Though unfamiliar to Western culture, the greeting of the new year’s first sun is an essential and commonly observed tradition within Korean culture. According to Korean legend, making a wish upon the first sunrise is bound to come true within the coming of the new year. With that in consideration, localizing the best place to catch your wishing spot is crucial! Here are a few of the best places to catch your glimpse of the first New Year’s sunrise, specially picked by us here at Pyeongtaek Insight!
1. Pyeongtaekho Tourist Complex (Local Pyeongtaek Area)
If you’re looking to stay local, Pyeongtaekho’s Tourist Complex is your best bet to catch your first view of the new year’s sunrise display. There’s nothing like getting that glimpse of nature’s light of the sun within the stillness and quietness of nature.
Address: 183 Pyeongtaekho 2-gil, Hyeondeok-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do
(Korean Address: 경기도 평택시 현덕면 평택호2길 183)
2. Korea’s Three Seas
Korea’s coastlines of Donghae (East Sea), Namhae (South Sea), and Hwanghae (Yellow Sea) are some of Korea’s most popular sunrise sighting locations. Seaside towns and villages host festivals to celebrate the new year with activities like flying kites and paper lanterns, snow crabs, and octopus fishing and indulging in various winter delicacy favorites.
3. Gangneung Gyeongpo Beach
Considered as one of Gangwon-do’s popular scenic spots, the Gyeongpo Beach area is also known for getting stunning moon views!
Address: San 1-1, Gangmun-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
(Korean Address: 강원 강릉시 강문동 산1-1)
4. Pohang Homigot Sunrise Square:
Homigot is located at the easternmost end of the Korean peninsula. Following the resources of Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the sunrise time of Homigot on January 1st is at 7:32 am, making it the earliest first sunrise of each year in Korea. The plaza was built to commemorate these research findings with the national Sunrise Festival along with the famous ‘Sangsaeng’s Hand’ sculpture is also considered as a signature symbol.
Address: 136, Haemaji-ro, Homigot-myeon, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
(Korean Address: 경북 포항시 남구 호미곶면 해맞이로 136)
5. Yeosu Hyangiram Hermitage:
Hyangiram Hermitage is one of four Buddhist hermitages in Korea where the faithful come to pray to the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. It was originally named Wontongam Hermitage, established by Monk Wonhyo during Baekje Dynasty. Despite its steep mountain path, many ventures up in hopes to get a perfect view of the new year’s first sunrise as well as to make their wishes come. Legend has it that anyone who passes all seven stone caves on the walk to Hyangiram Hermitage will have all of their wishes granted.
Address: 60, Hyangiram-ro, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 돌산읍 향일암로 60)
6. Ulsan Cape Ganjeolgot (Ganjeolgot Lighthouse)
The sunrise along the East Coast can be viewed earliest from Cape Ganjeolgot. The breathtaking view of the sunrise can be seen five minutes earlier than Jeongdongjin in Gangneung.
Address: 39-2, Ganjeolgot 1-gil, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
(Korean Address: 울산광역시 울주군 서생면 간절곶1길 39-2)
7. Incheon Sorae Marsh Ecological Park
This park offers an exotic sunrise view, with fields covered with windmills and a blanket of soft mist bringing visitors to a mystical land while watching the year’s first sunrise.
Address: 77, Sorae-ro 154beon-gil, Namdong-gu, Incheon
(Korean Address: 인천광역시 남동구 소래로154번길 77)
8. Gwangju (Gyeonggi) Namhansanseong Fortress
This UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Joseon Dynasty is a popular spot for hikers, especially during the wintertime. The fortress's four gates in the east, west, north, and south are lit before the sun rises, and the scenic view of Seoul at night is a huge hit.
Address: 731, Namhansanseong-ro, Namhansanseong-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
(Korean Address: 경기도 광주시 남한산성면 남한산성로 731)
9. Jeju Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone (Sunrise Peak)
Standing high at 180 meters above sea level, this nature peak is one of the many unique places people visit to see the sunrise as each old year turns to the new. Its tuff cone crater was known to be formed through an underwater magma flow and was later designated as Natural Monument.
Address: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
(Korean Address: 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 일출로 284-12)
10. Maebongsan Mountain
Just located within the big city of Seoul, Maebongsan Mountain is another popular spot to watch sunset and sunrise. Palgakjeong Pavilion, located on the mountain's peak, is a colorful and octagonal structure with a beautiful view of the capital. People flock to this place to see the beauty of the city and the Hangang River.
Address: Dogok 1-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
(Korean Address: 서울특별시 강남구 도곡1동)
*Reference from Korea Tourism Organization, Visit Korea*
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