Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square became an unexpected focal point of celebration this Lunar New Year holiday, as family gatherings across the country centered on anticipation for the upcoming return of BTS and their planned concert in the square on March 20th. The shift in conversation marks a departure from previous years, where political debates and major sporting events typically dominated holiday discussions, according to reports from the final day of the holiday, Thursday.
The Lunar New Year holiday, which concluded today, saw a surge in visitors to cultural sites like Gwanghwamun Square, Namasangol Hanok Village and Unhyeongung Palace, with many locations offering traditional games, performances, and cultural experiences. Seoul’s cultural centers hosted a variety of special programs, including traditional craft workshops and performances of traditional music, according to the city’s cultural bureau.
Although the city offered a range of cultural events, the dominant topic of conversation among families was the upcoming BTS concert. The group’s new album, “Arirang,” slated for release on March 20th, is expected to further fuel excitement. This represents a significant change in holiday dynamics, eclipsing traditional subjects like political discourse and athletic competitions.
Seoul’s cultural spaces, including the Seoul History Museum and the Baekje History Museum, provided interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. Namasan Gol Hanok Village hosted the “2025 Namasan Gol Seoljeok – New Year’s Flower Lights” festival, featuring traditional performances, craft demonstrations, and food preparation. Unhyeongung Palace similarly held a “2025 Unhyeongung Unsu Daetong Seolmatchi” event, offering traditional rituals, fortune-telling, and musical performances.
The weather throughout the holiday period was generally clear, facilitating travel for those returning home after visiting family. Still, strong winds were reported across the country, and a dry weather advisory was in effect for the Yeongnam region, raising concerns about fire hazards. Air quality was likewise a concern in parts of Chungcheong, Gwangju, and North Jeolla provinces, with air quality levels expected to reach “poor” in the Yeongnam and Jeju regions.
As of Thursday afternoon, Seoul recorded a temperature of 7°C (44.6°F), while Busan registered 11.9°C (53.4°F). Significant temperature fluctuations were observed across inland areas, with a difference of around 15°C (27°F) between daytime highs and nighttime lows. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts similar clear and variable weather conditions to continue through the weekend, with a chance of rain in central regions on Sunday.
