Gwanghwamun Market 2026 is a Christmas market at Gwanghwamun Square and Sejongno Park in central Seoul. It runs from December 11, 2026 to January 10, 2027. It’s open every evening from 17:30 to 23:00, and entry is free. The market is modeled on Europe’s Christmas markets. Its market village sells holiday decorations and warm winter snacks, and there are also photo zones and hands-on activities.
What Is Gwanghwamun Market?
Gwanghwamun Market is Seoul’s best-known Christmas market. The Seoul Tourism Organization (서울관광재단) hosts it. Each winter it turns Gwanghwamun Square into a festive “village” of stalls run by small local businesses. The market aims to support those businesses and bring more life to Seoul’s nighttime tourism.
This year is the fifth edition, and its theme is “Santa Village Where Time Stands Still” (시간이 멈춘 산타마을). A giant Christmas tree and the market village are at the center, with holiday goods and warm food all in one place. The 2026 Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제) is held at the same time.
Gwanghwamun Market 2026 Dates, Hours & Location
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 11, 2026 – January 10, 2027 |
| Hours | 17:30 – 23:00 |
| Location | Gwanghwamun Square and Sejongno Park area |
| Address | 서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 지하172 (세종로) |
| Admission | Free |
| Organizer | Seoul Tourism Organization |
| Contact | 02-3788-8105 (general festival inquiries: Dasan Call Center 02-120) |
| Official website | https://www.stolantern.com/ |
| Official Instagram | @gwanghwamunmarket |
Some social media posts list the dates as “12.04–12.31.” The official website and the Korea Tourism Organization both give December 11, 2026 to January 10, 2027.
Gwanghwamun Market Highlights and Programs
The market village is the heart of Gwanghwamun Market. Its stalls sell Christmas decorations and gifts. Food stalls, global collaboration booths, hands-on activities and immersive photo zones fill out the event.
| Program | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Market booths | Small local businesses sell handmade holiday crafts, manufactured goods, food and more |
| Partner booths | Public agencies and private brands promote public projects and run free events |
| Photo zones | Immersive photo zones with a Christmas feel are set up around the site |
| Activity zones | Special and ongoing hands-on programs for visitors, plus free events |
New in 2026: Namdaemun Market Booth
On October 28, 2026, the Seoul Tourism Organization signed a partnership agreement with the Namdaemun Market Merchants Association (남대문시장상인회). Because of this, this year’s market has a booth just for Namdaemun Market. It covers the market’s history, its everyday life and culture, and its signature products, with the aim of getting visitors to go and see the market for themselves.
Can You Visit Gwanghwamun Market and the Seoul Lantern Festival Together?
Yes. The Korea Tourism Organization’s English guide says Gwanghwamun Market runs alongside the Seoul Lantern Festival. Here are the dates for each:
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Gwanghwamun Market 2026 | December 11, 2026 – January 10, 2027 |
| 2026 Seoul Lantern Festival | December 11, 2026 – January 31, 2027 |
Gwanghwamun Market ends first, on January 10, 2027. To see both, plan your visit before that date.
How to Get to Gwanghwamun Market
The address is 서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 지하172 (세종로). In English, that’s B172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
| Starting Point | Transportation |
|---|---|
| Seoul Station / Express Bus Terminal | Not confirmed in official information |
| Busan | Not confirmed in official information |
| Incheon International Airport / Gimhae International Airport | Not confirmed in official information |
| Taxi | Not confirmed in official information |
Official sources don’t list routes, travel times or fares from these starting points. Before you go, search the address above in a map app, or check the official website and Instagram for updates.
What Was Gwanghwamun Market Like Last Year (2025)?
The details below are from the 2025 market. They haven’t been confirmed for 2026, so treat them only as a guide.
| Item | 2025 Market |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 12 – December 31, 2025 |
| Concept | ”Santa Village” |
| Participants | About 100 teams of small businesses, social enterprises, local farms and local artists |
| Highlights | A giant tree about 15 m tall, more than 10 photo zones and a Rudolph carousel, installed for the first time |
| Event | Visitors who filled a leaflet from the information desk with every stamp got one free carousel ride per leaflet |
Tips for Visiting Gwanghwamun Market
- Pair it with the Seoul Lantern Festival. The two events overlap, so you can see both in one trip. Remember that Gwanghwamun Market closes on January 10.
- Go in the evening. The market is open from 17:30 to 23:00 and isn’t open during the day.
- Dress warmly. It’s an outdoor event in a public square on December and January evenings.
- Stop by the Namdaemun Market booth. It’s new this year and showcases the market’s signature products and stories.
- Follow the official Instagram. Program details and event news are posted at @gwanghwamunmarket.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Gwanghwamun Market 2026 take place?
It runs from December 11, 2026 to January 10, 2027. The official website and the Korea Tourism Organization list the same dates.
What are Gwanghwamun Market’s opening hours?
It’s open every day from 17:30 to 23:00, so it’s an evening market.
Is there an admission fee for Gwanghwamun Market?
No, entry is free for everyone. You pay separately for goods and food from the stalls.
Can I see Gwanghwamun Market and the Seoul Lantern Festival together?
Yes, you can. The Seoul Lantern Festival runs from December 11, 2026 to January 31, 2027. Gwanghwamun Market ends earlier, on January 10, so visit before then if you want to see both.
Is the Gwanghwamun Market carousel free to ride?
It isn’t confirmed yet whether the carousel will run in 2026 or how it will work. In 2025, visitors who collected every stamp on a leaflet from the information desk got one free ride on the Rudolph carousel per leaflet.
Can I pay by card at Gwanghwamun Market?
Official sources don’t say which payment methods are accepted. It may vary by stall, so check on site or call ahead at 02-3788-8105.
Where is Gwanghwamun Market held?
It’s held at Gwanghwamun Square and the Sejongno Park area. The address is 서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 지하172 (세종로).
Who should I contact with questions about Gwanghwamun Market?
Contact the organizer, the Seoul Tourism Organization, at 02-3788-8105. For general festival questions, you can also call the Dasan Call Center at 02-120.
