Local governments in South Korea have reduced or canceled New Year’s celebrations to give visibility to a period of national mourning following the tragic Jeju Air plane crash in Muan county, Jeollanam-do province. The accident, which claimed numerous lives, has cast a shadow over typically festive New Year’s Eve events.
On December 30, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced significant adjustments to its planned festivities. The mourning period, which ends on January 4, has led the city to reduce or postpone events such as the Seoul Winter Festa. Municipal authorities stressed that they will join the public in mourning as the transition to 2025 takes place.
The South Korean Ministry of the Interior and Security issued guidelines allowing local governments to hold events, but emphasized that they must be held in a sober and respectful manner, in keeping with the solemn atmosphere of the mourning period.
The annual bell-ringing ceremony at the Bosingak Bell Tower, which traditionally takes place between 11:00 pm on December 31 and 1:00 am on January 1, has been significantly modified. Concerts and shows surrounding the ceremony have been cancelled. In its place, a solemn and orderly ringing will take place, accompanied by minimal ostentation.
To add a commemorative tone, an imposing 30-meter “Midnight Sun” structure will be erected behind the bell in honor of the victims of the accident.
The “Seoul Light Gwanghwamun” multimedia art exhibition, located at Gwanghwamun Gate in Jongno District, will also be reduced. The exhibition, which normally includes dynamic light shows and musical accompaniment, will limit its display to visual effects and videos with messages of condolence. Additionally, there will be no music, underscoring the reflective atmosphere.
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Similarly, the New Year’s Eve countdown at Gwanghwamun Square will be held without the usual sound and light shows. On the other hand, the “Seoul Light DDP” show, projected on the façade of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Jung District, will be held with minimal sound to maintain an atmosphere moderate.
The Seoul Con global exhibition, which began on December 28 and features 3,500 teams of influencers from 50 countries, has also been adjusted. Although key programs aimed at promoting small and medium-sized businesses and export opportunities will continue, many entertainment-focused activities have been suspended to align with the period of mourning.
Despite the modifications, some recreational facilities remain operational with moderate arrangements. The ice skating rink in Seoul Plaza, for example, will remain open to the public until February 9, but will not feature music during the mourning period.
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