A Slice of Prague’s Magic Illuminates Seoul: The Old Town Clock Dazzles in the Heart of Korea

From December 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the heart of South Korea’s capital transforms into a dazzling light gallery. Every evening, hundreds of lanterns illuminate the banks of the Cheonggyecheon River, with Prague taking center stage this year. Standing tall at six meters, the lantern representing the Old Town Hall and its iconic astronomical clock is one of the festival’s largest and most eye-catching installations.
This project was brought to life through a collaboration between CzechTourism’s Foreign Representation in Korea and Prague City Tourism, which also provided financial support. The lantern’s design is inspired by the interactive game Playing Prague, a key marketing tool for the Czech capital now available in Korean since December.
The Old Town Hall in Korean Light
The creators crafted the lantern using traditional Korean hanji paper known for its durability and ability to softly diffuse light. This results in a gentle, elegant glow that catches the attention of onlookers from afar. The design of the Old Town Hall, along with its astronomical clock, beautifully marries Prague’s historical significance with the Asian tradition of light festivals, where lanterns symbolize hope, happiness, and positive energy.
The installation made its debut on the festival route during the weekend of December 7, standing proudly alongside other global representations.
A Festival to Light Up the City and Emotions
The Seoul Lantern Festival is an annual event organized by the Seoul Tourism Organization, held around Gwanghwamun Square and along a picturesque 1.2km promenade next to the Cheonggyecheon River. Each evening, from 6 PM to 10 PM, around 400 light installations—ranging from impressive landmarks to whimsical art pieces—illuminate the area. This year’s theme is “My Light, Our Dream – Magic of Seoul,” perfectly meshing with the festive atmosphere of nearby Christmas markets.
“The Old Town Hall Lantern Project was developed in close collaboration with Prague City Tourism. Our aim is to showcase Prague in Korea as an exciting and innovative destination, highlighting not just its historical heritage but also its culture, design, and lifestyle. This is especially significant now that direct flights are available between Prague and Seoul, thanks to Korean Air and Asiana Airlines,” notes Michal Procházka, Director of CzechTourism’s Foreign Representation in Korea.
“The design of the Old Town Hall light installation is based on the mobile game Playing Prague, which is part of this year’s marketing campaign for the city. We’ve also translated the game into Korean. The Lantern Festival provides an engaging and interactive way to present Prague to Korean travelers, tens of thousands of whom visit the Czech capital annually due to these direct flights,” adds Jana Adamcová, Vice-Chairwoman of Prague City Tourism Board.
Through this initiative, Prague shines in Seoul this Christmas, presenting itself not just as a city steeped in history but as a vibrant brand that can inspire and surprise, literally..