Back in November the Seoul Lantern Festival hit the city to kick off the G20 Summit. The whole event celebrated the 50 day countdown before the opening of the 2010-12 VISIT KOREA program. The Lantern Festival boasted Korean celebrities as well as lanterns sent from countries all over the world. The location centered on the Cheonggycheon Stream.
Over 10,000 lanterns from more than 20 countries brightened the nighttime city streets and entranced thousands of visitors. Four zones represented four unique themes: the gyoryu zone featured lanterns representing peace and harmony. The Wollyu zone highlighted traditional Korean culture, the Hallyu zone showcased the dynamic Hallyu wave cruising the world, the Illyu zone featured the IT vision of Seoul’s burgeoning technology scene.
Judging from the sheer number of people the event was a rousing success. Thousands of people braved the bitter cold to walk the stream often standing in queues for hours. The cheer and goodwill in the air was palpable. My friend Todd and I opted against joining them and instead enjoyed the festival from above the walkway.
If you missed the festival then you missed a fantastic spectacle. Hopefully you’ll have a chance next year to participate!
My plan is to go early this year. Every year I end up missing it or not seeing enough because the crowd is so overwhelming!
I’ve done this in years!