Unique Sunrise Spots in Korea for a Special New Year’s Morning
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
With New Year’s Day approaching, several special sunrise (haemaji) destinations across Korea are recommended for a memorable start to the year. In Samcheok, Gangwon, the Ulleungdo Observatory (Ulleungdo jeonmangdae) at Gaesan-ri offers the rare chance to see Ulleungdo beyond the horizon from land; free telescopes are provided and clear dawns may allow viewing despite the 143 km straight-line distance. In Yangsan, Gyeongnam, Cheonseongsan’s Cheonseongdae—recently opened to civilians after past military restrictions—is touted as the earliest sunrise spot on the peninsula when altitude is considered, offering sweeping views including the East Sea and distant Tsushima Island on clear days. Pyeongchang’s Samyang Round Hill (formerly Samyang Ranch) features high-elevation grasslands and a “East Sea Observatory” at 1,140 m where visitors can watch the sun rise comfortably from cars and see dramatic red light wash over ridgelines. Samdobong (1176 m), where Chungcheong, Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces meet, provides a panoramic 360-degree view from the summit and hosts the ‘Samdo Harmony Monument’ (Samdo daehwahap giwon-tap), a symbolic stone tower celebrating regional unity — a scenic spot for both sunrise and sunset. Each site has different access and weather considerations, so visitors are advised to check conditions and event arrangements before going.
