🌅Happy New Year!🌅
Tomorrow marks the first day of 2026. In Korea, 2026 is known as the "Year of the Red Horse."
This comes from an ancient East Asian calendar system where each year combines one of 12 animals with one of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water), creating a 60-year cycle. 😉
2026 is the year when "Horse" meets "Fire," symbolizing passion, vitality, and forward momentum. 🐎
In this year full of energy, many Koreans welcome the new year by watching the first sunrise.
Watching the First Sunrise: A Year of Wishes
Every January 1st, millions of Koreans wake up before dawn and head to the east coast, mountaintops, or even local parks. Despite the freezing winter morning, they blow warm breath onto their cold hands, determined not to miss the very first sunrise of 2026.
"If you make a wish while watching the first sunrise of the year, it will come true"—this is a long-held belief in Korea.
But it's more than that. It's also a moment to set goals for the year ahead and make promises to yourself as you face the rising sun. 🌅
This year, the east coast—where the sun rises first in Korea—is expected to welcome at least 500,000 visitors from across the country.
🌅 Sunrise Tips
Watching the sunrise requires dedication! Here are some tips to make it a success. 😉
-
Check the Sunrise Time in Advance
Use the Korea Meteorological Administration or a sunrise app to find the exact time.
-
Arrive at Least 1 Hour Early to Secure a Good Spot
If you're going to watch it, might as well get the best view!
-
Dress Warmly
Winter mornings are freezing! Hand warmers and hot drinks are essential, not optional!
-
Watch Your Step
Beaches and mountains can be slippery in winter. Stay safe, especially when moving around in the dark before sunrise!
Sunrise Spots in Korea
Korea is surrounded by the sea on three sides. The sun rises over the East Sea and sets over the West Sea.
According to reports, the first sunrise of 2026 will appear at 7:26 AM on January 1st at Dokdo Island. 🌅🏝️
So, where are Korea's most famous sunrise spots? The Pylon Club is here to share a few! 😉
🌅 Jeongdongjin
*Image: Korea Tourism Organization (visitkorea.or.kr)
The East Sea has long been Korea's most beloved sunrise destination. Among them, Jeongdongjin(정동진) is the most famous, where hundreds of thousands gather to watch the sun rise.
This historic spot connects directly from the train station to the beach, where you can watch the sunrise right from the East Sea's sandy shore. There's also a Sunrise Park nearby. 😄
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/dP4uSp6NRgQCmyhf9
🌅 Yeosu Hyangiram Hermitage
*Image: Korea Tourism Organization (visitkorea.or.kr)
Hyangiram(향일암) is a hermitage built on a cliff overlooking the South Sea, and its name means "hermitage facing the sun."
The site features beautiful rock formations surrounding the hermitage, with thousands of camellia trees creating stunning scenery.
However, you'll need to hike up a bit, so be extra careful on the dark path in the early morning. (Though you won't be alone—many people climb up to watch the sunrise!)
Standing at the hermitage and watching the sun rise over the open sea might make you feel like all your worldly worries are floating away.
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/6q4Yd7oY9PEP9ySE7
🌅 Homigot
*Image: Korea Tourism Organization (visitkorea.or.kr)
Homigot(호미곳) in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is one of the places where the sun rises first on the Korean peninsula.
It's also home to the iconic sculpture "Hands of Harmony," making it a perfect spot for memorable photos!
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/1FQNsB1c3uL93bYa8
🌅 Seoul Achasan
*Image: Korea Tourism Organization (visitkorea.or.kr)
Achasan(아차산), where Seoul's sun rises first, features the Sunrise Plaza halfway up the mountain. While it requires a 1.5km hike, streetlights along the path make the early morning climb easier.
From Sunrise Plaza, you can enjoy two different views: the left observatory offers a view of the city at dawn, while the right observatory showcases the sunrise over the Han River.
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/LTDBunY84ZjDsmx77
🌅 Seongsan Ilchulbong (UNESCO World Heritage)
*Image: Korea Tourism Organization (visitkorea.or.kr)
If you're in Jeju for the holidays, why not watch the first sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong(성산 일출봉)?
Seongsan Ilchulbong means "castle-shaped mountain" and "peak where the sun rises." This was formed by underwater volcanic activity. Located on Jeju's east coast, it offers spectacular sunrise views. It's also Korea's first UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
While it's popular year-round, every year people from across the country flock to this "sunrise sanctuary" on New Year's Day.
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/uA659732Dp3AjeyY6
=
Visiting famous sunrise spots is wonderful. But if you can't make it, don't worry. Watching from your window with a warm cup of coffee is more than enough. ❤️
In 2026, the Year of the Red Horse, greet the rising sun wherever you are. Wish for a year of energy and progress.
Happy New Year! 🌅🐴
