KOREA
Many visitors enjoy the illuminated wall at night.

Haemieupseong Walled Town (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

After a day filled with fun activities, scenic landscapes, and cultural excursions, what better way to wrap it up than by gazing at the sparkling night sky or the lovely city lights? Whether in a rural area or the bustling urban city, nighttime in Korea never fails to paint an enchanting scene. See below for a list of nighttime destinations you might want to add in to your itinerary for an unforgettable night in Korea.

A Korean map showing the location of night attractions in the article.

(Map by Stripes Korea)

KOREA’S ICONIC NIGHTSCAPES BY THEME

Explore destinations renowned for offering an iconic cityscape, exciting entertainment, or magical atmosphere that leaves their spectators in awe.

#Historical Grandeur

Magnificent by day, magical by night—let the moonlight guide you through the Joseon grounds

1. Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do)

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

2. Gwanghalluwon Garden (Namwon, Jeonbuk-do)

Gwanghalluwon Garden is lit up at night.

Gwanghalluwon Garden (Photo by Hwang Sunghoon / Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

3. Haemieupseong Walled Town (Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do)

One of the gates to Haemieupseong Walled Town.

Haemieupseong Walled Town (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

4. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress[UNESCO World Heritage] (Suwon, Gyeonggi-do)

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is lit up at night.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

#Regional Landmarks

Behold the must-see iconic nighttime city landscapes that represent each city.

5. Gwangalli Beach (Busan)

Gwangalli Beach at night. A bridge is lit up.

Gwangalli Beach (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

6. Daejeon Expo Park (Daejeon)

A tower is lit up in the park.

Daejeon Expo Park (Photo by Daejeon Expo Park / Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

7. E-World 83 Tower (Daegu)

E-World 83 Tower and a ropeway can be seen.

E-World 83 Tower (Photo by Danim 7th Park Yoojung / Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

8. Songdo Central Park (Incheon)

Illuminated boats can be seen on the pond at Songdo Central Park.

Songdo Central Park (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

#Enchanting Theme Parks

Immerse yourself to the world of beautiful illuminations for a dreamlike journey.

9. Cheongdo Provence Lighting Festival (Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do)

An illuminated archway.

Cheongdo Provence Lighting Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

10. DPIRANG (Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do)

An illuminated path.

DPIRANG (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

11. Taean Lighting Festival (Taean, Chungcheongnam-do)

illuminated fish-shaped stuff.

Taean Lighting Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

12. Taehwagang National Garden Milky Way Trail (Ulsan)

The path is lined with bamboo thickets.

Taehwagang National Garden Milky Way Trail (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

#Late-night Excursions

Soak up the local vibe or embark on a romantic retreat—continue your adventure even after sundown.

13. E-Land Cruise (Hangang River Ferry Cruise) (Seoul)

A cruiser is about to sail under the bridge.

E-Land Cruise (Hangang River Ferry Cruise) (Photo by E-cruise / Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

14. Seomun Night Market (Daegu)

Birds-eye view of Seomun Night Market. The street is crowded with people.

Seomun Night Market (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

15. Romantic Cart Bars (Yeosu, Jeollanam-do)

There are some bars outside.

Romantic Cart Bars (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

16. Tongyeong Night Sea Tour (Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do)

A couple facing the back pose for a photo during the tour.

Tongyeong Night Sea Tour (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

#Illuminating Pedestrian Bridges

Beautiful bridges that come alive at night, inviting you to stroll among the lights.

17. Geumgang Pedestrian Bridge (Sejong)

Geumgang Pedestrian Bridge at night.

Geumgang Pedestrian Bridge (Photo by Sejong City / Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

18. Woryeonggyo Bridge (Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do)

Woryeonggyo Bridge lights up at night.

Woryeonggyo Bridge (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

19. Yedangho Suspension Bridge & Musical Fountain (Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do)

Yedangho Suspension Bridge and fountains light up at night.

Yedangho Suspension Bridge & Musical Fountain (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

#Gorgeous Fountain Shows

Brace yourself for exciting fountain shows that twist, turn, and steal your heart!

20. Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain (Seoul)

People enjoy the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain.

(Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

21. Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams (Busan)

People enjoy the fountains at Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams.

Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

22. Mokpo Dancing Sea Fountain (Mokpo, Jeollanam-do)

Mokpo Dancing Sea Fountain lights up.

