[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)


*FTC Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which means, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through the links provided and make a purchase.*

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