Every year on the first day of the New Year, there are places that particularly attract crowds. This is due to the symbolism of the sun rising first, as well as the fact that a single photo can announce the 'start of the New Year.' Nowadays, sunrise trips are not just about watching the sun. The key is to capture memorable photos and the New Year atmosphere together. There are reasons why sunrise spots are flooded with photos.
Jeongdongjin - A Sunrise Spot Where the Sun Rises Directly in Front
Jeongdongjin in Gangwon's Gangneung is considered a place where the sunrise composition is already complete. The sea horizon, railway, and sandy beach are all captured in one frame as the sun rises directly. There are almost no structures obstructing the view, allowing for a clear appreciation of the entire process of the sun rising, and the moment the sky changes color is naturally recorded. A stable composition for photos places the railway at the bottom and the horizon in the center, and the time before the sun fully rises, when the red dawn remains, enhances the quality of the photo. After the sunrise, it is natural to continue the morning schedule to Anmok Beach, Gangneung Coffee Street, or the Chodang Soft Tofu Alley.
Homigot - Welcoming the New Year Between the 'Hands of Coexistence'
Homigot in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, is the place where the symbolism of the 'first sunrise of the New Year' is most pronounced. The sun rises between the 'Hands of Coexistence' sculpture over the sea, creating a photo opportunity without any special staging. The moment when the sun perfectly fits between the hands is brief, so it is important to position yourself in advance. For portraits, taking photos with the hand sculpture as the background and focusing on silhouettes brings the atmosphere to life. After the sunrise, it is good to move to Guryongpo Port to explore the harbor scenery and start the morning with local dishes like grilled fish or mulhoe.
Seongsan Ilchulbong - A Sunrise Rising Over the Crater
Seongsan Ilchulbong in Jeju's Seogwipo is special in that it offers a 'sunrise viewed from above.' The sun rises over the crater, creating a three-dimensional scene with sea mist and red hues overlapping. Including the summit railing as part of the frame when taking photos enhances the sense of altitude and presence. The early moments when the crater's edge is tinted are more photogenic than after the sun has fully risen. After descending, it is nice to warm up with abalone porridge or hangover soup in the Seongsan Port area, and the morning schedule fits well with a visit to Seopjikoji or Gwangchigi Beach.
Ganjeolgot - Enjoying an Open Sunrise Comfortably
Ganjeolgot in Uljin, Ulsan, has almost no elements obstructing the view, allowing the entire horizon to be seen at a glance. You can leisurely appreciate the process of the surroundings gradually brightening as the sun rises, making it a 'comfortable sunrise experience.' A panoramic composition that gives ample space to the sky works well for photos, and placing the subject small at the bottom of the frame brings the landscape to life. The gentle terrain makes it less burdensome for family visits, and after the sunrise, it is nice to start the day with a coastal walk or move to downtown Ulsan for brunch or gukbap.
Chuam Chotdaebawi - The Place with the Highest Quality Sunrise Photos
Chuam Chotdaebawi in Donghae, Gangwon, is considered the place with the highest quality of sunrise photos. The silhouette of the Chotdaebawi and the sun create a strong contrast, producing an impressive scene in a short time. For photos, placing the rock in the foreground and the sun small in the background creates a dramatic atmosphere. Taking photos from the observation deck allows for capturing waves and cliffs, enriching the scene even more. After the sunrise, you can move to Mukho Port or downtown Donghae to enjoy a hearty breakfast with grilled fish or daegu-tang.
