The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that this year the "Seoul Lantern Festival" at Cheonggye Stream which is held every year will be replaced by a "Lantern of Hope" festival at the capital's four main tourists destinations including Jamsil, Itaewon, Dongdaemun, and Myeongdong.
Since 2009, the "Seoul Lantern Festival" at Cheonggye Stream is the typical winter festival of the capital Seoul, attracting more than 2.5 million visitors each year. Along with the "Campaign to revive the capital's special tourist spot", this year's lantern festival will take place at the capital's vibrant business venues.
The Jamsil area in Songpa District, Seoul, will hold a "Maple Leaf and Falling Leaf" festival from October 30 to November 6. The pedestrian streets of the Songpa district will be decorated with maple leaves and honeysuckles made of traditional Korean paper.
The Itaewon Area of Yongsan District will hold an exhibition of traditional Korean paper characters in the popular series "Itaewon Class" from November 4 to December 31.
The festival in the Dongdaemun area of Dongdaemun District will take place from November 6-15, with many fashion-themed lantern models and Heunginjimun Gate on display in front of Doota shopping mall. The festival in the Myeongdong area with the theme "Christmas" will take place from November 13-15.
Prevention of COVID-19 transmission during festival events will also be ensured. The city government said it will send 53 officials to the four sites to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus during the festival while also ensuring a safe gap for visitors to visit the festival.
