The Sea Aflame at Dawn in Winter: Travelogue of the Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise Festival
Introduction
At the end of the year, winter sunlight slowly spreads over the cold South Sea. When I picture the dawn light turning the sea off Dolsan a deep red, I feel the urge to quietly sort through the past year and lay out a fresh new heart. The Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise Festival is a celebration that lets you confront that exact moment where seasons and time touch, with your whole body.
The Sea Aflame at Dawn in Winter: Travelogue of the Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise Festival
Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Where to Stay
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing Thoughts
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Festival Name : Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise Festival
- Dates : 2025-12-31 ~ 2026-01-01
- Operating Hours : 20:00~10:00
- Venue : Hyangilam-ro 60, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do – Hyangiram Sunrise Park and the Hyangiram Temple (Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism) area
- Admission : Free
- Hosted by : Yeosu City
- Organized by : Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise Festival Promotion Committee
- Inquiries : 061-659-4743 (Yeosu City)
- Address : Hyangilam-ro 60, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
- Main Highlights : Sunset & sunrise viewing, New Year’s Eve bell-ringing, New Year fireworks show, wish papers, and more
- 16:00~17:00 Arrive with plenty of time at the temporary parking lot near Impo Village or at your accommodation, then stroll around and scout out sunset viewing spots.
- 17:00~18:00 Watch the majestic sunset falling over the South Sea from the summit of Geumo Mountain and the Hyangiram Sunrise Park area.
- 19:00~21:00 Ease into the festival mood while enjoying the opening ceremony, traditional performances, and street parades.
- 23:30~00:10 Organize your wishes in your heart as you watch the New Year’s Eve bell-ringing and the New Year fireworks that light up the sky around midnight.
- 05:30~07:30 Climb the stairway up to Hyangiram to watch the first sunrise of the year, and join the sunrise prayer performance and New Year’s greetings.
- After 08:00 Warm up with the cutting of sirutteok (steamed rice cake) and sharing of rice cakes and drinks, then, if you have time, take photos at nearby cafés or scenic viewpoints.
Allow ample time for walking the stairway to Hyangiram
Check temporary parking & shuttle bus information in advance
Prepare thoroughly for very cold pre-dawn temperatures
Hyangiram is one of the four major Avalokitesvara (Gwaneum) sites in Korea, and is both a renowned place of prayer and one of the country’s most famous sunrise spots. Held every year from December 31 to January 1 in the Hyangiram area around Impo Village in Dolsan-eup, Yeosu, the Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise Festival lets you bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new as you gaze upon the sunset and sunrise from the same place.
During the festival, sunset and sunrise viewing, New Year’s Eve bell-ringing, a New Year fireworks show, wish papers, and a variety of performances and hands-on programs follow one after another, allowing you to feel both quiet devotion and a festive atmosphere at once. Under the theme of “New Light, New Hope,” Hyangiram, where sea, mountain, and temple come together, offers an ideal setting to greet the first day of the year while making your own wishes.
Program Information
On the evening of December 31, take time to enjoy the magnificent sunset sinking into the South Sea from the summit of Geumo Mountain and around Hyangiram Sunrise Park. It’s a perfect moment to quietly wrap up the year as you watch the silhouettes of the sea and islands.
The festival opens with performances by guest singers and pre-show programs such as traditional Korean music and choir performances. Large drum performances and parades keep the excitement going even after the sun has set.
On the night of December 31, listen to the New Year’s Eve bell together, reflect on the year gone by, and pray for peace in the coming year. With the sound of the bell, the entire venue sinks into a New Year’s countdown mood.
A New Year fireworks show lights up the winter night sky around midnight. Fireworks embroidered against the dark sea and Hyangiram’s cliffs brilliantly mark the start of the new year.
In the early morning of January 1, welcome the year’s first sunrise at Hyangiram Sunrise Park and around the temple. With the sunrise prayer performance, you can renew your resolutions as you watch the sun rise over the horizon of the sea.
Write your hopes for the year on wish papers and hang them up, or participate in experiences like making initialed wish bracelets, commemorative keyrings, wish lanterns, and writing New Year’s greeting postcards to give shape to your wishes.
At the festival venue, there is a time to share sirutteok cutting, rice cakes, and warm drinks while exchanging New Year’s greetings. It’s a moment that warms both body and heart after a long night and dawn.
