Ice Skating Rinks in Seoul: Seoul Plaza Winter Rink & Lotte World Indoor Rink

Seoul Plaza's seasonal outdoor rink experience

This centrally located outdoor rink transforms Seoul Plaza into a popular winter skating destination during the colder season, offering skaters a distinctly atmospheric city-center setting, particularly striking in the evening with surrounding city lights, though only available during its specific seasonal operating window.

Lotte World's year-round indoor rink

In contrast, this indoor rink offers a climate-controlled, consistently available skating option regardless of season or outdoor weather conditions, making it a reliable choice if your visit falls outside Seoul Plaza's seasonal operating window.

Comparing the two experiences

Choosing between the two often comes down to timing and preference: Seoul Plaza offers a distinctly seasonal, atmospheric outdoor experience only available during winter, while Lotte World provides consistent, weather-independent access along with the broader entertainment complex surrounding it.

Practical tips for either location

Renting skates on-site rather than needing your own equipment, checking current operating hours and any seasonal closure dates for Seoul Plaza specifically, and dressing in layers appropriate to either an outdoor winter session or a climate-controlled indoor rink both help ensure a comfortable visit.

Useful Korean

Frequently asked questions

Is the Seoul Plaza rink open year-round, or only during winter?

This outdoor rink operates seasonally during the colder winter months, generally opening once temperatures allow for reliable outdoor ice, and closing again as the weather warms, so it is only available for a specific seasonal window each year.

Is skating equipment provided at these rinks, or do I need to bring my own?

Both the Seoul Plaza rink and Lotte World's indoor rink generally offer skate rental as part of the standard admission experience, meaning you do not need to bring your own skates to enjoy either location.

Which rink is better for a first-time skater who has never been on ice before?

Both venues generally welcome beginners and offer reasonably approachable conditions, though the indoor, climate-controlled setting at Lotte World, along with typically less crowded conditions outside peak holiday periods, may feel slightly more comfortable for an absolute first-timer compared to a colder outdoor session.