Mokpo Dancing Sea Fountain (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

NOTEWORTHY REGIONAL EVENING ATTRACTIONS

#Seoul

Seoul, the capital of Korea, has many vibrant nighttime attractions, but here are the top three destinations praised by both locals and travelers alike for presenting a breathtaking scenery after dark.

23. N Seoul Tower

When it comes to Seoul’s evening attractions, N Seoul Tower is a must-visit. N Seoul Tower has been a symbolic landmark of Seoul for decades, and it’s still a favorite attraction even among Koreans. It’s especially popular at night for its romantic mood and the cityscape from the observatory.

N Seoul Tower lihgts up at night.

N Seoul Tower (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

24. Naksan Park

Naksan Park is another beloved evening attraction among Seoulites. The soft-lit fortress walls and the twinkling city lights beyond set a charming atmosphere, making your evening stroll feel almost timeless.

A path in Naksan Park lights up.

Naksan Park (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

25. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace, and other palaces, occasionally allow evening admissions, and the online booking competition gets fiercer every year. Check ahead if the palaces are open for night admissions during your trip. Online tickets may or may not be available for foreigners depending on the palace and the event.

Gyeongbokgung Palace lights up at night.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

#Gangwon State

Gangwon State is laced with mountains, making you feel as if you are being cradled by the mountains, and offers an expansive view of the landscape. Enjoy nature’s gift of refreshing air and panoramic views of Gangwon.

26. Byeolmaro Observatory

Situated atop the summit of Bongnaesan Mountain, this planetarium may not be the most accessible attraction for tourists, but it’s one of the best places in Korea for stargazing and observing the solar system.

The exterior of Byeolmaro Observatory.

Byeolmaro Observatory (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

27. Chuncheon Samaksan Mountain Lake Cable Car

While the daytime ride offers a marvelous mountain scenery, glide over the lake after dark to feel like as if you are floating in space among the stars.

Several people in a cable car enjoy the scenery.

Chuncheon Samaksan Mountain Lake Cable Car (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

28. Gyeongpoho Lake

Take a leisurely evening stroll along the lakeside promenade to enjoy the dreamy Gyeongpoho Lake, the romantic ambience of the Gyeongpo Beach, and the illuminated Gyeongpodae Pavilion – it’s like an all-in-one nightscape package of Gangneung.

A photo of Gyeongpoho Lake taken from a high place. Some cars drive on the road beside the lake.

Gyeongpoho Lake (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

#Jeju Island

Jeju Island is a destination with is own vibe that distinguishes itself from the mainland. Embrace the culture and the local island atmosphere of Jeju at these evening attractions.

29. Lumiverse: Island of Light

Get a glimpse of Jeju’s culture at this family-friendly theme park inspired by Jeju Island’s folklore and myths.

Performers are on the stage.

Lumiverse: Island of Light (Photo by Artnova / Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

30. Sumokwon Night Market

A charming, little night market in the woods where you can really feel the energy of Jeju’s local community.

Birds-eye view of Sumokwon Night Market.

Sumokwon Night Market (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

31. Jeju Starlight World Park and Planetarium

A kids-friendly planetarium for exploring the world of astronomy and stargazing. Due to its location at an elevated area, you can also get a gorgeous view of the island’s nightscape.

planetarium’s screen and seats.

Jeju Starlight World Park and Planetarium (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

2025 NIGHTTIME FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Make your night in Korea even more memorable by attending events or festivals that make the night come alive.

32. Muju Firefly Festival

  • Event period: September 6-14, 2025

  • Venue: Deungnamu Stadium

  • Address: 326-14 Hanpungnu-ro, Muju-eup, Muju-gun, Jeonbuk-do(전북특별자치도 무주군 한풍루로 326-14)

Visitors enjoy fireflies.

Muju Firefly Festival (Photo by Muju-gun / Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

33. Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival

  • Event period: October 4-19, 2025

  • Venue: Areas of Jinjuseong Fortress and the Namgang River

  • Address: 287 Gangnam-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do(경상남도 진주시 강남로 287)

Some boats light up in the river.

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

34. Gwangalli Marvelous Drone Light Show

  • Event period: Ongoing until December 31, 2025

  • Venue: Gwangalli Beach

  • Address: 219 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan(부산광역시 수영구 광안해변로 219)

Visitors enjoy the show.

Gwangalli Marvelous Drone Light Show (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

* Photos courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization, unless otherwise indicated.

* This column was last updated in July 2025, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.

COPYRIGHTS ©KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED www.visitkorea.or.kr

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