Interactive programs that visitors can enjoy together, photo zones, and small experiences to record New Year wishes are prepared. It’s easy to join in whether you’re visiting with family, a partner, or friends.
If you want to enjoy both the first day’s sunset and the New Year’s Eve events, it’s best to arrive near Impo Village at least 2–3 hours early, taking into account traffic congestion on roads toward Dolsan.
During the festival, Yeosu City operates additional city buses to Hyangiram and runs temporary parking lots and shuttle buses, so using public transportation or shuttles instead of a private car makes getting around much easier.
In the early morning hours there is a lot of stair climbing and the perceived temperature is very low, so be sure to bring winter gear such as hats, gloves, and scarves, as well as comfortable shoes with good traction.
Additional city buses to Hyangiram during the festival
Make full use of temporary parking lots & shuttles
Lots of stairs – comfortable shoes are essential
Visit (Planned) Impressions
As the Hyangiram Sunrise Festival approaches, my heart stirs quietly. I imagine standing at the summit of Geumo Mountain in Dolsan, where a faint glow of sunset spreads through the cold sea breeze, and wonder how tender it will feel when the red light of that final moment seeps softly into my lungs. Then, as the first light of dawn cuts through the pre-dawn darkness, a golden line will trace across the sea, gently touching both the weight of time gone by and the hope of tomorrow. I feel like even the sound of waves cutting through the dawn air and people’s breathing will meld into a single background track in that moment, and I find myself composing my mind in advance.
Looking over the officially announced program, there will be sunset viewing from the evening of December 31, traditional Korean music and choir performances, a wish-fulfillment parade and street games, a New Year’s Eve bell-ringing ceremony, and a fireworks show around midnight. Then in the early hours of New Year’s Day, there will be a sunrise prayer performance, sirutteok cutting, and sharing New Year’s greetings, which together seem likely to make for a warm start to the year in both body and mind. To fully enjoy the festival, it’s a good idea to check performance times and the expected sunrise time in advance and loosely plan your route around the programs you most want to see.
In terms of preparation, transportation and accommodation will be key. There are six temporary parking lots near the Hyangiram entrance and event area, and when they are full, vehicle access is restricted and shuttles operate instead. Staying on the Dolsan side or near Impo Village is convenient for both getting around and resting, and since sunrise is in the very early morning, winter gear is essential. This upcoming festival, where nature, culture, and tradition come together, feels less like a simple outdoor event and more like a time to empty your mind and greet the new year. I’m quietly looking forward to the moment I can capture with my own eyes the lingering red of the sunset and the bright beginning of the sunrise.
Where to Stay
Because the Hyangiram Sunrise Festival runs from night into early morning, it’s important to choose accommodations close to the venue with a simple travel route. Focusing on lodging in Dolsan-eup and near Impo Village makes it easier to relax after watching the sunrise.
Hyangilam-ro 134, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Budget-friendly lodging close to Hyangiram
A short drive to Hyangiram makes it easy to rest quickly after watching the sunrise.
Distance: 0.6 km
Dolsan-ro 1622-24, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Earthen house pension with Dolsan sea vibes
If you prefer a nature-friendly atmosphere, this is a good healing stay before or after the festival.
Distance: 6.9 km
Gyedonghaean-gil 90, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Pool villa-style pension with sea views
If you’re combining the festival with a more relaxed trip, it’s a great place to unwind while enjoying views of the South Sea.
Distance: 7.5 km
Pyeongsa-ro 160, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Atmospheric stay near Pyeongsa in Dolsan
Well suited to those who want a quiet place to stay before or after visiting Hyangiram.
Distance: 9.1 km
Early booking is essential around year-end and New Year
For accommodations in Impo Village & Dolsan, confirm parking availability
Restaurants & Cafés
Before and after the Hyangiram Sunrise Festival, you’ll crave warm soups or a hearty meal. Restaurants along Hyangilam-ro mainly serve braised hairtail and seafood dishes, naturally fitting into your festival route.
Hyangilam-ro 70-1, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Korean restaurant near Hyangiram
Close to the festival grounds, making it a good place for a warm meal before or after sunrise.
Distance: 0.1 km
Hyangilam-ro 378, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Korean restaurant specializing in hairtail dishes
A good spot when you want to enjoy a full table of seafood such as braised hairtail.
