Seoul’s popular ice skating rink at Seoul Plaza officially reopened December 19, continuing a tradition that began in 2004 and offering an affordable winter activity for locals and tourists alike. The rink’s reopening was marked by a ceremony featuring Olympic hopefuls and a display of sportsmanship as veteran skaters encouraged rising talent. With a modest 1,000 won admission fee – roughly 75 US cents – the rink aims to provide inclusive, accessible winter fun through February 8, 2026.
Seoul’s Popular Ice Skating Rink Reopens with Winter Festival Theme
Seoul’s iconic ice skating rink at Seoul Plaza reopened to the public on December 19, offering a winter attraction for residents and visitors alike. The rink, a beloved tradition since its debut in 2004, maintains its affordable 1,000 won (approximately $0.75 USD) admission fee.
This year’s theme, “Wintering,” transforms the plaza into a vibrant winter space. The area is now encircled by a bright yellow, diamond-shaped ring, creating a festive atmosphere and a popular backdrop for photos. More information about the rink’s opening can be found here.
The opening ceremony featured a performance by the percussion group LA Percussion, followed by a figure skating exhibition. Notably, athletes preparing for the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics participated in the event, adding to its significance.
A heartwarming moment during the opening ceremony involved figure skaters Cha Jun-hwan and Shim Suk-hee. Cha gifted a young, promising skater with his own scarf, carefully placing it around their shoulders, while Shim also presented a personal item to another young athlete as a gesture of encouragement. The gesture symbolized support from established athletes to the next generation.
The Seoul Plaza skating rink will operate for a total of 52 days, through February 8, 2026. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Sunday to Friday, and extended to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and holidays. The rink was opened to the public free of charge following the December 19 opening ceremony.
Admission remains 1,000 won for a one-hour session, including skate and helmet rental. Helmets and knee pads are provided free of charge, while storage lockers and personal warmers are available for a fee. Tickets are available through both online and on-site sales, with each accounting for 50% of total availability.
Throughout the skating season, visitors can enjoy additional activities. From January 31 to February 7, a promotional booth will showcase luge and bobsleigh equipment, offering a rare opportunity to experience these winter sports firsthand. A “Local Market Zone” will also feature agricultural products and winter snacks from the Jeollabuk-do province, providing a taste of local flavors.
The city of Seoul prioritizes safety, with regular ice resurfacing and the presence of safety personnel and an ambulance on-site. However, operations may be suspended due to weather conditions such as high levels of fine dust, snowfall, or rain. Visitors are advised to check the rink’s website for updates before their visit.
The reopening of the Seoul Plaza skating rink marks another year of winter fun for the city, underscored by the supportive spirit of its athletes and the promise of a festive atmosphere.
