Seoul is preparing to welcome a unique Pokémon-themed winter celebration as the "I LOVE Magikarp" project brings 100 illuminated Magikarp lanterns to the iconic Cheonggye Stream. The special installation, running from December 12 to January 4 between Gwang Bridge and Jangtong Bridge in Jongno District, forms part of Seoul's annual Lantern Festival and promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for Pokémon enthusiasts of all ages.
The project centers around Magikarp, the seemingly weak but beloved Pokémon known for its dramatic transformation into the powerful dragon-like Gyarados. This evolution theme resonates with the festival's broader message about growth and transformation, offering visitors the chance to step into an adventurer's role while enjoying a magical winter experience with friends and family.
Pokémon's enduring popularity in South Korea provides the perfect backdrop for this ambitious project. For many people in their twenties and thirties, Pokémon remains a cherished part of childhood nostalgia, with the franchise continuing to generate tremendous interest across the country. When Pokémon GO launched in Korea in 2017, it achieved remarkable success with over 7 million mobile downloads in just its first week. The phenomenon extended beyond digital gaming when more than 100 million units of limited-edition Pokémon-themed bread were sold in 2022, demonstrating the franchise's broad cultural impact.
Building on this momentum, last year's large-scale Ditto project at Lotte World Mall drew massive crowds throughout Seoul, setting the stage for this winter's even more ambitious Magikarp celebration. The upcoming festival promises to surpass previous events with its comprehensive blend of physical installations, interactive activities, and digital gaming elements.
The centerpiece of the festival features over 100 Magikarp lanterns crafted from hanji, Korea's traditional handmade mulberry paper, creating a beautiful fusion of Korean cultural heritage and modern pop culture. The installation includes several special attractions, including a moving Magikarp display and a hidden Golden Magikarp that visitors can search for throughout the exhibit. However, the true showstopper awaits at the end of the route: a magnificent 7.3-meter Gyarados accompanied by Pikachu, the most recognizable Pokémon character worldwide.
Visitors can participate in multiple on-site events designed to enhance their festival experience. The "Find the Golden Magikarp" challenge invites participants to locate and photograph the special Golden Magikarp hidden among the 100 lanterns. After capturing the image, participants must upload it to social media along with a New Year's wish, follow the official Pokémon Korea Instagram account, and have their entry verified by staff to receive a raffle token. Each person is limited to one entry for this particular event.
The "Magikarp Style Challenge" offers another opportunity for visitors to earn rewards by wearing Magikarp-themed clothing or accessories. Participants who arrive dressed in Magikarp-inspired items can claim an additional raffle token at the Magikarp shop. Those ambitious enough to participate in both the Golden Magikarp search and the Style Challenge can earn up to two tokens, maximizing their chances of winning prizes.
Additional missions, including a Find Ditto event, will provide even more opportunities to collect raffle tokens throughout the festival period. Organizers advise all visitors to check shop operating hours carefully before attempting to redeem any rewards to avoid disappointment.
The dedicated Magikarp shop, located on Jangtong Bridge, will operate every Saturday and Sunday during the festival, with extended hours during peak holiday periods from December 24-26 and December 31 through January 2. Visitors can exchange their earned raffle tickets for exclusive stickers or sample one of two specially created Magikarp-themed pastries inspired by bunggeoppang, the classic Korean fish-shaped pastry traditionally filled with red bean paste. The shop will offer Golden Magikarp bread filled with rich custard cream and traditional red bean Magikarp bread, providing a delicious taste of Korean-Pokémon fusion cuisine.
Pokémon GO players will enjoy exclusive in-game benefits during a special event running from 10 a.m. on December 12 through 10 p.m. on December 17. During this period, Magikarp spawns will increase significantly around the Cheonggye Stream area, giving players enhanced opportunities to catch these beloved creatures. Lucky players may even encounter the rare and powerful Gyarados during their gaming sessions. Additionally, a free, limited-time research task will be available, offering valuable in-game items as rewards for completion.
A special photo zone on Jangtong Bridge will remain accessible throughout the entire event duration, allowing visitors to capture memorable pictures with the illuminated displays. More comprehensive details about the Pokémon GO integration will be released on December 1 through the official Pokémon GO blog, giving players time to prepare for the digital aspects of the celebration.
The "I LOVE Magikarp" project represents just one component of the larger Seoul Lantern Festival, which is now celebrating its 17th year of bringing light and joy to the city during the winter months. This year's festival operates under the inspiring theme "My Light, Our Dream, Seoul's Magic," featuring a diverse array of illuminated artworks along both Cheonggye Stream and Ui Stream. The Magikarp-to-Gyarados evolution theme particularly embodies the festival's spirit, representing how something small and seemingly weak can evolve into something remarkably strong and powerful.
The complete "I LOVE Magikarp" experience will be available daily from December 12 through January 4, operating from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening. Best of all, the entire event is free to the public, making it accessible to families, tourists, and Pokémon fans from all backgrounds. Those seeking additional information about schedules, special events, or updates can follow the official Pokémon Korea Instagram account for the most current announcements and behind-the-scenes content.
