For those who love the West Sea, sunsets are often considered the best. Yet the beauty of the West Sea can be felt not only in the “setting sun,” but in both the rising and setting sun alike. The dreamy scene of gentle pink hues—freed from all intensity—spreading softly across the calm sea seems to reflect a sense of wistfulness that looks back on time gone by. As you bid farewell to the year in this way, the sky gradually brightens in pastel tones, and the surroundings, now bathed in light, somehow feel like a reflection of who we may become tomorrow. The best spot to view the sun rising between the piers of Seohae Bridge is Wae-mok Village. Slightly jutting out into the West Sea, it is famous as a place where both sunrise and sunset can be enjoyed. The quiet, low-key atmosphere of the village blends nicely with the gentle scenery of the West Sea, making it an ideal place to gather one’s thoughts.

For those who love the West Sea, sunsets are often considered the best. Yet the beauty of the West Sea can be felt not only in the “setting sun,” but in both the rising and setting sun alike. The dreamy scene of gentle pink hues—freed from all intensity—spreading softly across the calm sea seems to reflect a sense of wistfulness that looks back on time gone by. As you bid farewell to the year in this way, the sky gradually brightens in pastel tones, and the surroundings, now bathed in light, somehow feel like a reflection of who we may become tomorrow. The best spot to view the sun rising between the piers of Seohae Bridge is Wae-mok Village. Slightly jutting out into the West Sea, it is famous as a place where both sunrise and sunset can be enjoyed. The quiet, low-key atmosphere of the village blends nicely with the gentle scenery of the West Sea, making it an ideal place to gather one’s thoughts.

• A15-5, Waemok-gil, Seongmun-myeon, Dangjin-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Waemok Village)
• H Sunrise time on January 1, 2026: 07:46 (subject to change)

The phrase “to grasp something in one’s hand” is commonly used as a metaphor for possession or attainment. Once something is in your hand, doesn’t it feel as if everything has been accomplished? Perhaps that is why people gather at Homigot in Pohang as the New Year approaches. The “Hand of Harmony,” the symbol of Homigot, is a sculpture created in 1999 to commemorate the coming of the new millennium. Reaching toward the sky, the left hand on the shore and the right hand rising from the sea form a single pair. Depending on the viewing angle, it can appear as if the sun is cradled in the palm, made even more striking by the streetlights and trees lining either side of the hand. A spacious, free parking lot accommodating up to 400 vehicles makes access convenient for drivers.

The phrase “to grasp something in one’s hand” is commonly used as a metaphor for possession or attainment. Once something is in your hand, doesn’t it feel as if everything has been accomplished? Perhaps that is why people gather at Homigot in Pohang as the New Year approaches. The “Hand of Harmony,” the symbol of Homigot, is a sculpture created in 1999 to commemorate the coming of the new millennium. Reaching toward the sky, the left hand on the shore and the right hand rising from the sea form a single pair. Depending on the viewing angle, it can appear as if the sun is cradled in the palm, made even more striking by the streetlights and trees lining either side of the hand. A spacious, free parking lot accommodating up to 400 vehicles makes access convenient for drivers.

• A20, Haemaji-ro 150beon-gil, Homigot-myeon, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• H Sunrise time on January 1, 2026: 07:33 (subject to change)

At dawn, when deep darkness still lingers, there is a place where light arrives first on land. Ganjeolgot in Ulsan juts far out into the East Sea, allowing visitors to see the round head of the sun earlier than anywhere else inland. Being the first to make a wish feels alluring, as if it might be granted sooner—but what truly makes Ganjeolgot special is its scenery. The red sun rising over the dark sea of the East Sea burns intensely, as if burning away worries. Around the light, deep blue seas and sky heighten the sense of vitality. Home to the largest functioning “wish mailbox” in Korea, Ganjeolgot offers an even more special New Year when visitors bring a postcard carrying their own story.

• A 39-2, Ganjeolgot 1-gil, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
• H Sunrise time on January 1, 2026: 07:32 (subject to change)

Mornings in a city surrounded by tall buildings may seem to brighten slowly, but Achasan Mountain feels different. As you walk along the gently sloping path, you soon encounter the moment when the eastern sky gradually changes color. It is striking to realize that such a “prime sunrise spot” exists within a bustling city. The charm of Achasan lies in its simplicity—no complicated preparation is needed. Three routes lead to the summit or the Sunrise Plaza, all allowing a round trip within about one and a half to two and a half hours. The pine forest trail of Course 1, Goguryeojeong Pavilion on Course 2, and the ridgeline stretching toward Yongmasan along Course 3 each greet the morning light with their own distinct character. The descent from the summit feels shorter and lighter than the climb, perhaps because the day has already begun brightly within your mind.

• A 127 Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (Achasan Ecological Park)
• H Sunrise time on January 1, 2026: 07:47 (subject to change)