Welcoming New Year with Sunrises
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Christmas has passed and now people are getting ready for the New Year. Some are signing up for classes, while others are posting their New Year resolutions on the wall. To experience the coming of 2009, quite literally, why not visit high and open spaces and watch the sun rise?
Sun Rise at 7:31 in Ganjeolgot
The first place the sun touches the peninsular in 2009 will be Ganjeolgot, located in Ulju-gun, Ulsan. To celebrate the coming of 2009, the city Ulsan has prepared a festival titled ``The Dawn Breaks in Seoul When the Sun Touches Ganjeolgot.''
Visitors will be able to participate in the New Year countdown, watch laser shows, fireworks and orchestral, traditional and even pop performances at the venue. For more information, visit www.ganjeolgot.org.
Sun Rise at 7:32 at Homigot
Homigot in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, is a famous place to wait for New Year's Day. Picturing the Korean Peninsula as a shape of a tiger standing on its hind legs, Homigot is located right where the tail would be, giving the area its distinctive nickname, the tiger's tail. To celebrate the New Year and also the 60th anniversary as a municipal city, Pohang has prepared a tiger sculpture made of steel. The six-meter-high sculpture will be shown to the public for the first time at midnight Dec. 31. For more information, visit https://festival.ipohang.org.
Sun Rise at 7:34 at Gyeongju's Namsan
To experience ancient history along with a breathtaking sunrise, visit Gyeongju, the city of tradition and history located in North Gyeongsang Province. Visit the ancient tombs and museums and also the Silla Millennium Park, the nation's first historical theme park. Walk along the sandy beaches of Gampo Seashore or climb Mt. Namsan or Mt. Toham to watch the sun come up from the sea. Visitors can also take a glimpse of the Bulguk Temple and the Seokguram Grotto at Mt. Toham. For more information, visit www.gyeongju.go.kr.
Sun Rise at 7:36 at Hyangilam
Hyangilam in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, offers a subtler place to enjoy the beautiful sunrise of 2009. Hyangilam literally means ``the temple heading towards the sun,'' making it one of the favorite spots among tourists for its abundant camellia trees, the scenery of Mt. Geumo and the endless horizon of the South Sea. The peaceful temple is known to be one of the four meditation sites, and it is said that wishes come true once you pray inside the small temple.
Visitors can use shuttle buses that will take them to the temples, and also passenger and excursion ships that will tour them around Dolsan Bridge, Odongdo Marina and back to the temple. For more information, visit https://yeosu.go.kr/site/Home/tour/festival/festival03/ or call (061) 690-2042 (Korean).
Sun Rise at 7:36 at Seongsan Ilchul Peak's
Jeju Island will offer its own sunrise festival dubbed ``Seongsan Ilchul Festival.'' Starting from Dec. 27 until Jan. 1, various events will be held at the village located near the Ilchul Peak. ``Ilchul'' literally means ``sunrise'' in Korean.
Considered as one of the 10 scenic beauties of Jeju, visitors will be able to watch the sun come up surrounded by the sea at the peak, which is surrounded by peculiar looking rocks. Visitors can also taste some traditional local dishes, walk along the snow covered mountains and fields and also watch fireworks in the evening. For more information, visit https://english.jeju.go.kr or call (064) 760-4221.
Sun Rise at 7:39 at Jeongdongjin
Jeongdongjin in Gangwon Province is one of Korea's most famous tourists sites during this time of year. It was where MBC filmed the hit drama ``Hour Glass'' and has become one of the hot spots among lovers and families ever since. The small train station of Jeongdongjin is the closest one to the beach and is always full of tourists wishing and praying for another great year. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival, so for those who want to spend their New Year with energy and fun with others celebrating 2009, hop on the train. The event will start on Dec. 31 until Jan. 1. For more information, visit www.jeongdongjin.co.kr or call (033) 640-5420 (Korean).
Sun Rise at 7:43 at Wando
Wando, South Jeolla Province, is famous for its breathtaking scenery and is also the perfect place to watch the sunrise in an ancient setting. The set of the historic drama ``Sea God'' (2005) is near Cheonghae Port, giving visitors the chance to experience naval life during the Silla Kingdom (B.C. 57-A.D. 935). From the marina, ships markets to military posts, the port will surely be a picture perfect moment for both kids and adults.
For a more memorable experience, get on the car ferry, which will leave at 6:30 a.m. on Jan. 1 and offers visitors the chance to watch the sun rise from the horizons up close. The tickets for the cruise ship costs 30,000 won for adults and 20,000 won for children. The tickets must be reserved. For more information, call (061) 550-5421 (Korean).
For those who don't have the time to visit these places scattered around the nation, Seoul is also full of interesting places where you can welcome the New Year. Most of the mountains here in Seoul will see the New Year's sunrise from 7:46 a.m. to 7:47 a.m.
Mt. Acha, Dobong and Bukhan
Mt. Acha, located near the Children's Grand Park in Neungdong, is the perfect place to watch the sunrise at a higher level. But be sure to hurry if you want to take pictures or watch the sunrise upfront, as it quickly gets crowded with visitors.
Compared to Mt. Acha, Mt. Dobong, located in northern Seoul, is quite a climb. For those who want to reach the peak, it will be a good idea to be fully prepared with climbing necessities such as gloves, a thick jacket and water. While the two locations will hold their own festivals to celebrate the New Year, Mt. Bukhan will not, so it will be great for those who want to enjoy the coming of 2009 in a quiet and peaceful manner. For more information, visit www.gwangjin.go.kr or www.dobong.go.kr.