Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink: Downtown Seoul's ₩1,000 Winter Tradition

Location: Jung-gu, Seoul | Category: Seasonal Outdoor Activity | Best For: Budget travelers, Families, Winter photo seekers

Every December, the lawn in front of Seoul City Hall transforms into an ice rink. For just ₩1,000 (about $0.70), anyone can skate in the center of Korea's capital—skyscrapers on one side, the historic Deoksugung Palace on the other. The 2025-2026 season runs from December 19 through February 8, making it one of the city's most accessible winter activities.

This guide breaks down everything you need: operating hours, what's included in that ₩1,000 fee, how to book, and what to expect on the ice.

At a Glance

Why Visit

Seoul Plaza Ice Rink has operated every winter since 2004. The concept came from then-Mayor Lee Myung-bak, who spotted a similar setup in Paris and brought the idea back to Seoul.

The price point makes it unusual. At ₩1,000 per hour—skates and helmet included—it costs less than a cup of convenience store coffee. The Seoul Metropolitan Government subsidizes the operation, positioning it as a public winter recreation program rather than a commercial attraction.

Location adds to the appeal. The rink sits directly in front of the old Seoul City Hall building (now Seoul Metropolitan Library), with the modern glass-and-steel New City Hall behind it. Deoksugung Palace sits across the street. Few outdoor rinks anywhere put you this close to both historic architecture and a modern downtown skyline.

The catch: popularity means crowds. Weekend afternoons regularly hit capacity (600 skaters across both rinks). Weekday mornings draw smaller numbers.

What to See & Do

The Rinks

Two separate skating areas operate simultaneously. The Main Rink (marked as areas 1 and 14 on facility maps) handles adult skaters and takes an elongated oval shape. The Sub Rink (area 2), circular and smaller, is designated for children—specifically those aged 7 and up (born 2019 or earlier).

Both rinks share the same schedule: one hour of skating followed by 30 minutes of ice resurfacing. The Zamboni (called jamboni in Korean) needs this time to smooth the surface. Plan accordingly.

On the Ice

Skating here leans recreational, not athletic. Speed skates and short-track blades are prohibited for safety reasons. Hockey and figure skates only.

First-timers can rent skating aids—penguin-shaped push supports—for ₩4,000 per hour. Only 40 units are available, so these go fast on busy days. Group lessons run three times weekly at ₩30,000; small-group sessions cost ₩50,000 for 50 minutes.

Beyond Skating

The Local Market Zone (area 13) sells Korean winter street food. Expect eomuk (fish cake skewers in warm broth), hotteok (sweet filled pancakes), and hot beverages. Prices vary by vendor.

A cafe (area 12) and vending machines provide additional options. Coin lockers (area 9) store belongings for ₩1,000 per use. Restrooms (area 10) are on-site.

Special Dates

Christmas Eve (December 24) and New Year's Eve (December 31) extend the final session until 12:30 AM the following day. These nights draw the largest crowds of the season.

Getting There

Subway is the simplest option. Take Line 1 or Line 2 to City Hall Station. Exit 5 puts you about 90 meters from the rink—roughly a 2-minute walk. Exit 6 works too, at 186 meters.

By bus, routes 172, 405, and 472 stop at Seoul Plaza.

By taxi, show drivers: "서울광장 스케이트장" or "시청역 서울광장." From Myeongdong, expect a 5-minute ride (₩4,500–6,000 depending on traffic). From Seoul Station, 10 minutes (₩6,000–8,000).

The rink sits between Gwanghwamun and Myeongdong, making it easy to combine with other central Seoul stops.

Fees & Rentals

The base ₩1,000 admission includes skate rental and helmet. Beyond that, several add-ons apply:

Key details from the fee structure:

Discounts apply:

• 50% off for seniors 65+, persons with disabilities (plus one companion), veterans, and basic livelihood recipients (ID required)
• 30% off for advance phone reservations
• Free admission for foreign tourists holding the Discover Seoul Pass

Practical Tips

Gloves are mandatory. No gloves, no entry. Bring your own or budget an extra ₩1,500 for rental. Thick winter gloves work; thin fashion gloves do not.

Book online or arrive early. Each session admits 300 online bookings and 300 walk-ins. Reserve at seoulskate.kr up to 7 days in advance. Online cancellations accepted until 11:59 PM the day before. Walk-in tickets sell out fast on weekends—aim for the 10:00 AM opening session or weekday evenings.

Dress warm, but moveable. Temperatures drop below freezing, but skating generates heat. Layers work better than one heavy coat. Avoid long scarves that could catch.

The 30-minute breaks are non-negotiable. After each 1-hour session, everyone clears the ice for resurfacing. Use this time for food, bathroom, or warming up at the cafe.

Weather can shut things down. Heavy snow, rain, or severe fine dust (PM2.5) may pause operations. Check the official website or Seoul city Instagram (@seoul_official) before heading out.

Combine with nearby spots. Deoksugung Palace sits directly across the street. The Jeongdong Observatory (free rooftop views) is a 5-minute walk. Cheonggyecheon Stream starts 10 minutes north on foot.

Is It Worth It?

For ₩1,000, you get one hour of outdoor skating in downtown Seoul with equipment included. The value is hard to argue against.

Go if: You want a quintessential Seoul winter photo, you're traveling on a budget, or you're visiting with kids who've never tried skating.

Skip if: You're an experienced skater looking for speed or space—the rink gets crowded and prohibits athletic skating styles.

The rink has run for over 20 years because it works: cheap, central, and undeniably photogenic against the Seoul skyline.

📌 Quick Reference

• Official site: seoulskate.kr
• Real-time updates: @seoul_official (Instagram)
• Info hotline: ☎ 02-592-7167 (Korean)
• Booking: seoulskate.kr/ticket (Korean/English)
• Location: 12 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 을지로 12)
• Nearest station: City Hall Station (Lines 1, 2), Exit 5