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Get ready, Seoul: Magikarp migration to splash into Cheonggye Stream

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By Ahn SeoHyeon
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Poster for the 'I LOVE Magikarp' project / Courtesy of Pokémon GO Korea

Poster for the "I LOVE Magikarp" project / Courtesy of Pokémon GO Korea

For many in their 20s and 30s, Pokémon remains a nostalgic part of childhood, with the popular cartoon continuing to draw strong interest in Korea. The game Pokémon GO surpassed 7 million mobile downloads in its first week in Korea in 2017, and more than 100 million units of limited edition Pokémon-themed bread were sold in 2022. Last year, a large-scale Ditto project at Lotte World Mall attracted massive crowds in Seoul.

Building on this popularity, Magikarp — the seemingly weak but beloved Pokémon known for its dramatic evolution into the dragon-like Gyarados — takes center stage this winter in the “I LOVE Magikarp” project. The project will bring 100 Magikarp lanterns to Seoul's Cheonggye Stream, offering fans a unique Pokémon-themed winter experience.

Running from Dec. 12 to Jan. 4 between Gwang Bridge and Jangtong Bridge in Jongno District, "I LOVE Magikarp" is part of the annual Seoul Lantern Festival and includes in-game Pokémon GO events, a pop-up Magikarp shop and other themed activities.

For all Pokémon fans, here's the ultimate guide.

The 2024 'Transform! Ditto: Lapras & Pikachu' exhibition at Seokchon Lake / Courtesy of Songpa District

The 2024 "Transform! Ditto: Lapras & Pikachu" exhibition at Seokchon Lake / Courtesy of Songpa District

1. Magikarp Lantern Installation


More than 100 Magikarp lanterns made from hanji, Korea's traditional handmade mulberry paper, will be displayed along Cheonggye Stream. The installation will feature a “moving Magikarp” and a “hidden Golden Magikarp” for visitors to discover. But make sure to take photos with the showstopper — a 7.3-meter Gyarados joined by the most recognizable Pokémon, Pikachu, at the end of the route.

2. Magikarp Shop

Visitors can get raffle tickets through various on-site events, and redeem them for stickers or one of two Magikarp-themed pastries, inspired by the classic Korean bunggeoppang, a fish-shaped pastry traditionally filled with red bean paste. Don't miss the chance to try Golden Magikarp bread with custard cream or the red bean Magikarp bread.


The shop will operate on Jangtong Bridge every Saturday and Sunday during the festival. It will also be open from Dec. 24 to 26 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 2.

3. On-site events

For "Find the Golden Magikarp," participants who spot and photograph the Golden Magikarp among the 100 lanterns should upload the image with a New Year’s wish on social media. After following the official Pokémon Korea Instagram account and verification by staff, they can receive a raffle token. Only one entry is allowed per person.

'Magikarp Style Challenge' / Captured from Pokémon Korea's social media

"Magikarp Style Challenge" / Captured from Pokémon Korea's social media

For the "Magikarp Style Challenge," visitors wearing Magikarp-themed items can also claim a raffle token at the Magikarp shop. Those who join both this challenge and "Find the Golden Magikarp" event can earn up to two tokens.

Additional missions including a “Find Ditto” event that will also provide raffle tokens. Visitors are advised to check shop hours before redeeming any rewards.

4. Pokémon GO events

For Pokémon GO players, an in-game event will begin at 10 a.m. on Dec. 12, ending at 10 p.m. on Dec. 17. Magikarp spawns will significantly increase around Cheonggye Stream, with a chance to encounter Gyarados. Players can also complete a free, limited-time research task for in-game items. In addition, a photo zone on Jangtong Bridge will be in place for the duration of the event. More details will be released Dec. 1 on the official Pokémon GO blog.

A scene from the Seoul Lantern Festival / Courtesy of Seoul Tourism Organization

A scene from the Seoul Lantern Festival / Courtesy of Seoul Tourism Organization

The Seoul Lantern Festival — now in its 17th year — will feature a wide array of illuminated artworks along Cheonggye Stream and Ui Stream under the theme “My Light, Our Dream, Seoul’s Magic.”

Program organizers say the Magikarp-to-Gyarados evolution theme, described as “small and weak, but capable of evolving into something strong,” offers visitors a chance to step into an adventurer’s role and enjoy a unique winter experience with friends and family.


The “I LOVE Magikarp” project will run daily from Dec. 12 to Jan. 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is free to the public. More information is available on the official Pokémon Korea Instagram account.

Ahn Seo-hyeon is a Korea Times intern.