Seongsan Sunrise Peak is a great place to celebrate New Year

By John Redmond

As most expats have taken off back to their native countries to spend the festive season with family and friends many still remaining in Korea might feel a little out of sorts as to how to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

For most westerners it is a time to spend with friends and loved ones and have that final party for the year before sticking to a New Year’s resolution. In such cases a night club, pub, or a very crowded outdoor public place is usually the venue of choice with many opting for the latter. Think fireworks on the Thames in London or Australia’s Sydney Harbour Bridge, or the very high profile celebrations at Times Square in New York.

For others, the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city is always an alternative worth pursuing. Jeju Island, home to the Natural World Heritage Site Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, hosts an event called the Seongsan Sunrise Festival.

Launched in 1994, the festival is held on top of Jeju Island’s Seongsan Ilchulbong or “Sunrise Peak.”

It is a famous place for seeing the sunrise on Jeju Island and attracts tourists throughout the year. However, the place is especially busy on New Year’s Eve when the festival (Dec. 31, Jan. 1, and 2) is held.

A variety of festival programs are prepared for tourists who come to see the first sunrise of the year.

“As the clock ticks its way towards midnight on Dec. 31, people start the countdown around the performance stage, which is set up at Seongsan Sunrise Peak. In celebration of the New Year, there is a torchlight show, a campfire and fireworks. A traditional shamanic ritual called gut is performed along with other fascinating performances. Also, famous vocalists and entertainers perform during an outdoor concert,” states the official website.

The main event starts on Jan. 1. In every port, fishermen turn on their boat lights and sound their whistles in unison to celebrate the New Year. Also, as the sun rises, a golden tape is cut, while visitors are entertained with a theatrical play, band and jazz performances. Against the backdrop of the sunrise, a New Year’s concert is held. Other events include a mounted police parade, a pungmul performance, a mandarin orange eating contest, and a food market serving hot and tasty foods.

As the site of Seongsan Sunrise Peak is particularly windy, visitors are advised to wear warm clothes and take a hot thermos of coffee or warm tea. The event is free.

For more information contact Korea Travel Phone +82-64-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) and www.culture.jeju.go.kr (Korean only) cyber.jeju.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese).

How to get to the venue Take bus to Donghoe Road (way to Seogwipo) at Jeju intercity bus terminal. Get off at the entrance of Seongsan Ilchulbong (3,000 won). Take the bus to Donghoe Road (way to Jeju City) at Seogwipo intercity bus terminal. Get off the

entrance of Seongsan Ilchulbong.