Nowon Moonlight Walk
Oct 16 – Nov 8, 2026 · Happening now · Seoul
Overview
This nighttime public art festival, carrying a thematic identity unique to Nowon-gu, exhibits lantern and light sculpture works that combine popular appeal and artistic merit along the eco-friendly Dangcheoncheon Stream, while planning and running programs that let residents take part directly, such as making works and giving commentary on them. First held in 2014 as the 'Nowon Lantern Festival,' this festival ran in spring through 2019. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it was renamed 'Nowon Moonlight Walk' with the goal of 'healing through art' and moved its timing to autumn, a format that continues to the present. Besides its main program of exhibiting artistic lantern and light sculpture works, it also features 'Resident Participation Community Art,' in which artists are paired with local residents to create and exhibit works; 'Moonlight Docents,' in which residents become docents explaining the works to visitors; and 'Weekend Culture and Arts Performances' featuring local artists.
Why go
This is a nighttime public art festival along Nowon-gu's Dangcheoncheon Stream, where illuminated lantern and light sculpture works line the eco-friendly waterway. It began in 2014 as the Nowon Lantern Festival and was reshaped in 2020 into the current autumn 'Moonlight Walk' format, themed around healing through art, with strong community involvement in both making and explaining the works.
Getting there from Seoul
The festival is held in Nowon-gu in northeastern Seoul, around Dangcheoncheon Stream near Sangye-dong, so it's within the city rather than a separate trip from it. The area is served by Seoul subway Line 7 (Sangye and Junggye stations) and Line 7/Line 1 at Nowon station, with a walk to the stream from there.
Tips
- Go after dusk, since the lanterns and light sculptures are designed to be seen in the dark.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the route follows a stream-side walking path.
- If visiting on a weekend, look for the Moonlight Docents (resident guides) and the weekend culture and arts performances by local artists.
Best for: families, night photographers, art lovers, walkers.
Photos
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site