How to celebrate New Year in Seoul like a local in 2026

Seoul has many unique New Year traditions that most travelers are completely unaware of.

The midnight ringing of Bosingak’s bell, dazzling fireworks over the river, and the quiet, reflective first sunrise of the year are customs enjoyed by locals across the city. But for travelers, it’s easy to feel lost, wondering “where to go to celebrate the New Year in Seoul? 

Whether you’re heading to Seoul for the festive period or are snowboarding in Korea and want to check out the capital city’s New Year’s celebrations, read on. 

From iconic countdowns to hidden viewpoints, this guide highlights the best local spots (complete with insider tips) for your 2026 Seoul New Year celebration.

Bosingak Bell Ringing: Seoul’s most iconic countdown

Every New Year’s Eve, crowds gather at Jongno’s Bosingak Bell Pavilion for a tradition that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. The giant bell, once used to mark curfew, now rings 33 times at the stroke of midnight to bring good fortune for the year ahead.

Expect a festive atmosphere with live performances, light shows, an electric atmosphere, and huge crowds.

Local tip: It gets incredibly crowded, so arrive 1–2 hours early and bring heat packs—the winter chill can bite!

Namsan Seoul Tower: Panoramic views and festive vibes

Perched atop Namsan Mountain, Seoul Tower offers sweeping views of the illuminated city and the crowds celebrating below. The elevated location also makes it one of the best spots in Seoul to see the fireworks. 

Most people take the cable car up, but you can also hike, which takes 30-60 minutes. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by buzzing crowds of locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere is beautiful, but the hilltop is windy, so layer up with plenty of warm clothing.

Local tip: Restaurants and cafes nearby fill quickly, so book dinner or drinks early to enjoy the views without the rush.

Lotte World Tower & Seokchon Lake: Fireworks reflected in the water

On New Year’s Eve, Seoul’s tallest skyscraper hosts dazzling fireworks and an LED light show countdown, both of which reflect over Seokchon Lake, creating picturesque reflections on the water. 

It’s one of the most photogenic spots in Seoul, so you’ll find the surrounding paths filled with photographers and celebrants capturing the moment.

Local tip: While the main plaza can get crowded, the east side of the lake offers better photo angles and a slightly calmer vibe. 

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): Night markets and midnight countdown

DDP lights up New Year’s Eve with a mix of neon installations, night markets, and food stalls. 

The highlight is the magnificent media art that’s projected on the building’s facade, along with mesmerizing laser shows. To accompany the art, DJs and K-pop performances create a bustling, creative, and visually stunning ambiance.

Then at midnight, there’s a public countdown and an epic fireworks display!

Local tip: Explore the side alleys for quirky street food!

Seoul Han River Parks: Calm & cozy midnight views

If you’re looking for a quieter, more low-key Seoul New Year’s celebration, head to Ttukseom, Banpo, or Yeouido Park. These riverside areas are favorite spots for locals seeking open space and water views. 

Gather with your friends or a loved one for a serene countdown under the city lights, reflecting on the water. You won’t find a more uninterrupted view of the midnight fireworks than here!

Local tip: For an ultra-cozy vibe, bring blankets or portable chairs, and grab hot drinks and snacks on the way from the convenience stores along the river.

Naksan Park: Where locals escape the crowds

For a truly local Seoul New Year celebration, visit Naksan Park. With panoramic city views, fortress walls, and sparkling lights, locals flock here on December 31st for a calm and romantic alternative to the busy central areas. 

It’s perfect for couples or travelers who want to spend the evening reflecting on the past year or just enjoying the presence of their loved ones. The paved paths are well-lit at night, and the walk up to the top of the hill is incredibly picturesque and romantic.

Local tip: Bring a warm drink with you. There are small cafes open late in Daehak-ro (Line 4, Hyehwa station) where locals stock up before heading up.

Temples with New Year ceremonies

During the New Year in Seoul, it’s common to visit one of the city’s temples, like Jogyesa and Bongeunsa.

These temples host traditional Buddhist ceremonies, with bell ringing and chanting, considered to cleanse the spirit for the year to come. Temple ceremonies offer a quieter, more cultural way to see in the New Year.

Many locals also visit the temples early on New Year’s Day to pray and make offerings. 

Local tip: You can buy offerings such as candles and wish paper charms at the temple office. Write your wish and leave the offering at the temple.

New Year sunrise tradition: Where locals go on January 1 

Another early morning tradition on January 1st is to watch the sunrise, as Koreans believe the first sunrise of the year is an auspicious moment to make wishes or set intentions. They wake up very early (often around 4–5 am) and head to the following viewpoints:

Homigot Sunrise Square (Pohang)

Homigot is home to the giant “Hand of Harmony” sculpture that rises from the sea. As the sun lifts behind the fingertips, thousands turn up to watch the iconic moment.

What’s more, at sunrise, a huge sunrise festival takes place here, complete with cultural performances, wish-rituals, and a powerful feeling of renewal. The celebration is so symbolic that it’s voted one of Korea’s top three sunrise festivals.

Jeongdongjin Beach (Gangneung)

Jeongdongjin Beach is famous for its fiery orange sunrise over the East Sea, where the sky feels impossibly wide and bright. It’s one of the easiest sunrise destinations to reach from Seoul, as it’s just two hours by KTX. 

Seongsan Ilchulbong (Jeju)

For many Seoulites, watching the first sunrise of the year from Seongsan Ilchulbong is a bucket-list experience. 

This UNESCO-listed volcanic crater offers a perfectly framed view of the sun emerging over the eastern sea, turning the cliff edges gold. The short pre-dawn hike adds a sense of pilgrimage, and the sunrise festival at the base makes it feel both spiritual and celebratory.

Where to eat & warm up after midnight on NYE

After the countdown and fireworks, Seoul fills with cozy late-night spots perfect for warming up. 

• Myeongdong has 24-hour eateries serving steaming bowls of tteokguk (rice cake soup) and mandu, both popular New Year dishes.
• Hongdae also stays lively with street stalls selling hot hotteok, cafes, and Korean BBQ joints open past 2 am. 
• In Jongno, traditional restaurants around Ikseon-dong offer hearty soups and warm tea to recover from the cold. 

Insider knowledge: Many Seoulites believe eating tteokguk adds a year to your age. It’s customary to eat the dish on New Year’s, as Koreans believe everyone ages on New Year’s Day rather than on their birthdays!

Insider tips for your Seoul New Year celebration

Here are some final tips on how to make the most out of your Seoul New Year celebration this year:

• Weather: Seoul can get bitterly cold at the end of December, especially if you’re waiting outdoors for the countdown. Bring warm gloves, heat packs, and layered clothing to stay comfortable through performances and bell-ringing crowds.
• Transport: Many subways and buses run extended hours on New Year’s Eve so people can get home safely. However, schedules vary, so plan your route in advance and allow extra travel time.
• Safety: Certain areas in Seoul can get crowded on New Year’s Eve, so stay alert and keep personal belongings secure.

Connectivity: Public Wi-Fi can be unreliable on New Year’s, as thousands of people use the networks. A Holafly eSIM for Seoul ensures faster and more reliable stay connected. Holafly’s eSIMs offer unlimited mobile data, so you can navigate the celebrations, translate on the spot, and share your sunrise pics in real time!

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Michaela Park

SEO Content Specialist

Hi there! I'm Mika, a content creator at Holafly! ✈️ I share travel tips and tricks to help make your adventures more enjoyable and stress-free. 😊

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