Countdown Events, Fireworks & First Sunrise Festivals
Planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve or the first sunrise of the year in South Korea? From large-scale countdown festivals to meaningful sunrise ceremonies by the sea, Korea offers unforgettable New Year experiences — especially along the East and South coasts.
 |
| Top Places to Celebrate New Year in Korea |
Below is a complete guide to major New Year events in Seoul, Busan, Pohang, and Gangneung, with official Korean event names and locations so you can easily search local sources, maps, and announcements.
1. Seoul District Sunrise Events (Local New Year Sunrise in Seoul)
🎉 Event: Seoul District Sunrise Events (자치구 해맞이 행사)
 |
| Seoul Songpa District's New Year Sunrise Event at Olympic Park |
📍 Multiple District Locations in Seoul
- Ansan Beacon Mound, Seodaemun (서대문구 안산 봉수대)
- Mongchontoseong, Olympic Park (올림픽공원 몽촌토성)
- Maebongsan Peak, Guro (구로구 매봉산 정상)
- Cheongun Dapwon, Bukhansan Dream Forest (북서울꿈의숲 청운답원)
- Gangnam District Sunrise Festival, Samsung Sunrise Park (삼성 해맞이 공원)
 |
| Seoul Gangnam District's New Year Event at Samsung Sunrise Park |
Date & Time
- January 1 (morning)
- Sunrise times vary by location
- Ansan (서대문 안산) around 7:47 AM
- Maebongsan (구로 매봉산) around 7:30 AM
- Samsung Sunrise Park (삼성 해맞이 공원) around 7:00 AM
Event Highlights
- Quiet, community-centered atmosphere
- Reading New Year poems and messages
- Writing wishes and chanting New Year slogans
- Watching the first sunrise together with local residents
These events reflect the everyday New Year culture of Seoul citizens, rather than large-scale festivals.
Travel Tip
- For families or elderly travelers, Olympic Park (올림픽공원) is the easiest and safest option.
- For hill or mountain locations, bring comfortable hiking shoes and a small flashlight for early morning paths.
2. Homigot Sunrise Festival, Pohang
📍 Homigot Sunrise Square (호미곶해맞이광장)
🎉 Event: 28th Homigot Sunrise Festival (제28회 호미곶한민족 해맞이축전)
 |
| Homigot Sunrise Festival, Pohang |
The Homigot Sunrise Festival is one of Korea’s most symbolic New Year events, held at the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula, where the first sunrise of Korea is traditionally seen.
Event Highlights
- Dec 31 – Jan 1
- Overnight experience zones (radio shows, movie screenings, crafts, fortune-telling)
- Midnight countdown & fireworks
- Early-morning performances before sunrise on Jan 1
A must-visit for travelers who want a meaningful and iconic New Year sunrise in Korea.
For details about the festival, visit Pohang City Instagram @pohang_official
3. Busan Citizen’s Bell Ringing Ceremony
📍 Yongdusan Park (용두산공원)
🎉 Event: Busan Citizen’s Bell Ceremony (부산 시민의 종 타종행사)
 |
| Busan Citizen’s Bell Ringing Ceremony |
This traditional ceremony represents Busan’s official New Year’s Eve ritual.
Key Details
- Starts around 11:45 PM on Dec 31
- 33 bell rings at midnight
- Countdown, New Year wishes, and fireworks
- Subway Line 1 → Nampo Station (남포역) + short walk
Ideal for those interested in Korean traditions and local culture.
For details about the festival, visit Busan Festivial Official Instagram @busan_festival
4. Gwangalli Drone Light Show – New Year Countdown
📍 Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장)
🎉 Event: Gwangalli M Drone Light Show Countdown Special
(광안리 M드론 라이트쇼 2026 카운트다운 특별 공연)
 |
| Gwangalli Drone Light Show – New Year Countdown |
Busan’s famous drone show turns into a New Year’s countdown special, reportedly featuring around 2,500 drones.
Why It’s Special
- Drone formations lighting up the night sky over the sea
- Perfect for photos, reels, and viral videos
- One of the most modern New Year events in Korea
A top pick for visual impact and social media content.
5. Busan New Year’s Sunrise Events (Multiple Locations)
🎉 Event: First Sunrise of the New Year (새해 첫 해맞이 행사)
 |
| Busan New Year's First Sunrise Event at Oryukdo Skywalk |
📍 Locations
- Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장)
- Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장)
- Hwangnyeongsan Beacon Mound (황령산 봉수대)
- Oryukdo Skywalk Plaza (오륙도 스카이워크 광장)
Expected sunrise: around 7:31 AM on Jan 1
Oryukdo special program: starts around 6:50 AM
How to Choose
- Beaches → easy access, relaxed atmosphere
- Hwangnyeongsan → panoramic city views
- Oryukdo → early programs and New Year wishes
One of the best cities for sunrise diversity in Korea.
6. Jeongdongjin New Year Festival & Hourglass Ceremony
📍 Jeongdongjin Hourglass Park (정동진 모래시계공원)
🎉 Event: Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival (정동진 해맞이 행사)
 |
Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival |
Jeongdongjin is famous for its giant hourglass, designed to measure exactly one year.
Event Highlights
- Stage performances: 8:00 PM – 12:30 AM
- Midnight hourglass rotation & countdown
- Fireworks, wish tree, and traditional games
One of Korea’s most symbolic New Year countdown locations.
For details about the event, visit Gangneung City Official Instagram @gangneungcity
7. Gyeongpo Beach New Year Countdown, Gangneung
📍 Gyeongpo Beach Central Plaza (경포해변 중앙광장)
🎉 Event: Gyeongpo Sunrise Festival (경포해변 해맞이 행사)
 |
| Gyeongpo Beach New Year's First Sun Rise |
What to Expect
- Countdown & fireworks from 8:00 PM – 12:30 AM
- Night beach atmosphere with light installations
- Themed photo zones (including the “Red Horse” theme)
Tip: Stand near the edge of the plaza for an easier exit after midnight.
For details about the event, visit Gangneung City Official Instagram @gangneungcity
Travel Tips for New Year in Korea
- After late-night countdowns, choose beach locations for easier sunrise access
- For mountains or observatories, arrive early and dress very warmly
- Popular spots get crowded — plan transport and exit routes ahead
Celebrating New Year in Korea offers deeper cultural meaning, breathtaking scenery, and unique traditions. With official Korean event names and locations, this guide helps you plan confidently and follow local updates with ease.
SEO Keywords
New Year in Korea, Korea New Year events, 해맞이 행사, Busan New Year countdown, Homigot Sunrise Festival 호미곶, Jeongdongjin hourglass 정동진, Gangneung New Year sunrise, Korea first sunrise, Korea New Year travel guide, Seoul New Year Celebration