Experience the Magic: 2026 Gwanghwamun Family Festival with 6 Million LEGO Bricks!

Participants at the 2026 Gwanghwamun Family Festival — Let’s Play Gwanghwamun Plaza. /Photo: Kang Ye-shin, Travel+ reporter

A storybook setting popped up right in the heart of Seoul at Gwanghwamun Plaza.

On May 2, to celebrate Family Month, LEGO Korea teamed up with the City of Seoul to launch ‘2026 Gwanghwamun Family Festival — Let’s Play Gwanghwamun Plaza’ . Families—kids with sticky fingers to smiling grandparents—came together to immerse themselves in LEGO play.

Framed by the majestic gate of Gwanghwamun, the statue of King Sejong, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the city’s largest outdoor playground rolled out using 6 million bricks. Visitors were loving this unexpected urban playground experience.

Now in its fourth year, the festival turned Gwanghwamun Plaza—a beloved family-friendly spot—into a playground for all ages. The celebration runs through Children’s Day on May 5.

Notably, the event used 6 million bricks and was free and open to the public, which helped fuel the excitement.

People participating in the ‘We Built Seoul’ program. /Photo: Kang Ye-shin, Travel+ reporter

The festival’s standout attraction is the ‘We Built Seoul’ program. Tucked to one side of the site, it features an enormous brick mosaic—12 meters by 12 meters (about 39.4 ft by 39.4 ft)—that depicts key landmarks from Seoul’s 25 districts.

‘We Built Seoul’ program. /Photo: Kang Ye-shin, Travel+ reporter

About 35,000 pre-registered citizens took part, placing bricks one by one to fill the mosaic. The hands-on process was equal parts fun and moving. The large mosaic, which uses 5 million bricks, will be unveiled in its final form to the public on Children’s Day, May 5.

LEGO Korea and the City of Seoul will donate one LEGO set to nonprofit organizations for every program participant, bringing a spirit of giving to the event.

LEGO Creation Gallery. /Photo: Kang Ye-shin, Travel+ reporter

Next up, the spot that stopped both kids and adults in their tracks was the ‘LEGO Creation Gallery’. The gallery proves LEGO isn’t just a toy—it can be high art. Fifteen artists contributed 25 original pieces.

Inside, you’ll find finely detailed LEGO renditions of Korean classics—the Gwanghwamun gate, Geunjeongjeon Hall, and the Ilwolobongdo folding screen. There’s also a ‘LEGO throne’ photo spot where visitors can sit, plus a towering LEGO minifigure balloon about 5 meters (roughly 16.4 ft) high—both perfect for family selfies.

Yodel singer Kim Hyun-jin’s performance. /Photo: Kang Ye-shin, Travel+ reporter

The festival is open to everyone, so it’s an easy, no-pressure day out for families. At the opening on the 2nd, popular creator ‘Hey Jini’ helped kick things off, and the schedule—featuring a LEGO minifigure parade and live stage acts—kept the energy high all day.

On May 4, LEGO Korea ambassadors from the LEGO Builders Club hosted a special event that had fans buzzing. Popular celebrities Chuu and Lee Dong-hee are joining in person as part of the Builders Club’s second cohort, meeting visitors and adding extra fun to the Children’s Day holiday weekend.

Complete four program experiences and collect a stamp to receive prizes. /Photo: Kang Ye-shin, Travel+ reporter

Because this festival is the largest yet, crowds can get heavy. A few smart tips will help you enjoy the day more.

First, lines for activity zones and centerpiece programs can get long. For a more pleasant experience, try to arrive right around the 11 a.m. start time. If you want to join the stamp rally and claim prizes like LEGO starter packs, stickers, or discount vouchers, move efficiently between activities. Parking will be tight due to high attendance, so we recommend using public transit whenever possible.

Since it’s an outdoor event, pack sunscreen and plenty of water to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Keep a close eye on kids, follow site guidelines, and stay aware in crowded areas. A first-aid station is on site if it’s needed.

LEGO banana photo zone. /Photo: Kang Ye-shin, Travel+ reporter

‘The 2026 Gwanghwamun Family Festival — Let’s Play Gwanghwamun Plaza’ is the perfect Family Month outing: it sparks boundless imagination in kids and rekindles a sense of wonder in grown-ups. Take advantage of the rest of the holiday and bring your family to Gwanghwamun Plaza to make storybook memories with 6 million LEGO bricks.

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Kang Ye-shin, Travel+ reporter

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