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Seoul New Years Eve 2024

Times Square Countdown, Olympic Park fireworks, top hotels & restaurants for new years eve 2023-2024 in Seoul

New years eve in Seoul has a vibrant history offering an excellent range of things to do. From public parties and private events in plentiful supply, to the Bosingak Bell ringing ceremony. The city's famous Times Square, Taepyeongno Jung-gu and Olympic Park still prove to be the most popular venues for people to gather.

The capital city of South Korea, Seoul is located very much at a cultural crossroads, with clear western influences throughout the city contrasting with it's proximity to the oriental region. This is reflected in it's approach to celebrating the new year, as both the Gregorian and Chinese versions are celebrated with equal gusto in various locations across the city.

New Year Traditions

There are a couple of cultural new year traditions unique to Seoul that are worth looking out for if you're here for the occasion - the main event is the Bosingak Watch-Night bell ceremony, where local dignitaries and celebrities head to Jongno literally ring in the new year. The bell rings 33 times and is normally followed by a fireworks display.

The origins of this ceremony can be traced right back to the 14th century but the modern version has been taking place in it's current incarnation since 1953.

2024 NYE Countdown Party - Ice Palace

Join thousands of revellers looking to see out 2023 at the iconic Floating Island on the Han River. The theme Ice Palace means you can opt for the dress code of white and blue, there's ice scultures, live performances, unlimited wine and champagne between 9pm and 1am. This will be an evening of luxurious elegance, the perfect place to celebrate. Tickets available here

NYE Times Square

Elsewhere, crowds normally head to Seoul's very own Times Square, one of the newest in the genre of Mega Shopping Malls that are becoming increasingly popular in the country.

The mall has many popular outdoor spaces, including a rooftop garden where there are panoramic views of the city and has in the past, held a series of countdown concerts on NYE, with different types of music to appeal to most tastes. Please check with the venue as nothing as yet has been announced for this year.

New Years Eve Fireworks

There are exceptional firework displays over the Starfield COEX Mall and also from Lotte World Tower. Please do check locally to make sure that they are still going ahead, in case of last minute changes.

NYE Restaurants

If you're looking for somewhere to eat out before heading to a party of a nice eatery to spend the evening then there's a huge range of options in Seoul, with over 12,000 restaurants to choose from.

Top ranked venues include the Cleo, Braai Republic, Jungsik, Chef's Palette, Jyoti Indian Restaurant and Pierre Gagnaire for classic French. For all the best restaurants in the city see the listings here.

New Years Eve Hotels

If you're planning on visiting Seoul over the New Year then you will have an excellent range to choose from, and those used to US or European prices will be pleasantly surprised by what your money will get you. Check out the full range of local hotels here.

NYE Live Stream

There are several well-positioned webcams around Seoul which can help give you some live views of the evening's events, including some skyline views that should capture some of the city's fireworks nicely:

Seoul webcams

Latest NYE News

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