*Some New Year’s events may be canceled. Please confirm the event schedule before visiting.

“Happy New Year!”

Everyone has their own way of saying farewell to the passing year and greeting the new year. Some head west to see the last sunset of the year with their loved ones, while some head east and flock to the sunrise viewing spots to see the first sunrise of the year. With every new year is a new resolution, which can be kept a secret in one’s mind, shared with friends or families, or carefully written on a wishing paper and hung up on a wall at a sacred temple. Surrounded by water on three sides with 70% of landmass consisting of mountainous terrains, South Korea offers many astounding spots for spending a memorable end of the year, whether you’re planning to see the last sunset, catch the New Year’s sunrise, or to make your New Year’s wish.

🌅 Say Farewell to 2024: Recommended Sunset Viewpoints

Seoul Haneul Park

If you want to see a magnificent sunset during your trip in Seoul, Haneul Park is just the place for you. It’s easily accessible by public transport and you can enjoy a wide open view without having to pay for entry. The scene of the city shimmering in shades of gold as the sun sets beyond the Hangang River is simply breathtaking. The walk from the park’s entrance to the view point observatory can be quite a walk, and you can opt to take the Maengkkongi Trolley for 3,000 won if you don’t feel like walking.

Seonnyeobawi Beach in Incheon

A tranquil beach where unique rock formations and calm ocean water create a fascinating view, Seonnyeobawi Beach is where seonnyeo (heaven maidens) came to play according to folk legends. As the sun sets, the skies and the waves glisten in beautiful tint of orange and red, as if to create a carpet for seonnyeo to step on when descending from the heavens. After enjoying the sunset view, we recommend enjoying a meal of grilled clams or seafood kalguksu at one of the restaurants nearby or sitting in a café with large windows to appreciate the view in a cozy atmosphere.

Tando Port in Daeubudo Island, Ansan

Tando Port is a port on Daebudo Isand in Ansan, located west of Seoul. It’s a place where you can witness not only beautiful sunset, but also a phenomena of Mother Nature. Twice a day during a low tide, the shore waters recede and reveal a sandy path that leads to a small, uninhabited Nueseom Island. There’s a lighthouse observatory on the island where you can take in the panoramic view of the gaetbol (tidal flat) of the west coast. Don’t be disappointed if your schedule doesn’t allow you to get to the coast in time for the low tide as you can still enjoy the beautiful sunset from Tando Port. The giant wind turbines, Nueseom Island, and the golden glow that falls upon them all come together to create a picturesque scenery. The port was used as a filming location for the drama series “King the Land (2023).”

🌄 Say Hello to 2025: Recommended Sunrise Viewpoints

Jeongdongjin in Gangneung

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Recorded as the world’s closest train station to be located by the beach, Jeongdongjin Station is Korea’s most representative sunrise spot. It only takes two hours from Seoul, and you will be gifted with a wide-open view of the East Sea and the horizon beyond as soon as you get off the train. No other train stations offer such view. Jeongdongjinhaebyeon Beach comes alive with performances and bustling energy every New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day as the main venue of the annual sunrise festival.

Homigot Sunrise Square in Pohang

As you can tell by its name, Homigot Sunrise Square is a famous sunrise viewpoint where people from across the country gather to see the New Year’s sunrise. It’s also the location where you can catch the earliest sunrise from inland. Homigot Sunrise Square is often visualized by the Hands of Harmony, a set of hand sculptures, and when the sun begins to rise, you can see a dramatic scene of the sun rising slowly between the fingers. Homigot Sunrise Square also holds a Homigot Sunrise Festival celebrating the New Year’s Day every year. Also, don’t forget to take a photo of yourself using the hand sculpture to pose as Thanos from The Marvel Series while you’re there!

Baegundae Peak on Bukhansan Mountain, Seoul

Korea is blessed with magnificent mountains and if you want to enjoy a hike up to one of the mountains, we recommend going on an early morning hike to the summit of Bukhansan Mountain for a splendid view of the sunrise and city vista. Bukhansan Mountain is a landmark of Seoul that portrays nature’s grandeur with giant granite peaks. It can conveniently be reached by public transportation and has a fairly easy hiking course where you can reach the summit in two hours. Once you reach the top, you can get a panoramic view of Seoul, and even get a glimpse of the rising sun along with iconic landmarks such as Namsan Tower and Lotte Tower on a clear day. The mountain is open for hiking starting 04:00, and if you are determined to see the sunrise, make sure to bring a head lamp or a flashlight with you.

🙏 Make Your New Year Wish Come True: Recommended Wishing Sites

Bomunsa Temple on Ganghwado Island

A temple facing the West Sea, Bomunsa Temple bears an interesting legend. Long time ago, twenty-two Buddha statues were drawn up from the sea by nearby fishermen and housed them in a natural cave at Bomunsa Temple. That night, an old monk appeared in their dream and prophesized that this site will become a sacred place where many will come to make a wish. Fascinatingly, Bomunsa Temple is reputed to be a sacred site that grants one’s wish in real life. The most popular prayer site is the stone wall of Rock-carved Seated Bodhisattva. Another popular spot is the area with a statue of the reclining Buddha. After making a wish, tour the temple grounds and you’ll find a spot that offers an unobstructed view of the ocean, which becomes even more beautiful at sunset.

Naksansa Temple in Yangyang

Naksansa Temple in Yangyang is another famous wish-fulfilling temple. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a giant standing Buddha statue that is 15 meters high and 3 meters in circumference, making one feel humble before stepping into the temple grounds. In front of the statue is a wide open view of the East Sea, while a scenic mountain landscape of Seoraksan Mountain unfolds behind the statue. The neatly stacked stone piles and the wish papers found throughout the temple site show just how recognized this temple is for granting one’s wishes. Uisangdae Pavilion at the temple site is a famous sunrise viewing spot.

Hyowon’s Bell at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

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Hyowon’s Bell at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is a proof of filial piety of King Jeongjo as it was made to pay honor of his deceased father. With a small payment you can ring the bell three times, with each strike symbolizing appreciation for your parents, happiness in your family, and self-improvement. After ringing the bell, follow the fortress walls to feel what Suwon was like in the Joseon dynasty and admire the grandeur of Temporary Palace at Hwaseong Fortress. The palace site becomes even more magical at night with charming lights.

* This column was last updated in December 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.