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Aurora may be visible in Korea this summer: 3 good spots to watch rare event
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By Kim Se-jeong
Forget trekking to the Arctic. This summer, the skies over Korea may offer a rare surprise.
The Aurora Borealis, also known as the northern lights, is renowned for its otherworldly beauty, but not typically visible from Korea. People usually travel to Arctic regions like Norway, Iceland or Alaska, U.S., to catch a glimpse of the elusive celestial phenomenon.
Thanks to heightened solar activity, the aurora could become visible here this summer, giving Korean skywatchers a reason to look up.
“Auroras happen when solar activity is high, and we’re experiencing that kind of activity this summer,” Won Chi-bok of the Korean Amateur Astronomical Society told The Korea Times.
Auroras occur when supercharged particles from the sun race toward earth at speeds of up to 72 million kilometers per hour. When they collide with the upper atmosphere, earth’s magnetic field acts like a protective shield, redirecting the particles toward the north and south poles. There, the interaction between solar particles and atmospheric gases creates breathtaking ribbons of light that shimmer across the night sky.
So, where in Korea might you catch a glimpse of this rare and spectacular treat?
1. Mount Gwangdeok — Hwacheon, Gangwon Province
Won recommended Mount Gwangdeok in Hwacheon as a prime viewing spot.
“It’s easy to access, there’s an observatory at the top, and it’s in the middle of nowhere, so there’s almost no light pollution,” he said. He added that any high-altitude location with dark skies could work well.
2. Mount Taebaek — Taebaek, Gangwon Province
Mount Taebaek is already a popular destination for stargazers. The summit, free from urban light pollution, draws thousands of visitors throughout the year.
3. Paju Demilitarized Zone area — Paju, Gyeonggi Province
Closer to Seoul, the inter-Korean border area near Paju is also recommended. The unobstructed view of the North also offers a clear vantage point, increasing the chances of spotting auroras if conditions are right.
Won shared several tips for a successful viewing of the northern lights.
· Select a night with clear skies, but try to avoid nights when the moon is too bright, as even moonlight can interfere with the faint glow of auroras.
· Focus your attention on the northern sky, where auroras typically appear.
· Use a smartphone with a wide-angle or panoramic mode to capture the full scope of the display. “Mobile phones are surprisingly effective at picking up the light and color,” he said.