9 best spots to welcome in the New Year in Korea

Everyone has their own way of saying farewell to the passing year and greeting the new year. Some head west to see the last sunset of the year with their loved ones, while some head east and flock to the sunrise viewing spots to see the first sunrise of the year. With every new year is a new resolution, which can be kept a secret in one’s mind, shared with friends or families, or carefully written on a wishing paper and hung up on a wall at a sacred temple. Surrounded by water on three sides with 70% of landmass consisting of mountainous terrains, South Korea offers many astounding spots for spending a memorable end of the year, whether you’re planning to see the last sunset, catch the New Year’s sunrise, or to make your New Year’s wish.

If you want to see a magnificent sunset during your trip in Seoul, Haneul Park is just the place for you. It’s easily accessible by public transport and you can enjoy a wide open view without having to pay for entry. The scene of the city shimmering in shades of gold as the sun sets beyond the Hangang River is simply breathtaking. The walk from the park’s entrance to the view point observatory can be quite a walk, and you can opt to take the Maengkkongi Trolley for 3,000 won if you don’t feel like walking.

A tranquil beach where unique rock formations and calm ocean water create a fascinating view, Seonnyeobawi Beach is where seonnyeo (heaven maidens) came to play according to folk legends. As the sun sets, the skies and the waves glisten in beautiful tint of orange and red, as if to create a carpet for seonnyeo to step on when descending from the heavens. After enjoying the sunset view, we recommend enjoying a meal of grilled clams or seafood kalguksu at one of the restaurants nearby or sitting in a café with large windows to appreciate the view in a cozy atmosphere.

Tando Port is a port on Daebudo Isand in Ansan, located west of Seoul. It’s a place where you can witness not only beautiful sunset, but also a phenomena of Mother Nature. Twice a day during a low tide, the shore waters recede and reveal a sandy path that leads to a small, uninhabited Nueseom Island. There’s a lighthouse observatory on the island where you can take in the panoramic view of the gaetbol (tidal flat) of the west coast. Don’t be disappointed if your schedule doesn’t allow you to get to the coast in time for the low tide as you can still enjoy the beautiful sunset from Tando Port. The giant wind turbines, Nueseom Island, and the golden glow that falls upon them all come together to create a picturesque scenery. The port was used as a filming location for the drama series “King the Land (2023).”