Ganjeolgot is a popular tourist spot in Ulsan which is also loved by locals. The place is located the easternmost part of the Korean Peninsula so this is the very first place to see the rising sun in Korea. Every year, people gather here to see the first rising sun of the new year and make a New Year’s wish.
Jeongdongjin beach is located at Gangneung, South Korea. It became popular after being chosen as the film location for famous Korean Drama called Moraeshigae (sandglass) in 1994. However, the key attraction of Jeongdongjin is the sunrise. Many visitors trek up to the summit of Mt. Goseong to the Yeongin Pavilion, a prime location for catching the sun’s first rays.
Mt Taebaek is one of the three sacred mountains of Korea and also one of the top famous place to see the sunrise. The mountain is rather high but easy to hike since it is relatively smooth and has few cliffs. In order to watch the first sun ray of the year, you can spend the night at downtown Taebaek and get to the mountain by transportation.
Homigot is located in Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbukdo, South Korea. Visitors can enjoy the early sun ray since it is located at the easternmost end of the Korean peninsula. There is SangSaeng’s Hand, a two-part bronze sculpture shaped like a pair of hands. It is a signature symbol of the sunrise festival. Interestingly, the left hand is on the land and the right hand is in the ocean. It represents reconciliation and coexistence.
Seongsan Ilchulbong peak is a UNESCO World Nature Heritage site, located in Jeju. It’s beautiful sunrise scenery was recorded in the Palman Daejanggyeong at the time of the Goryeo Dynasty. It would be a wonderful experience to enjoy the first sunrise of the new year at Jeju Island.
Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock is located at Gangwon-do, South Korea. The rocks resembles a candlestick, which got its name ‘Chotdae’ (meaning candlestick) and ‘bawi’ (meaning rock). There is a legend of Chotdaebawi Rock so it would be interesting to hear the legend when you visit the place. Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock is famous for watching sunrise. The beautiful scenery of rock at sunrise is mesmerizing.
