Published Date : Dec 26, 2019 / Edited Date : Jun 19, 2023
Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, 'it will be happier'...
- Alfred Tennyson -
Now with 2021 behind us, we finally welcomed in the new year, the year of the black tiger. Leading up to New Year's, however, many set out to popular spots to catch the first sunrise on the morning of January 1st. Seeing the first rays of sunrise break through the dark dawn, many say goodbye to the year past and welcome what many believe to be "new beginnings." Yet, there’s no need to travel far to view that beautiful first sunrise of the year.
Visit Seoul New Year's sunrise favorites!
#1 Gaehwasan Mountain
Located in Gangseo-gu, Gaehwasan Mountain is nestled between Haengjusanseong (Haengju Fortress) and Hangang River. A famous spot to take in the marvelous view of Hangang River and Bukhansan Mountain at a glance, Gaehwasan Mountain is a great place to catch the first sunrise and features a walkable trail leading toward the peak. There’s also a New Year’s festival taking place every year on the peak of the mountain, allowing visitors to enjoy not only the first sunrise, but a variety of other new year’s festivities.
Address Gaehwa-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
#2 Ansan Bongsudae
The name can be misleading, making people believe this spot is located in Gyeonggi-do, Ansan. However, Ansan Bongsudae is located in an easily accessible area of Seodaemun-gu with a barrier-free trail leading up to the peak. The view of the sunrise from the top of the mountain is breathtaking against the backdrop of the city. There’s also a meeting plaza located near the back of Seodaemun-gu District Office featuring booths selling local tteok-guk (rice cake soup), Korean snacks, and photo zones. It’s also worthy to note that this very spot was the same filming location for the first scene of the Korean drama, Misaeng, for drama fans.
Address San-1 Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Tel +82-2-330-1301
#3 Mongchontoseong (Mangwol-bong)
Mongchontoseong (Manwol-bong) is recommended for those who have difficulty hiking up mountains. Located in Bangi-dong, Songpa-gu it is a non-mountainous spot easily accessible by getting off at Hanseong Baekje Station of subway line 9 and Mongchontoseong Station of subway line 8. Mongchontoseong (Manwol-bong) is a wide open space where visitors can easily view the sunrise. Also a famous moon-viewing spot, Mangwol-bong is lit up by lanterns at night and can be reached by going up a small hill. It’s also recommended to visit the famous One Tree Hill while in this area.
* Mangwol-bong (望月峰) Meaning “Moon-viewing Peak,” Mangwol-bong was a popular spot commonly frequented by Joseon scholars to view and write poetry about the moon.
Address 424, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Olympic Park)
- Mongchontoseong Museum of History 09:00 – 18:00 KST * Closed Mondays
#4 Haneul Park
Depart from exit 1 of World Cup Stadium Station of subway line 6 and walk a few minutes to reach Haneul Park. The gentle slopes and easy accessibility of this attraction make it a popular place to visit with children and sunrise viewing spot for the new year. It also features silver grass fields, one of its main attractions to enjoy after viewing the sunrise. The sun will rise in the direction of Bukhansan Mountain, so it’s a good idea to get there a bit earlier to find the best viewing spot. At this location, visitors can easily see and enjoy the sunrise over the backdrop of Sangam Stadium (Seoul World Cup Stadium), Seongsan Bridge, and Yeouido.
Address 95, Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Tel +82-2-300-5501
#5 Achasan Mountain
Achasan Mountain is located on the very east side of the city, making it the spot where visitors can see the very first sunrise from within Seoul. This spot is also located only 20 minutes away from Achasan Station, making it easily accessible by public transportation. The trails leading up to the peak are easy to ascend even for those new to hiking. The best spots to see the sunrise on Achasan Mountain are the four peaks of the mountain and a sunrise viewing plaza located in the center of the area.
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion) ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)