Welcoming the New Year at Ganjeolgot
울산광역시 울주군 서생면 간절곶1길 39-2
As the end of the year approaches, Ganjeolgot once again draws attention as one of Korea’s most symbolic places to welcome the New Year.
Rather than joining the crowded New Year’s Day event, visiting Ganjeolgot on a quiet winter day reveals a calmer, more personal sunrise and a different side of its year-end atmosphere.
Ganjeolgot, a Symbolic Place to Welcome the New Year
As 2025 comes to a close, year-end events and New Year’s sunrise gatherings are held across the country.
Among them, Ganjeolgot in Ulsan stands out as a place where the first sunrise of the year can be seen, making it one of the most iconic New Year destinations in Korea.
Because of its reputation, the area becomes extremely crowded on January 1, often making it difficult even for local residents to visit comfortably.
Choosing December Over New Year’s Day
I haven’t visited Ganjeolgot on New Year’s Day since 2020.
Instead, I prefer visiting in December, especially on clear winter days, when the cold air brings crisp skies and fewer people.
This year, with clear weather forecasted along the East Coast despite a cold wave, I decided to visit Ganjeolgot to experience the sunrise in my own way.
Year-End Night Landscape and Sunset Views
Beyond the New Year’s sunrise event, Ganjeolgot also hosts year-end celebrations around midnight on New Year’s Eve, along with a night landscape exhibition that begins every December.
Curious about this year’s exhibition, I arrived in time for sunset on a clear day.
Some of the lighting installations were still being set up, with only parts illuminated, which felt slightly unfinished.
Even so, Ganjeolgot Park itself was beautifully lit as the sun went down.
The Ganjeolgot Imaginary Space, featuring works from the “Fe01” exhibition, offered a variety of sculptures that made the area especially appealing for photography.
Arriving early on New Year’s Eve to enjoy both the night scenery and the year-end atmosphere feels like a good way to experience Ganjeolgot without rushing.
A Quiet Winter Sunrise by the Sea
The following morning, I returned to Ganjeolgot before dawn.
After parking, I gathered my camera and walked toward the beach, where the light spreading across the sea immediately caught my breath.
The sky was clear and free of fine dust, showing a soft gradient that seems unique to cold winter mornings.
Having seen the area the night before, I walked around again, but the morning scenery felt completely different.
The lighthouse remained lit as dawn slowly approached, creating a calm and almost surreal atmosphere.
Watching the Sun Rise at Ganjeolgot
As I reached the sunrise plaza, it felt almost unreal to be standing there alone, imagining how crowded the space would soon become on New Year’s Day.
Gradually, more people arrived as sunrise time approached, and I focused on watching the sky change rather than worrying about photographs.
Clouds near the horizon partially hid the sun at first, but when it finally emerged, the light poured across the sea in a breathtaking moment.
I moved quickly to capture different angles, though the sun rose faster than expected, leaving me wishing for just a little more time.
A Different Way to Experience Ganjeolgot
The official New Year’s sunrise event will take place again on January 1, 2026.
However, considering the crowds, visiting on a quiet winter morning may offer a more personal and reflective experience.
Even without the festive chaos, Ganjeolgot’s winter sunrise carries its own beauty and meaning.
Wishing everyone a warm and hopeful New Year in advance.
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