Koreans like to celebrate new years in their own unique way. A popular event is to goto the eastern coast to watch the first sunrise. There are many sunrise festivals taking place along the eastern coast http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=1437741

An interesting one is on the coastal city of Pohang. This city is famous for building a giant hand in the sea open upwards towards the sky. At the right moment it can be seen to be grasping the sun in its fingers and is famous year round for watching the sunrise.


If you are not near the coast, I've also heard from colleagues that some people like to hike to the top of a mountain and wait for the sunrise. That is something I have no desire to do in the freezing cold and dark.

In Daegu crowds like to gather in Gukchae-Bosang Memorial Park downtown for the ringing of the large bell at midnite. Last year I didnt go as it was below zero and I would have had to have taken a cab all the way home, which would have been hard from downtown on new years.


This year my flight back from Hong Kong arrives in Busan on New Years so I'll have to miss out on celebrations again. Because I am using airmiles points to book my flight the best dates are blocked off so I have to fly on the 31st missing new years celebrations in Hong Kong too.. At least I get to see all the Christmas lights!




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