2025 Year-End and 2026 New Year's Festivals in Korea
강원특별자치도 강릉시 특별자치도 강동면 헌화로 950-39
As 2025 comes to an end, sunrise and sunset festivals across Korea offer meaningful ways to welcome the New Year in 2026.
From iconic coastal sunrise spots to city-centered countdown events, these festivals combine tradition, performance, and shared wishes.
This guide organizes nationwide New Year sunrise and last sunset festivals by region, making it easier to plan your year-end journey.
Seoul and Gyeonggi Region
In Seoul, the Seoul Sky New Year’s package offers premium experiences that include rice cakes, drinks, wish plaques, and commemorative souvenirs, with private lounge options serving rice cake soup.
The DMZ Peace New Year’s Festival allows visitors to greet the sunrise from the DMZ Station rooftop observatory and Imjingak’s second observatory.
Gunpo’s Banwol Lake New Year’s event brings citizens together with traditional performances such as the Jindo Drum Dance and large-scale percussion shows.
Uijeongbu hosts a symbolic New Year’s walk starting from Hohwon Exercise Park and concluding at Saebit Garden.
Gangwon Region
Gangneung and Jeongdongjin are among Korea’s most famous sunrise destinations, with annual festivals at Gyeongpo Beach and Jeongdongjin that are popular with families.
Samcheok Beach hosts a lively countdown festival featuring music, stage performances, drone light shows, and warm food stalls.
Balwangsan Mountain offers a special high-altitude New Year’s countdown and sunrise experience, with optional cable car and rice cake soup packages.
Oak Valley Resort in Wonju provides a quieter alternative with symbolic installations and a calm New Year atmosphere.
Busan and Gyeongsang Region
Ulsan’s Ganjeolgot, one of Korea’s most famous sunrise points, enhances the experience with performances and a large-scale drone light show.
Pohang’s Homigot New Year’s Festival highlights local traditions through sunrise rituals, mask dances, and participatory fortune-telling programs.
Busan’s Gwangalli Beach transforms the night before sunrise with a dazzling drone show that builds anticipation.
Andong offers a calmer New Year welcome with rice cake soup and winter clothing gifts for families.
Jeolla Region
The 27th New Year’s Festival at Korea’s southernmost point features fireworks, percussion performances, and traditional New Year rituals.
Namyeol Beach combines music and ceremonial performances while offering warm yuja tea and rice cake soup.
Wando’s New Year event includes traditional games and cultural performances set against scenic coastal views.
Muju Deogyusan Mountain Resort hosts a sunrise program accessible by gondola, though advance reservations are required.
Yeosu Hyangilam remains a beloved sunrise spot, with bell ringing and fireworks marking the first moments of the year.
Jeju and Chungcheong Region
Sejong Lake Park hosts a quiet community-centered New Year event where residents can share wishes in a warm, reflective setting.
Taean’s New Year festival offers a rare chance to experience both sunset and sunrise on Korea’s West Coast.
The 33rd Seongsan Sunrise Festival at Seongsan Ilchulbong features wish-sharing programs and sunrise climbs, with participation limited to 500 pre-registered visitors.
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