For me, Christmas cannot be Christmas without some twinkling lights – whether they be on a tree, hanging from your banister or wrapped around your cat when it destroys the tree for the 40th time this week.

I don’t have a lot of decorations at home because of that last reason, but luckily for me Seoul city always gets into the christmas spirit come December, and Korea does Christmas (decorating) well, even though it is not celebrated here in the same fashion. (Christmas in Korea is more of a novelty – along the same lines as Valentines Day or Halloween)

Running through the middle of Seoul is Cheonggyecheon (청계천) stream, a remodeled waterway which holds the festival every year. We got the subway to Gwanghwamun and walked down to the plaza to be greeted by a giant castle structure completely made out of fairy lights!

Coming out at the other end brings you to a giant Christmas tree adorned with little nutcrackers and toy soldiers.

The festival continued down into the stream itself. Both sides lined with lights and sculptures. Even though it was in the minus degrees, there were still a ton of people about! Tip: go at dusk and wait until its dark. There will be noticibly less people.

The festival runs until January 1st, so if you’re in the area, check it out!