[Eye Plus] Seoul lights the way for ‘Year of White Mouse’

At the turn of each year, Korean people buzz about the new animal of the year based upon the Chinese zodiac and everything it stands for.

The deep-rooted culture, which goes all the way back to ancient totemism, has been transfigured in modern society into a wish-making slogan or marketing keyword.

Following the year 2019, which marked the year of the “Golden Pig,” this is the year of “White Mouse,” a symbol of wealth, fortune and prosperity. While the mouse is the first animal in the 12-year calendrical cycle, the white mouse -- or metal mouse, depending on the interpretation of the zodiac -- is considered the leader of all mice.

Wishing good luck for the new year and its animal symbol, Seoul is decorated with mouse-related features and light decorations. Alongside the Cheonggye Stream and throughout the downtown Myeong-dong and Gwanghwamun areas, night illuminations brighten up the city’s winter nightscape, luring residents and visitors to take a stroll.


Photographed by Park Hyun-koo
Written by Bae Hyun-jung