7 best places in Seoul to watch first sunrise in 2018 [PHOTO]

By Bahk Eun-ji

Watching the first sunrise is a key part of New Year celebrations in Korea. Traditionally, people get out of the downtown area find the best viewing spots.

Here are the best spots to catch the first rays of 2018, according to Seoul City.

Sunrise on New Year’s Day will be at 7:47 a.m., according to the Korea Astronomy and Science Institute.

Palgakjeong, meaning octagonal pavilion, in Namsan, gives an unbroken view of Seoul. It is a popular tourist attraction.

Palgakjeong in Namsan. / Courtesy of Pixabay

Mount Acha, in Gwangjin-gu, is easternmost in Seoul, so it is the first place where from which the sunrise can be seen in Seoul. Every New Year’s Day, about 40,000 sightseers visit the mountain.

Mount Acha in Gwangjin-gu. / Courtesy of Pixabay

Haneul Park in Mapo-gu, is famous for silver grass festival, but it is also a lovely spot to welcome 2018, with a nice gentle slope.

Haneul Park in Mapo-gu. / Courtesy of Pixabay

Seonyudo Park in Yeongdeungpo-gu, is a unique place where people can watch sunlight flood between skyscrapers. Visitors can watch the sunrise from the bridge in the park.

Seonyudo Park in Yeongdeungpo-gu. / Korea Times file

Another Palgakjeong in Seongdong-gu, is popular for both its night view and for watching the sunrise give a view of Seoul Forest.

At the top of Mount Gaehwa in Gangseo-gu, a sunrise park offers excellent views of the Han River and Mount Bukhan.

Mount Gaehwa in Gangseo-gu. / Korea Times file

A special road around Muak East Beacon Mound in Seodaemun-gu provides sunrise access for the disabled, pregnant women and parents with infants in strollers.

Muak East Beacon Mound in Seodaemun-gu. / Korea Times Photo by Shim Hyun-chul

PHOTO 7 best places in Seoul to watch first sunrise in 2018