Ringing the wishing bell at midnight and watching the first light of dawn to welcome the New Year, ice fishing for trout — a unique Korean way to ring in the New Year

By Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported

To celebrate the arrival of 2012, countdown events are gearing up around the world. Among them, Korea, with its snowy atmosphere, is a popular choice for many people's overseas New Year trips. The bell-ringing and wish-making ceremony held in front of Bosingak Pavilion in Seoul’s Jongno District is the most popular and iconic New Year event in Korea. Every year, tens of thousands of people gather here to celebrate the New Year. The bell inside Bosingak was a timekeeping tool during the Joseon Dynasty. Its chimes were used to signal the opening and closing of the city gates. In the past, the gate would open after the bell was struck 33 times at 4 a.m. Later, it evolved into a ceremony where on December 31 at midnight, representatives of the citizens and tens of thousands of people come together to ring the bell 33 times, symbolizing the start of a brand-new year. Colorful fireworks are also set off to heighten the festive mood, praying for a smooth and wonderful new year.

The best place to watch the first sunrise of the New Year is Jeongdongjin Station in Gangneung, Gangwon Province. Jeongdongjin Station is the train station closest to the coast in all of Korea. After the famous Korean TV series “Sandglass” was filmed here, it became one of the most popular tourist spots for watching the sunrise. Visitors can feel the emotional experience of greeting the very first light of the New Year. Other options include the Gyeongju Jinsa Gwandeokjeong Sunrise Festival in Ulsan, the Yangri Sunrise Festival in South Chungcheong Province, and the Hobeopgwang Sunrise Festival in North Gyeongsang Province. Various New Year celebration performances and traditional rice cake soup events offer rich local characteristics.

From January to February, there are also many winter and snow-themed festivals across Korea, including the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, the Pyeongchang Trout Festival, the Taebaeksan Snowflake Festival, and the Inje Ice Fish Festival. Visitors can stand on the frozen lake in temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius and experience the joy of ice fishing for trout with a fishing rod. The freshly caught trout can be prepared as grilled fish, fried fish, or even served as sashimi, offering a delicious and fun full course. There are also activities like ice biking, ice bowling, and ice football games—thrilling and novel experiences.

In addition, the Yeongdong Persimmon Festival in North Chungcheong Province features not only fresh persimmons in season but also local specialties such as mushrooms, walnuts, and chestnuts. Visitors can buy affordable, fresh fruits and also take part in hands-on activities such as making persimmon jam and slicing persimmons. Meanwhile, the Boseong Tea Garden Light Festival in South Jeolla Province uses over 1.2 million light bulbs and LED lighting equipment to create a massive illuminated tree, praying for the success of the 2012 Yeosu Expo. There is also a light-themed pathway called the “Path of Light,” where visitors can tie paper notes and make New Year’s wishes. These seasonal and uniquely local festival events bring a strong festive atmosphere to Korea.