Seoul Festival of Lights
By Shim Hyun-chul
Staff Reporter
Colorful beams dancing upon the black canvas of the winter night sky, and music and images projected onto building facades invite pedestrians to a fantastic light festival. A magical glow illuminates the twilight hour, providing busy passersby with an energizing break.
The Seoul Festival of Lights continues through Jan. 17 in the downtown area around Gwanghwamun Square and Cheonggye Plaza. A brilliant light show unfolds each evening under different themes.
In the center of Gwanghwamun Square is a historical-themed space featuring ``Fractal Turtle Ship'' by the late video artist Paik Nam-june, on loan from the Daejeon Museum of Art.
Across the street from the square, various video clips are projected on the facade of the KT Building. Past and present images of Seoul are screened along with various music-filled media art pieces.
Festivalgoers are also given the chance to star in the audiovisual projection, to have their faces decorate the surface of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Each night organizers offers three opportunities for visitors to be broadcast in real time.
The area in front of King Sejong's statue features a media tower zone, which showcases ``hangeul'' (Korean alphabet) and other traditional content. Among them are various media art pieces, including one that presents a reinterpretation of ``Taepyeongmu,'' a classical Korean dance designated Important Intangible Cultural Asset No. 92.
Spectators can also take part in hands-on activities, such as a booth where one can observe the process of creating media art.
The 30-meter-long path leading to Haechi Madang, illuminated with some 20 television sets, has been transformed into a road of light.
For more information visit https://winter.hiseoulfest.org (various languages including English) or call (02) 3290-7150.
