This artificial image shows the main gate at Seokchon Lake in Songpa District, eastern Seoul, adorned with lights for the festival. Courtesy of Songpa District Office

Starting Friday and running through Feb. 28 next year, Songpa District in eastern Seoul will host its annual light festival at Seokchon Lake.

The event, known as "Luminarie," will feature illuminated structures and sculptures adorned with vibrant light displays during the festival.

First introduced by the district office in 2022, the festival has quickly grown in popularity. Last year, it attracted significant attention, drawing 240,000 visitors over its opening weekend alone.

This year's festival, themed "Dream, Universe and Love," will showcase 50,000 lights aimed at creating a mystical and enchanting atmosphere that enhances the nighttime scenery of Seokchon Lake, according to the district.

The festival will feature a range of attractions, including light sculptures, landscape lighting, cultural performances and interactive programs designed to engage visitors.

Fireworks illuminate the night sky during last year's light festival at Seokchon Lake in Songpa District, Seoul. Courtesy of Songpa District Office

One of the key highlights will be the massive luminary display, symbolizing the festival, and a light-filled tunnel, both of which will greet visitors at the east entrance of Seokchon Lake starting Thursday from 5:30 p.m.

Along the three decks around the lake, photo zones will be set up to capture the festival's key themes: dreams, the universe and love.

The Aurora Laser Road, designed to mimic the ethereal glow of the northern lights, and a pathway of lights connecting 12 constellations, along with whimsical firefly-inspired lighting, will add to the immersive experience.

The winning entries from this year's Lake I Decorate contest will be revealed at the festival, featuring quotes submitted by the public to adorn Seokchon Lake during the festival.

The district office collected a total of 1,254 submissions from September to Oct. 4, ultimately selecting 50 messages to be featured. These selected quotes will be showcased in LED cube lights throughout the festival, providing a creative and engaging atmosphere for visitors.

For three days, from Thursday to Sunday, the festival will feature a variety of cultural events and experiences.

A virtual image shows a road along Seokchon Lake, decorated with lights in Seoul's Songpa District. Courtesy of Songpa District Office

The opening ceremony is set for Thursday at 6:30 p.m., where attendees can enjoy performances by the Gold Sisters, a jazz trio of female vocalists, and Phantom Friends, a four-member operatic pop group. Fireworks will also light up the night sky during the opening ceremony.

On Saturday and Sunday, young local artists will showcase their talents through busking, while visitors can also enjoy bubble and balloon shows, as well as magic performances.

In particular, a joint performance featuring characters from Songpa District and the Lotte World women's marching band will take place at the entrance of Seokchon Lake at 4:50 p.m. on Saturday, offering attendees a unique experience.

Throughout the weekend, children will have the opportunity to engage in various activities, including flea markets, luminous bracelet-making and neon face painting. Food trucks will also be available around Seokchon East Lake, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The district plans to host performance stages every weekend until Nov. 24 to enhance visitor enjoyment.

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, cultural performances such as magic shows and fusion Korean traditional music will take place, along with flea markets featuring local artisans and workshops.

"The festival is the only light festival in the city with a lake as its backdrop," Seo Kang-seok, mayor of Songpa District, said.

"We hope visitors will come to the district on weekends and create joyful memories through the enchanting experience of our wonderful light displays."