By Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported
As 2012 approaches, countdown events around the world are gearing up, and South Korea—with its wintry atmosphere—is a popular destination for those celebrating the New Year abroad. One of the most beloved and iconic New Year’s celebrations in Korea takes place in front of Bosingak Pavilion in Seoul’s Jongno District. This bell-ringing ceremony is the country’s most popular and representative New Year’s event, drawing tens of thousands of people each year to celebrate the arrival of the new year. The bell inside Bosingak was used as a timekeeping device during the Joseon Dynasty and would signal when city gates were to be opened or closed. Originally, the bell was rung 33 times at 4 a.m. to open the gates. Over time, this evolved into a ceremony held at midnight on December 31, where representatives of the citizens and thousands of participants ring the bell 33 times together, symbolizing the start of a brand-new year. Colorful fireworks also light up the sky, adding to the festive atmosphere and expressing wishes for a smooth and prosperous new year.
Korea hosts many winter-themed festivals, such as the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival, where visitors can stand on frozen lakes and try their hand at ice fishing for trout with a rod. (Photo provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)
The best spot to watch the first sunrise of the new year is Jeongdongjin Station in Gangneung, Gangwon Province. As the train station closest to the sea in all of Korea, Jeongdongjin gained fame after being featured in the popular Korean TV drama “Sandglass,” making it one of the top destinations for watching the sunrise. Here, you can experience the touching moment of greeting the very first light of the new year. Other locations include the Gyeongju Jjindallae Festival in Ulsan, the Yangri Sunrise Festival in South Chungcheong Province, and the Hobeopdan Sunrise Festival in North Gyeongsang Province. Each features unique regional celebrations, including New Year performances and traditional rice cake soup meals.
The bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Pavilion in Seoul is the most iconic event of Korea’s New Year’s Eve. (Photo provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)
Jeongdongjin Station is the train station closest to the sea in Korea and the best place to welcome the first dawn. (Photo provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)
From January to February, various snow- and ice-themed festivals take place across Korea, including the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival, the Pyeongchang Trout Festival, the Taebaek Snow Flower Festival, and the Inncheondong Icefish Festival. Visitors can stand on frozen lakes in temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius to fish for trout using a rod. The freshly caught trout can be prepared in a variety of ways—grilled, fried, or served as sashimi—for a delicious and fun all-you-can-eat trout feast. There are also ice-related activities such as ice biking, ice bowling, and ice football that offer thrilling and novel experiences.
The Pyeongchang Trout Festival attracts large crowds and is buzzing with energy. (Photo provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)
In addition, the Yeongdong Persimmon Festival in North Chungcheong Province offers not only seasonal persimmons but also local specialties such as mushrooms, walnuts, and chestnuts. Visitors can purchase fresh, affordable produce and even take part in hands-on activities like making persimmon jam and slicing persimmons. Meanwhile, the Boseong Tea Garden Light Festival in South Jeolla Province features a massive light tree made from over 1.2 million light bulbs and LED fixtures, symbolizing wishes for the success of the 2012 Yeosu Expo. There is also a “Path of Light” where visitors can tie paper notes to make New Year’s wishes. These limited-time, region-specific festivals add a rich festive spirit to Korea.