Many cities in the daytime are not that attractive -- with non-descript high-rises and an endless stream of cars
clogging the streets, not to mention the dull, grey smog blocking the clear blue sky.
Unfortunately, this often holds true for Seoul as well to some degree. But come Winter, the city takes on a whole
new look. It is around this time of year that Seoul looks the most enchanting by night.
It is better to abandon cars and enjoy the quiet dazzle of Seoul on foot. The millions of white bulbs decorating the
trees lining the wide boulevard from Gwanghwamun to Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) literally cast the city in a new
light.
Lights have a magical power to charm, to make everything romantic in their warm glow. In all two million light
bulbs, of just about any color you can think of, have been used to decorate Seoul’s downtown, including
Cheonggyecheon (Stream) and Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall.
Cheonggyecheon The lights on more than 350 trees along the approximately 2 km-long Gwanghwamun
- Sungnyemun stretch are turned on every night from sundown to 2 a.m. the following morning.
While tiny Christmas tree lights make for a more spectacular show, the city government has chosen slightly
larger light bulbs that have less contact with the trees’ bark to minimize damage.
Also to raise the winter cheer, giant Christmas trees stand in front of City Hall and the Sejong Center, and part of
the lawn in front of City Hall has been turned into an outdoor ice rink for the public’s enjoyment.
Improving the atmosphere dramatically is the annual Luminarie light display which fully encircles the
ice rink this year.
Ice rink in front of City Hall Skating in the heart of a city is just that much better when done so against the
backdrop of spectacular lighting.
The ice rink is already open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends
and holidays. For 1,000 won, anyone can rent skates and a helmet and skate for two hours.
Even outside the city center, winter nights find Seoul in a most flattering light. The bridges over the Hangang are
lit in various color themes, and as office workers head home, the white fluorescent lights in business towers yield
to the soft golden glow from high-rise apartments to create postcard-perfect scenery at least for a few hours
each night.
By Han Aran
Korea.net Staff Writer
