Seoul New Year’s Eve 2026–27: Bosingak Bell Ringing, Countdowns and Late Subways

Spending New Year’s Eve in Seoul? The city’s big moment is the midnight ringing of the bell at Bosingak, a pavilion in Jongno, where crowds of tens of thousands count down to the new year as the bell is struck 33 times. Around it, Seoul Winter Festa brings light shows, a countdown at Dongdaemun Design Plaza and festive streets, while subways run late into the night. This guide explains what happens, where to watch, how to get there and home, and quieter alternatives.

Last checked: 31 October 2026. Details below are based on the 2025–26 event; Seoul announces each year’s programme and transport plan in late December. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).

First time in Korea? Start here: our step-by-step guide from landing to your first day.

What is the Bosingak bell ringing?

Bosingak is a pavilion at the Jongno crossroads that houses a large bronze bell. In the Joseon era, a bell here signalled the opening and closing of Seoul’s city gates. Since the 1950s, it has been rung at midnight on New Year’s Eve: the bell is struck 33 times by a group of citizens chosen by the city and invited guests, and the ceremony is broadcast live across Korea. For 2025–26, Seoul added a light show on the pavilion synchronised with the bell.

How should I plan the evening?

How do I get there and back?

In 2025, Seoul extended the last subway trains on Lines 1–9 and some other lines until about 2 am, and dozens of bus routes passing the area also ran late. Jonggak station, right by Bosingak, was skipped by trains during the event to prevent crowd crushes, so use stations such as City Hall, Jongno 3-ga, Gwanghwamun or Euljiro 1-ga and walk. Jongno and nearby roads were closed to traffic from 6 pm on 31 December to 7 am on 1 January, so taxis can’t reach the area. Check Seoul’s announcement for 2026–27, normally published in the last days of December.

What are other ways to see in the new year?

• DDP countdown: media-facade show and performances at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (part of Winter Festa in 2025).
• Han River: quieter riverside parks; some years have fireworks or events nearby.
• Lotte World Tower: has hosted New Year fireworks in some years — check announcements.
• Rooftop bars and hotels: Itaewon, Gangnam and Hongdae have parties; book ahead.
• First sunrise: on 1 January, many Koreans watch the first sunrise from Namsan, Bukhansan or the east coast.

For the full Winter Festa programme, see Seoul Winter Festival 2026; for Namsan, N Seoul Tower and Namsan.

How do I stay safe in the crowds?

• Agree a meeting point in case you’re separated; phone networks can be slow at midnight.
• Follow police and staff directions; one-way routes are common.
• Avoid pushing towards the front; watch from side streets with screens.
• Keep phones and wallets in front pockets.
• Dress for sub-zero temperatures and carry hot packs.

What’s open on New Year’s Day?

1 January (Sinjeong) is a public holiday, but it isn’t the big family holiday in Korea — that’s Seollal, which falls on 6–9 February in 2027. On New Year’s Day, most shops, cafés, restaurants, palaces and museums are open, though some palaces and smaller businesses close or keep shorter hours. See Seollal 2027 for Lunar New Year.

Notes for families and travellers with reduced mobility

The crowds around Bosingak at midnight are dense and not suitable for small children, pushchairs or wheelchairs. Families may prefer an early-evening visit to the Winter Festa lights and watching the bell ringing on TV, or a hotel room with a city view. If you do go, stay on the edge of the crowd near an exit route.

Counting down already? This New Year countdown shows the exact days, hours and minutes left.

FAQ

What happens in Seoul on New Year’s Eve?
The main event is the Bosingak bell ringing at midnight in Jongno, plus Winter Festa light shows and countdowns.

How many times is the Bosingak bell rung?
33 times at midnight.

Does the Seoul subway run late on New Year’s Eve?
In recent years, yes — until about 2 am on most lines. Check the year’s announcement.

Is New Year’s Day a holiday in Korea?
Yes, 1 January is a public holiday, but most shops and attractions open.

Sources: Seoul Metropolitan Government – New Year’s Eve bell ringing · Seoul Media Hub – 2025 bell ringing and transport · Wikipedia – Bosingak · Visit Seoul – official tourism site
Photos: photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited in each caption