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Seoul’s year-end lantern festival travel courses near Cheonggyejeon: Michelin Bib Gourmand Buchon Yukhoe, Samcheongdong Sujebi, Korean Beef Small Intestines

2025-12-23

Seoul Winter Travel Review

✨ A Feast of Light and Flavor: Seoul Winter Travelogue ✨

This winter, the nights in Seoul were more vibrant than ever! Let me share my 2-day, 1-night journey through Seoul, where every step was a moving experience.

1. A Night Bathed in Light: Seoul Lantern Festival & Avatar Event

Gwanghwamun Square after dark was filled with a fantastic atmosphere thanks to the Seoul Lantern Festival. The colorful lanterns flowing along the Cheonggyecheon Stream made me feel like I was walking in a dream. This year, the special Avatar event added even more mystery. The media facades and sculptures looked like they were straight out of Pandora, making me feel like a character in the movie!

🔍 Additional Info: * Seoul Lantern Festival: Seoul’s representative light festival held every winter in Gwanghwamun Square and the Cheonggyecheon area.
* Avatar Movie Event: A special exhibition celebrating the release of “Avatar: The Way of Water,” featuring brilliant lighting and sculptures that allow visitors to experience the world of Pandora.

2. The Breath of History and Art: Gyeongbokgung & Myeongdong Theater

During the day, I enjoyed the tranquility of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The eaves of the snow-covered palace are a work of art no matter when you see them. In the evening, for a change of pace, I headed to the Myeongdong Theater. Watching a performance in a theater with such a classic exterior elevated the sophistication of my Seoul trip.

🔍 Additional Info: * Gyeongbokgung: The main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty and a representative landmark where you can best experience the beauty of traditional Korean architecture.
* Myeongdong Theater: A theater specialized in plays, restored from the old National Theater building, and a Renaissance-style building of high historical value.

3. A Fail-Proof Gourmet Tour: Flavors of Michelin Bib Gourmand

Even the best scenery is better on a full stomach! The highlight of this trip was definitely the food. After soaking in the energy of Gwangjang Market, I finally tried the famous Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Buchon Yukhoe. The freshness of the beef tartare, which practically melted in my mouth, was the highlight. Following that, I warmed up with Samcheong-dong Sujebi; the chewy dough and deep broth proved exactly why people wait in such long lines.

🔍 Additional Info: * Michelin Bib Gourmand: A rating in the Michelin Guide given to restaurants that offer exceptionally good food at a moderate price.
* Buchon Yukhoe: A yukhoe (beef tartare) specialty restaurant in Gwangjang Market with a 60-year tradition, selected for the Bib Gourmand every year due to its fresh ingredients.
* Samcheong-dong Sujebi: A Samcheong-dong staple operating since 1982, famous for its refreshing broth made from anchovies.

4. Ending the Trip: The Temptation of Hanu Gopchang

For the last night, savory Hanu Gopchang (Korean beef tripe) was the perfect choice. Pairing the sizzling, nutty gopchang with a glass of soju made the winter chill of Seoul completely vanish. I perfectly wrapped up my trip by soaking in the vibrant energy of Gwangjang Market once more.

🔍 Additional Info: * Hanu Gopchang: A representative Korean dish and drinking snack, made with carefully selected Korean beef tripe that is full of rich, savory flavor.
* Gwangjang Market: Seoul’s largest traditional market with over 100 years of history, it is a paradise for street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak kimbap.