Happy New Year, everyone! Hope you all had a good rest. This first weekend of January (Jan 3-4) is your last chance for the magical 서울빛초롱축제 (Seoul Lantern Festival), so definitely bundle up and head to Cheonggyecheon. For something totally different, check out the Do Ho Suh 'Artland' at Buk-Seoul Museum of Art—it's a wonderfully imaginative, kid-created world to explore!
Quick Picks
서울빛초롱축제 (Seoul Lantern Festival)
Cheonggyecheon Stream
The annual winter lantern festival wraps up Sunday night, offering stunning light art for free.
Do Ho Suh: Artland (도호 스튜디오 & 아이들: 아트랜드)
Buk-Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA)
An indoor, highly interactive exhibition where kids help build an entire ecosystem out of clay.
Seoulliteum: Musical CANDY (서울리틀씨어터: 뮤지컬 캔디)
The Seoulliteum
A cheerful, age-appropriate musical performance perfect for captivating toddlers and young children.
서울빛초롱축제
This is your absolute last chance to catch the famous lantern festival, which often features Pokémon this year! The stream will be lit up with hundreds of creative and traditional lanterns until Sunday night.
Why we picked it: It's the final two days of this spectacular, free, winter-themed light show in the heart of Seoul.
Do Ho Suh: Artland (도호 스튜디오 & 아이들: 아트랜드)
Artist Do Ho Suh's collaborative exhibition where kids help build a fantastical ecosystem out of clay he's been making for years. It’s super hands-on and less stuffy than a normal art show.
Why we picked it: It's an art exhibition *designed* for kids to actively participate in its creation, which is rare.
서울리틀씨어터: 뮤지컬 캔디
A classic children's musical playing at the Seoulliteum near Seoul Forest. These smaller theater productions are usually short, colorful, and perfect for the little ones' attention spans.
Why we picked it: It's a dedicated, local children's theater performance, often featuring familiar characters or simple, engaging stories.
Twinkle Miracle Winter with Teenieping (트윙클 미라클 윈터 with 티니핑)
Lotte World's winter event is still running, featuring a major collaboration with the popular character 'Teenieping'. Expect parades, character photo ops, and lots of festive decorations inside the indoor park.
Why we picked it: A big indoor draw that appeals heavily to the elementary/middle school crowd right now due to the Teenieping theme.
The Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival (아침고요수목원 오색별빛정원전)
Okay, it's technically outside Seoul, but this is *the* place for winter lights and is best seen after sunset, which lines up perfectly for a family evening trip. It’s massive and runs until mid-March.
Why we picked it: The largest lighting festival in Korea—a guaranteed 'wow' factor for all ages on a cold winter night.
Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink (서울광장 스케이트장)
The city-run rink is usually back in full swing for the new year, offering cheap skating sessions right downtown near City Hall. It’s a classic, affordable winter activity!
Why we picked it: It's a true local, low-cost winter staple that is often overlooked by tourists.
National Gugak Center: Saturday Gugak Fairy Tales (국립국악원: 토요국악동화)
If this traditional music/storytelling show is still running its Saturday slot, it's a fantastic, quiet way to introduce kids to Korean heritage without a massive performance hall.
Why we picked it: A chance to see high-quality traditional Korean performance art made specifically accessible for young children.
Seoul Assitej Winter Festival (서울어린이연극축제)
This festival, featuring puppet theatre, shadow theatre, and live music, is wrapping up its run this weekend. It’s a cultural post-Christmas treat curated specifically for families.
Why we picked it: It's a limited-run, curated festival focusing on high-quality, creative theater for kids, ending Sunday.
Seoul Robot & AI Science Museum (서울 로봇 인공지능 과학관)
If your older kids are into coding or robotics, this spot in Dobong-gu lets them try out the latest tech—a great alternative to the massive National Science Museum.
Why we picked it: Focuses specifically on hot-topic tech like AI and robotics, appealing to tech-savvy tweens/teens.
서울빛초롱축제
The final evening of the festival! Go see the giant fish/Pokémon lanterns before they pack up until next year. Grab some hot *bungeoppang* from a nearby street vendor.
Why we picked it: It's the very last chance to see this iconic Seoul winter event.
서울리틀씨어터: 뮤지컬 캔디
If Saturday didn't work out, catch the Sunday matinee of 'CANDY' at The Seoulliteum. Seoul Forest nearby is great for a quick outdoor play before or after.
Why we picked it: A good follow-up if you plan a relaxed Seoul Forest visit.
Hongdae NANTA Theatre Cooking Show (홍대 난타)
Great for teens—it’s loud, funny, and requires zero Korean comprehension! Food-themed percussion is always a winner for a fun, energetic afternoon.
Why we picked it: A globally recognized, high-energy, non-verbal show that translates perfectly for any age group.
Seoul Assitej Winter Festival (서울어린이연극축제)
The final day for the Assitej Winter Festival! Check the schedule for the last shows—it's your last shot for unique puppet or shadow theater experiences this winter.
Why we picked it: The closing day of a specialized, high-quality children's performing arts festival.
Exploring Children's Museum (어린이박물관)
While it's 'always there,' the National Museum's dedicated Children's Museum is excellent for toddlers and often requires advance booking, making it feel special. Best to check if they are open Sunday as some national museums close.
Why we picked it: It’s a reliably great, large-scale indoor play space that is fundamentally free, perfect for last-minute plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Seoul this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04), the best free option is the 서울빛초롱축제 (Seoul Lantern Festival) at Cheonggyecheon Stream, which ends Sunday. Also, check the reservation status for the free 어린이박물관 (Children's Museum) at the National Museum of Korea.
What is a good last-minute indoor activity for a cold day?
For an interactive indoor experience, visit Do Ho Suh: Artland at Buk-Seoul Museum of Art, or catch a family musical like 서울리틀씨어터: 뮤지컬 캔디 (if showtimes align).
Are there any good winter-themed events running?
Yes! The 서울빛초롱축제 (Seoul Lantern Festival) is your final chance to see the lights along Cheonggyecheon Stream. For a dedicated winter day trip, consider The Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival (outside Seoul).