Published Date : Dec. 26, 2019 / Edited Date : Dec. 01, 2020
Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, Whispering 'it will be happier'...
- Alfred Tennyson -
As the end of 2019 draws to a close, the first sunrise of the year of 2020 quickly approaches us. During this time, many set out to popular spots to catch the first sunrise of the year on January 1st. Seeing the first rays of sunrise break through the dark dawn, many say goodbye to the year past and welcome in the beginning of the new year. There’s no need to travel far to view the beautiful first sunrise of the year.
Visit Seoul presents the best spots to view the sunrise and bring in the new year with the special people in your life!
#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 tteokguk and 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 Korean drama “Misaeng” for drama fans.
Address San-1 Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Tel +82-2-330-1550 (Seodaemun-gu District Office)
#3 Mongchontoseong (Mangwol-bong)
Mongchontoseong (Manwol-bong) is recommended for those who are weak at hiking up mountains. Located at Bangi-dong, Songpa-gu, a non-mountainous spot easily accessible by getting off at Hanseong Baekje Station (Line 9) and Mongchontoseong Station (Line 8), Mongchontoseong (Manwol-bong) 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 when 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 poetries about the moon.
Address 424, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Olympic Park)
Get out of Exit 1 of World Cup Stadium Station (Line 6) and walk a few minutes to reach Haneul Park. The gentle geographical slopes and the easy accessibility of this attraction makes it a popular place to visit with children and a popular sunrise viewing spot for the new year. It also features silver grass fields, a popular attraction to enjoy after viewing the sunrise. The sun will rise in the direction of Bukhansan Mountain, so it’s not a bad idea to get there a little earlier to find the best viewing spots. 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 a mountain located on the very east side of the city, making it the spot where visitors can see the very first sunrise inside 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 walk up 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.
Reservations are limited to a maximum of three people only in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Additional reservations are?permitted for pre-existing reservations that do not exceed the limited number of three people per group and may be made one day prior to the tour date by 5 PM.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Masks are required for participation in all tour programs.
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.
Temperature readings will be conducted for all participants prior to the tour. Those with a reading over 37.5°C are prohibited from tour participation.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
[As of one day prior to the tour date] All reservations shall be canceled in the event of emergency particulate matter reduction measures taken and/or inclement weather conditions, including excessive heat waves, typhoons, heavy rain, and more, that may impede Seoul Guided Walking Tour operations.
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 are canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour is unavailable due to Particulate Matter Reduction Measure or other weather conditions (heat wave, typhoon, heavy rain). (As of the date before the tour day)
