It's time to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025! In Korea, New Yearโs Eve is all about coming together with friends, family, or that special someone for a countdown and celebrate in style. If you're not a fan of the crowds, a cozy countdown party at a wine bar just be the perfect way to ring in the new year!
Top 5 Countdown Spots
1๏ธโฃ Bosingak Pavilion
unsplash.com / Winged Jedi
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Every year, at midnight from December 31 to January 1, the bell at Bosingak Pavilion is rung 33 times to welcome the new year. This year, the event will feature an art installation called the Midnight Sun, accompanied by sound art and media performances. LED wristbands will be handed out to the crowd, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle!
๐ Bosingak Pavilion
๐ 11:30pm Dec 31 - 12:30am Jan 1, 2025
Bosingak Bell Pavilion
Attraction ยท Seoul
2๏ธโฃ Seoul Light DDP
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This event showcases a massive media faรงade on the DDP wall, offering a thrilling countdown with dazzling fireworks. Popular Korean rock bands take over the stage, while heartfelt New Year's wishes from Seoul citizens illuminate the building. A lively night food market in the outdoor park adds to the festivities, offering a perfect spot to eat, drink, and celebrate.
๐ DDP
๐ 11:00pm Dec 31 - 1:30am, Jan 1, 2025
LINE-UP โจ
โ๏ธ Glen Check
โ๏ธ Balming Tiger
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Attraction ยท Seoul(Dongdaemun)
3๏ธโฃ Lotte World Tower
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Celebrate New Year at Korea's tallest landmark, Lotte World Tower. The 123-story exterior will feature LED lights and vibrant New Year messages, along with impressive fireworks and exciting performances. For the best view of the full spectacle, it's recommended to watch from a distance, such as around Seokchon Lake.
๐ Lotte World Tower & Seokchon Lake
๐ Dec 31 - Jan 1, 2025
Insider Tips ๐
The detailed info hasnโt been announced yet, so follow the official Instagram account of Lotte World Tower to be the first to know.
Lotte World Tower
Attraction ยท Seoul(Gangnam)
4๏ธโฃ Seoul Light Gwanghwamun
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Held at Gwanghwamun, the southern gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace and a historic monument in Korea, this countdown event combines state-of-the-art projection mapping and generative AI technology with music. At the stroke of midnight, New Year's greetings will appear in Hanguel on the illuminated Gwanghwamun faรงadeโdon't forget to snap a commemorative photo!
๐ Gwanghwamun
๐ 6pm Dec 31 - 12:00am Jan 1, 2025
๐ Insider Tips
The light installations and media art show around Gwanghwamun will be on display from Dec 13, 2024, to Jan 5, 2025.
Gwanghwamun Square
Attraction ยท Seoul(Gwanghwamun)
5๏ธโฃ Myeongdong Square
unsplash.com / HANVIN CHEONG
For the first time this eyar, the New Year's ceremony will be held at the Shinsegae Department Store in Myeongdong. Check out the grand countdown displayed on massive LED screens, along with heartfelt messages from locals. On top of that, you can enjoy lively K-POP performances at the venue. The festive vibes of Myeongdong will come alive as 2025 approaches.
๐ Myeongdong Shinsegae Department Store (Main Branch)
๐ 11pm Dec 31 - 1am Jan 1, 2025
LINE-UP โจ
โ๏ธ Kep1er
โ๏ธ J.Y. Park
โ๏ธ xikers
โ๏ธ ALL(H)OURS
โ๏ธ NOWADAYS
โ๏ธ BADVILLAIN
โ๏ธ SAY MY NAME
โ๏ธ 2AM
โ๏ธ JANNABI
โ๏ธ Stella Jang
โ๏ธ Xdinary Heroes
Shinsegae Department Store (Main Branch)
Attraction ยท Seoul(Myengdong)
Celebrate the New Year at a wine bar!
๐ท Wine Bars in Seoul
๐ Insider Tips
During the holiday season, reservations for restaurants and bars are usually full, so we recommend making a reservation through apps like Naver or Catch Table in advance.
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NOCT
Enjoy stunning views of the Hangang River at the dual-concept dining restaurant & live bar. A highlight is the ceiling, designed to resemble a starry night sky, perfectly complemented by jazz live performances held twice daily. Reservations can be made on Catch Table.
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Buvette Seoul
This French restaurant opens from morning until late at night, boasting European-style antique interiors. The menu includes a selection of cocktails. Locals also stop by during the day for coffee and brunch. Reservations available on Naver or Catch Table.
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Vinolic
Experience live performances and an extensive selection of over 300 wines. Operated by a sommelier-owner and a Michelin 3-star head chef, it offers fine dining at relatively reasonable price, making it a popular choice. Reservations available on Naver or Catch Table.
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Dear Alice
Located in Itaewon, this dining bar pairs wine with dishes. It's especially praised for its ambiance, food, and desserts, offering a flawless experience from start to finish. Known for its exceptional Beef Wellington. Reservations available on Naver or Catch Table.
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Ripper
Find a cozy spot in this Hongdae wine bar, ideal for solo drinkers with its all-bar seating. Seasonal menus crafted with fresh, in-season ingredients are complemented by atmospheric music, enhancing the venue's unique charm. Reservations available on Catch Table.