[Seoul] Winter in Seoul 2016 (including ice skating rinks and NYE events)

The first real snow of the season came last night. It had snowed a little before, but it never stayed. I guess it's time to write a list of places to do some winter activities in Seoul.

Christmas Market at Yeouido (Post from yesterday)

Now through 31 December

Subway access: Yeouinaru (Line 5), Exit 2

Lights festival at Cheongyecheon

Now through 1 January

Subway access: Jonggak (Line 1), City Hall (Lines 1, 2), Gwanghwamun (Line 5)

* Note that on weekends, there are probably going to be huge crowds in the area because of the Park Geun Hye protests at Gwanghwamun. Some transportation access may be restricted.

*Also note: It is technically illegal for foreign sojourners (read tourists, foreign visitors, workers) to take part in the protests, so also be aware of that.

Illumination festival at Hanul Park (World Cup Peace Park)

Includes the illumination wish tunnel and huge Christmas tree

Now through 31 January

Subway access: World Cup Stadium (Line 6), Mapo-gucheong (Mapo Gu District Office) (Line 6)

Sledding at Ttukseom Resort

Now through 19 February (9AM to 5PM)

Subway access: Ttukseom Resort (ttukseom yuwonji) (Line 7)

Note: There is a fee; 6,000 entrance fee, equipment rental fees/ ~8,000

Skating Rinks:

NOTE: The usual skating rink at Seoul City Hall is CLOSED for 2016 because of the Park Geun Hye protests/demonstrations

Yeouido Ice Rink

Now until 14 February (10 AM to 9:30 PM)

Fee: 1.5 hours for 2000; day pass for 3000; season pass for 20,000

Subway access: Yeouido (Lines 5 and 9), National Assembly (Line 9)

Ice Dream at the Seoul Art Center

Now through 12 February (11AM to 8PM)

Fee: 8000 adults; 6000 students

Also includes food trucks

Subway access: Nambu Terminal (line 3), Yangjae (line 3)

Olympic Park

No information about the final closing date, but it is open now; 9AM to 8:30PM

Cheapest ice rink

Fee: 1500 won; skate rental 500 won

Subway access: Mongchontoseong (Olympic Peace Gate) (Line 7)

Sangam MBC Skating Rink

Now until 4 February (10 AM to 9:30PM)

Fee: 3000 (weekdays), 5000 (weekends)

Subway access: Digital Media City (Airport line, Gyeongui-joonang line, Line 6), Susaek (Gyeongui-joonang line)

Grand Hyatt on Namsan

Now through 28 February; weekdays noon-9PM; Weekends 10AM to 9PM

Wins the award for the MOST EXPENSIVE ice rink.

Fee: Monday through Thursday 26,000; Friday through Sunday 30,000

Subway Access: Hangangjin (Line 6)

Mokdong Ice Rink

Open year-round

Fee: Adult 4,000 (weekend 5200); Youth ages 13-18 3500 won (weekend 4500 won), ages 12 and younger 3000 (weekend 4900); skate rental 3000

Lotte World Indoor Ice Rink

Open year-round; Weekdays 11AM-10:30PM; Weekends: 10 AM to 10:30 PM

Fee: 11,000 adults (3 hours); 10,000 children (3 hours); skate rental is 5000

Subway access: Jamshil (Lines 2, 7)

This is connected to Lotte World, Lotte World Mall, etc. and is next to Seokchon Lake. It'll be a great day trip, but again, it's open year-round.

NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENTS:

Bosingak Bell Ringing

Subway access: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Jongak (Line 1), Gyeongbokgung (Line 3)

Note: As with the Cheonggyecheon light festival, there are protests this year.

It is a little unclear what the effects will be on the bell ringing ceremony

Time Square Countdown

Yeah, not the real Times Square, but Korea just had to get in on it.

This year's concert includes Gray and Simon Dominic, Beenzino, Zico

From 11PM to 3AM

Note: There are no pre-order tickets left and the cost is 66,000

Subway access: Yeongdeungpo (Line 1), Mullae (Line 2)

Coex Countdown

This is where I'm considering going, if I can muster the energy to get out of my house.

Concert this year includes Epik High and Sechskies, who are making a comeback

Note: Admission is first come, first served and FREE

Coex Cube Project

There is also a food festival on the Coex Plaza

Subway access: Samsung (Line 2), Bongeunsa Temple Station (Line 9)

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