Welcoming the Year of the Red Horse at Ganjeolgot
As we welcome the Year of the Red Horse in 2026, have you all made a strong start?
At the beginning of the new year, many of us embark on a journey to witness the sunrise, often making new resolutions.
In Ulsan, there is a famous spot where the sun rises first on the Korean Peninsula: Ganjeolgot in Uljin County.
If you missed the sunrise on January 1st, I hope you can take a moment to reflect before the upcoming Lunar New Year, and I will start this post.
Ganjeolgot is known as the point where the sun rises first on the East Coast, to the extent that there is a saying, 'The morning of the Korean Peninsula comes when the sun rises at Ganjeolgot.'
The vast sea and the well-maintained walking paths along the coastline make this a popular destination for travelers throughout all four seasons, not just during sunrise hours.
The sunrise I witnessed on the day of my visit was truly spectacular. A red glow gradually spread from the horizon, and at one moment, the orange sun peeked over the deep blue sea.
The brilliant rays of light welcomed me with the sound of waves, filling me with a warm energy deep within my heart. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the first day of the new year, consider visiting on a weekday a bit earlier.
It will be the perfect time to enjoy your own moments of contemplation while facing the rising sun over the calm sea.
The iconic wishing mailbox at Ganjeolgot remains very popular. This giant mailbox, standing 5 meters tall, surprisingly functions as a regular postal collection box.
Behind the mailbox, there is a space to write postcards, making it a meaningful experience to send wishes to loved ones or yourself.
With the sea as a backdrop, the red mailbox is an excellent photo opportunity.
In front of the mailbox stands the elegant Ganjeolgot Lighthouse, showcasing its white beauty. Since 1920, it has guided ships along the East Coast, and the contrast between its white walls and the blue sea is stunning, providing a peaceful feeling that washes away all worries when standing with the lighthouse at your back.
One compelling reason to visit Ganjeolgot right now is the night exhibition titled 'Snowfall,' which runs until February 20, 2026. Even during the day, you can see white trees that create the illusion of snowfall, which is quite unique.
When night falls and the lights turn on, the trees transform into a pink hue, radiating a different kind of beauty. I visited during the day to enjoy the white snow trees, but if time permits, I recommend staying until the lighting time to experience both charms.
As you move from the exhibition space towards the coastal walking path, you will encounter massive artworks that make you question your eyes. This is a junk art exhibition made from 700 tons of discarded metal.
About 120 pieces are on display, with many showcasing enormous dinosaurs. It’s astonishing to see how discarded metal scraps have been reborn into lifelike dinosaur shapes, and the craftsmanship is truly impressive.
Among them, the highlight is the towering robot named 'Solarbot,' standing at an impressive height of 18 meters. Seeing it in person is overwhelming due to its size.
The Solarbot holds a large ring above its head, and it is said that between 9 AM and 11 AM, the sun aligns perfectly within the robot's ring. If you visit during this time, you can capture a unique photo of a robot embracing the sun.
This representative sunrise spot in Ulsan not only offers beautiful sunrises but also various art exhibitions and walking paths, making it a great place for family outings or dates.
If you want to recharge your energy in the first month of the new year or if you haven’t fully enjoyed the New Year’s sunrise yet, don’t hesitate to head here. Receiving the energy of the first morning sun on the Korean Peninsula, along with enjoying the vibrant junk art and beautiful night exhibitions, will make for a perfect winter trip.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224155493488
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