Local governments across South Korea have opted to scale down or cancel New Year’s events as the nation observes a period of mourning for the victims of the Jeju Air plane crash in Muan-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on Dec. 30 that its year-end festivities, including the Seoul Winter Festa, would be reduced or postponed through Jan. 4, in solidarity with the grieving public as the country welcomes 2025.
While the Ministry of the Interior and Safety has encouraged local governments to continue their events, it stressed that they should be conducted in a calm and respectful manner during the mourning period.
Notably, the traditional bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Belfry, scheduled from 11 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, has been canceled, with a focus instead on a more solemn and respectful event. A massive “Midnight Sun” structure, measuring 30 meters in diameter, will be raised behind the bell in tribute to the crash victims.
The “Seoul Light Gwanghwamun” media art show, running through Jan. 4 at Gwanghwamun Gate, will proceed with visual effects and messages of condolence, but without music. Similarly, the Gwanghwamun New Year’s Eve countdown will be held without the usual light show or music.
The “Seoul Light DDP” show at Dongdaemun Design Plaza will also continue with reduced sound levels in accordance with the mourning period.
Other events, such as the global expo Seoul Con, which opened on Dec. 28, will continue with select programs, including those aimed at supporting domestic small and medium businesses. The Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink will operate as usual, but without music until the mourning period concludes on Jan. 4.
