By mid-November, we can safely say it’s the end of the year. While 2024 may have meant something different to each of us, we all want to welcome 2025 with excitement and new hopes.
That’s why the countdown to midnight is so meaningful every time. To celebrate the Year of the Blue Snake in 2025, here are three places in Seoul where you can see New Year’s Eve bells and countdown events.
1. Boseonggak Taejong Event
Every year, celebrities, politicians, and civic participants ring the New Year’s bell to ring in the new year, and this year’s event is no different. The 33 bell ringing ceremony will take place between 23:00 on December 31 and 1:00 on January 1. The reason for ringing the bell 33 times comes from the Buddhist phrase “33 heavens,” which refers to the 33 heavens that govern the human world, and is said to mean that all 33 heavens will be opened, so that all sentient beings can begin their activities. Since ancient times, the gates of each city would open at 4 a.m. and ring 33 bells every day, a custom that has been passed down to the present day.
At Boshingak, New Year’s Eve bells are rung, New Year’s Eve performances are held, and the structure’s “midnight sun” is raised. It’s a chance to see the dawn of the new year a few hours before the darkness.
📍 54 Jongno-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
2. DDP New Year’s Eve Countdown
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is also hosting a countdown event as part of the media art exhibition Seoulite. Starting at 23:00 on December 31, there will be a pre-performance by artists, followed by a spectacular fireworks and laser show ceremony through the media façade that adorns the outer walls of DDP. The event will run until 1:30 a.m. on January 1, and more information can be found on DDP’s official Instagram.
📍 281 Euljiro-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
3. Lotte World Tower Countdown
The 123rd floor of Lotte World Tower will also host a countdown. The exterior wall LEDs and lights of Lotte World Tower will be utilized to count down with a New Year’s message. For more information on the 2025 Lotte World Tower Countdown, visit the official Instagram account. If you’re near Lotte World Tower, it can be difficult to get a good view of the building, so if you want to see it from a distance, we recommend taking a look from Gwangjin Bridge on the Han River.
📍 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul