Laser and Media Art Festival to Light Up Nodeul Island from Oct. 2 to 11

[Financial News] A nighttime festival blending light and music against the backdrop of the Han River will unfold as Seoul's Nodeul Island is transformed by dazzling lasers and media art. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 21st that it will host the "2026 Seoul Light Hangang Bitseom Festival," Korea's largest waterfront laser and media art festival, at Nodeul Island from Oct. 2 to 11.
Now in its fourth year, the Bitseom Festival was first held on Seoraeseom Island in 2023, followed by events at Yeouido and Ttukseom Hangang Park. This year, it will take place at Nodeul Island, showcasing immersive media art that combines cutting-edge technology and art against the backdrop of the island's waterfront cultural space, which opened on the 18th.
This year's festival is themed "Epic of Light." Taiwanese artist Aka Chang and Italian artist duo Quiet Ensemble will participate, presenting three large-scale laser art works on the Han River and Nodeul Island. Visitors will be able to see works that project lasers onto the surface of the Han River and use actual astronomical data to express the movement of the universe through light and sound.
Nodeul Island's Live House will host multimedia performances featuring Korean artists MUTO, CIFIKA and VAKKI. The lineup will include stages combining the geomungo with electronic music and Korean traditional music with dance, as well as DJ performances using artificial intelligence and digital technology.
Installation works using light, video and sound will also be displayed on the Nodeul Island connecting bridge, in outdoor spaces and at Nodeul Gallery. Light sculptures and interactive programs involving university students will be offered as well.
A new event called "Donghaeng Light," which combines performances with charitable giving, will also be introduced. From Oct. 9 to 11, artists including Choi Jeong-won, Sean and Bumkey will take part in performances and fundraising events. A "Lighting Fashion Show" featuring university students and the "Bitseom Lecture," where scientists and others will discuss light, technology and the future, will also be held.
For visitors' convenience during the festival, four free shuttle buses will run between Sinyongsan Station, Nodeul Island, Nodeul Station and Noryangjin Station from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 15-minute intervals. Special sightseeing cruises connecting Yeouido Ferry Terminal and Nodeul Island will also operate four times on weekdays and eight times on weekends. Discount events will be offered in nearby commercial areas, including the Noryangjin district.
Choi In-gyu, Director-General for Design Policy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "This year's Bitseom Festival will present world-class media art and performances that make use of Nodeul Island's natural environment and spaces. At the same time, it will allow citizens to experience the value of participation and sharing and contribute to revitalizing the nighttime economy."

[email protected] Seong Chorong Reporter