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We may be heading into the darkest winter of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Myeong-dong wants us to keep our spirits bright.
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The once-bustling shopping mecca of Seoul is not busy as it used to be pre-pandemic, but it is twinkling, sparkling and shining brighter than ever before with extravagant Christmas light displays.
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Millions of LED lights adorn the exterior of departments stores and other buildings in the district, creating a spectacle at night.
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Street trees decked out with Christmas lights start from Myeongdong Station Exit 4 to lead pedestrians to Myeongdong Cathedral, the national cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul and a popular photography spot, fully decorated with white rose-shaped lights.
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Lotte Young Plaza, near Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, has decorated its rooftop with an 11-meter-wide art balloon installation, called the Little Cloud, by artist collective FriendsWithYou.
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Under the theme “White Christmas Party,” its media facade that illustrates stars, clouds, snowflakes and a gigantic Christmas tree is certainly an eye catcher.
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Just a few blocks away, Shinsegae Department Store stops passersby with an awe-inspiring media facade on its outer wall. Consisting of some 1.4 million LED pixels, a three-minute lights and sound show of stunning Christmas-themed illusions amaze citizens.
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With a circus concept, the facade displays an animation of aerial hoop and tightrope walking with colorful Christmas ornaments. The show, which has already gone viral as an Instagram-friendly spot, will continue until Jan. 21.
Photos by Park Hyun-koo
Written by Park Han-na