If you want to experience a real Seoul winter moment, there’s no place quite like the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink, right in front of Seoul City Hall. Every winter, the busy civic square transforms into an outdoor ice rink surrounded by historic buildings, office towers, and glowing city lights—creating a uniquely urban winter atmosphere that locals and visitors love.
1. When Is the Seoul Plaza Ice Rink Open?
This winter, the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink will operate from December 19, 2025 to February 8, 2026.
From Sunday to Friday, sessions run between 10:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m., while Saturdays and public holidays extend until 11:00 p.m. Each skating session lasts 1 hour, followed by a 30-minute ice maintenance break.
2. How Much Does It Cost?
One of the biggest surprises for foreigners is the price.
A one-hour session costs only KRW 1,000 (less than USD 1), and that price already includes skate rental and a helmet. The fee has remained unchanged since the rink first opened in 2004, making it one of the best winter bargains in Seoul.
3. How to Make a Reservation (Strongly Recommended)
Reservations open on December 16, and each session accepts 600 skaters—300 online and 300 on-site, first come first served. Online reservations open 7 days before your chosen date and are highly recommended, especially on weekends and during the year-end holiday season. Popular time slots often sell out quickly.
You can book through:
- Official website: seoulskate.kr
- Ticketlink: ticketlink.co.kr
If you plan to buy tickets on-site, arriving at least one hour earlier than your preferred session is a smart move.
4. Location & How to Get There
The rink is extremely easy to reach. It’s located at Seoul Plaza, just a 1-minute walk from City Hall Station (Subway Lines 1 and 2), Exits 5 or 6. Its central location makes it perfect to combine with sightseeing (Cheonggyecheon, Gyeongbokgung Palace, etc.), shopping, or dinner nearby.
5. What to Wear and Bring
Gloves are mandatory, so make sure to bring your own. A warm hat that covers your ears, thick socks, and winter clothing are strongly recommended since this is an outdoor rink. Even if you’re skating actively, Seoul winters can get cold—especially after sunset.
6. Facilities and Beginner-Friendly Features
The rink is well-equipped with lockers, a café, rest areas, and snack stands. There’s also a medical station for minor injuries. Beginners are welcome, and skating lessons are available, including small-group lessons (up to 3 people) and group classes held on weekdays. Personal skates are allowed (except speed skates), but hockey helmets are not permitted.
7. A Winter Spot Loved by Foreign Visitors
Seoul Plaza Ice Rink has become a true winter landmark. Last season alone, nearly 170,000 people visited, with foreign visitors making up a rapidly growing share. The mix of locals skating after work, students on winter break, and tourists trying ice skating in Korea creates a lively, international vibe that feels very “Seoul.”
Koodeep Tip
If you’re visiting Seoul in winter and want an experience that’s local, affordable, and memorable, this rink is hard to beat. Skate for an hour, warm up with a hot drink nearby, and enjoy the city lights—it’s one of the simplest ways to feel winter in Seoul.
Winter in Seoul doesn’t have to be just about cold weather. Sometimes, it’s about skating right through the middle of it.
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