Distance: 2.0 km
Hyangilam-ro 379-2, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Restaurant specializing in braised hairtail
An excellent choice if you want to try Yeosu-style braised hairtail along with the Hyangiram Sunrise Festival.
Distance: 2.0 km
Gyedonghaean-gil 74, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Restaurant with a seaside atmosphere
Ideal for the day after the festival, combining a drive with a meal overlooking the sea.
Distance: 7.6 km
Gyedonghaean-gil 48, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Raw fish restaurant serving fresh sashimi
A nice place to end your trip while enjoying seafood caught in the waters off Yeosu.
Distance: 7.9 km
Gyedonghaean-gil 39-5, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
A full sashimi meal with sea views
A good choice when you want a leisurely sashimi lunch after watching the sunrise.
Distance: 8.0 km
Gyedonghaean-gil 39-7, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Representative raw fish restaurant near Gyedonghaean-gil
A suitable place to enjoy fresh sashimi while looking out over the sea off Yeosu.
Distance: 8.0 km
For braised hairtail & seafood, visit with extra time in case of waits
If driving, check in advance for restaurant parking availability
Nearby Attractions
If you have time beyond the Hyangiram Sunrise Festival, consider planning a route that takes in various viewpoints and villages around Dolsan. Within a manageable distance you can alternate between sea, forest, and small harbor village scenery.
Geumseong-ri, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Viewpoint overlooking the South Sea and surrounding islands
If you stop by before or after visiting Hyangiram, you can capture sea views from different angles.
Distance: 2.6 km
Daebok-gil 160, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Forest recreation area for healing walks in the woods
A great spot to escape the year-end crowds for a while and clear your head with a quiet walk.
Distance: 4.3 km
Jukpo-ri, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Village noted for its tranquil fishing village scenery
After the Hyangiram sunrise, it’s worth a visit if you want to experience Dolsan’s everyday seaside views.
Distance: 5.4 km
Seungwol-gil 64, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Quiet village scenery blending with the sea
A pleasant stopover on a driving route for a short walk and some photos.
Distance: 5.7 km
Jukpo-ri, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Small harbor where port and sea views blend together
A good place for a brief visit if you like quiet seaside scenery.
Distance: 6.0 km
Mangwoldae-gil 26, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Spot to see Dolsan’s representative harbor scenery
You can glimpse the everyday life of boats and fishing villages and feel another side of Yeosu.
Distance: 7.4 km
Pyeongsa-ri, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Lighthouse point illuminating the South Sea
Visit at sunset or on a clear day to capture scenic photos of the lighthouse and sea.
Distance: 7.4 km
Dosil-gil 75-1, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Space where children can enjoy animal experiences
If you’re on a family trip, it’s a great place to pair with the Hyangiram Sunrise Festival to give kids unique memories.
Distance: 9.0 km
Beware of backlighting when shooting at viewpoints around sunset
Recommended to spread sea, village, and forest scenery across a day
Getting There
Public Transportation — From downtown Yeosu, take city bus no. 111 or 111-1 toward Hyangiram; during the festival these routes run more frequently. Temporary parking lots near the venue are linked with shuttle buses, so it’s easier to combine city buses and shuttles for access.
By Car — Set your navigation to “Hyangilam-ro 60, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do – Hyangiram Sunrise Park and Hyangiram Temple (Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism) area.” Nearby, temporary parking is available at Soyul New Road, Daeyul Peace Theme Village, Bangjukpo Beach, Gat-goeul Center, the Jukpo three-way intersection area, and Dadohaehaesang National Park parking lot. When lots are full, vehicle access is restricted and shuttle buses operate.
Check locations of temporary parking lots and shuttle times in advance
Arrive well before sunrise to allow time for stairway access
Closing Thoughts
Watching the sunrise that turns the sea off Dolsan a deep red on a winter dawn feels like the simplest yet deepest ritual for seeing out the old year and greeting the new. Centered on these moments of sunset and sunrise, the Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise Festival offers a time where quiet prayer and festive joy come together.
If you visit Hyangiram carrying the anticipation that arrives with the cold sea breeze, the sound of the New Year’s Eve bell and the dawn sunlight will gently embrace both the time that has passed and the time to come. May your trip become a chance to slow your steps, and quietly look into your own New Year wishes amidst the overlapping views of sky and sea, mountain and temple.
