sculpture gallery at Gwanghwamun Square.
Parade highlights
- Hanbok LED Jackets: Modern designers embed programmable LEDs into classic silks, creating shifting color patterns synced to holiday music.
- Cultural floats: Each float represents a Korean myth (e.g., “The Tale of hong Gil‑Dong”) reinterpreted with Christmas motifs.
Ice Festival features
- Ice‑carved Gyeongbokgung Palace replica: 3‑meter tall, illuminated from within.
- Interactive ice rink: Free admission; skate rentals (₩3,000 per hour) include heated gloves.
- Food pavilion: Hotteok with cinnamon‑spiced chestnut filling, and Korean-style gingerbread (“gwajeong‑bang”).
Tips for attendance
- Arrive early (6 pm) to secure a prime viewing spot near the central stage.
- Public transport: gwanghwamun Station (Line 5),Exit 7; bus routes 7012 and 102 stop at nearby Gwanghwamun Plaza.
- Safety: Ice surfaces are regularly resurfaced; slip‑resistant shoe recommendations posted at entry.
- Family pass: Purchase a combined family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) for a 20 % discount on skate rentals.
Benefits
- Merges Korea’s regal heritage with festive cheer, offering an unforgettable visual spectacle.
- Engages visitors in interactive cultural experiences, from wearing illuminated hanbok to skating on a historic square.
Rapid Reference: How to Plan Your Off‑The‑Beaten‑Path Christmas in Seoul
| Experience | Best Dates | Must‑Book | Transportation | Top Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury High Tea – The Shilla | Dec 12‑24 | Online reservation (48 h) | Shuttle from City Hall Station (line 1) | Request the “Holiday Lantern” souvenir |
| Hangang riverside Market | Dec 10‑Jan 2 | No pre‑booking needed | Free river‑shuttle (Line 5, Yeouido) | Visit at golden hour for best photos |
| Winter Secret Garden | Dec 14‑31 | Seoul Forest app (15‑min slots) | Subway line 2, Seoul Forest Station | Join the 10 am botany tour |
| Hanbok Parade & Ice festival | Dec 15‑31 | Family pass (optional) | Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station | Wear warm layers; LED hanbok rentals available |
Final practical checklist
- Currency: Ensure Naver Pay or KakaoPay linked for cashless payments.
- Weather gear: Pack a lightweight insulated coat, waterproof shoes, and a reusable thermos.
- Connectivity: Download “Seoul Explorer” app for real‑time transit updates and event alerts.
- Health safety: Masks optional,but hand‑sanitizer stations are placed at all venue entrances.
Experience a Seoul Christmas that goes beyond the typical tourist trail-luxury, riverside charm, hidden nature, and vibrant cultural spectacles await.
