The Thrill of a Winter Dawn Sunrise at Ganjeolgot, Ulju: New Year’s First Light Trip
Introduction
On a winter dawn when your breath scatters white in the air, just picturing the horizon over the sea slowly turning red brightens your heart first. The first light you greet at Ganjeolgot, where the end and the beginning of the year meet, feels like a warm promise that helps you gently let go of the past and quietly welcome the days to come.
The Thrill of a Winter Dawn Sunrise at Ganjeolgot, Ulju: New Year’s First Light Trip
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Impressions (Planned Visit)
- Accommodation
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Event Name : Ulju Ganjeolgot Sunrise
- Dates : 2025-12-31 ~ 2026-01-01
- Operating Hours : 10:00–10:00 (24 hours)
- Venue : Ganjeolgot, Daesong-ri, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
- Admission : Free
- Hosted/Organized by : Ulju Cultural Foundation, Ulsan MBC
- Inquiries : 052-980-2232
- Official Website : www.ucf.or.kr
- Address Info : Ganjeolgot Park and surrounding area, Ganjeolgothaean-gil, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
- 18:00 Arrive at Ganjeolgot Park and stroll through the nightscape exhibition and the Ulju Public Art Project “Ganjeolgot: Secret Garden” to soak up the atmosphere.
- 20:00 Grab a simple dinner at food trucks and food stalls, then enjoy wish-tree decorating, calligraphy, and more at the experience booths.
- 22:00 Find a spot around the main stage where the New Year’s Eve concert is held, watch the performances, and reflect on the past year.
- 00:00 Join the countdown and enjoy the sunset–New Year performance, drone light show, and fireworks display as you welcome the start of the new year together.
- 06:30 Move to the area where the sunrise performance, wish interviews, and pre-ceremony performances are held and wait for the sunrise.
- 07:31 Watch the first sun that rises over Ganjeolgot, one of the earliest spots to see sunrise on the Korean Peninsula, then warm up with a shared bowl of New Year’s tteokguk and take the shuttle bus back at a relaxed pace.
It’s more convenient to prioritize using external temporary parking lots and shuttle buses over parking inside the event venue.
The Ulju Ganjeolgot Sunrise event is a signature New Year’s sunrise celebration held at Ganjeolgot, one of the first places on the Korean Peninsula to see the sun rise. It takes place every year from December 31 to January 1 at Ganjeolgot Park in Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, and is loved as a time to share New Year’s wishes while watching the horizon fill with the rising sun.
The 2025 festival will kick off on December 31 with a year-end concert and sunset performance, followed by a fireworks show and drone show at dawn on January 1, sunrise performances, wish interviews, and various other performances and hands-on programs. Nightscape installations, the Ulju Public Art Project, tteokguk sharing, food trucks, and experience booths will all come together to create a warm, heartwarming time even in the chilly air of the winter sea.
Program Information
On the night of December 31, a New Year’s Eve concert featuring performances by popular singers will fill the final night of the year. It’s a great time to look back on the year gone by and get ready to welcome the new one with music.
At dawn on January 1, sunrise performances, wish interviews, and pre-ceremony shows will be held in time with the sunrise. With the first sun of the year rising over the horizon at Ganjeolgot as a backdrop, this moment offers a meaningful chance to reaffirm your resolutions.
A drone light show, where countless drones paint pictures across the night sky, and a celebratory fireworks display will gorgeously mark the start of the new year. The interplay of lights with the sound of the waves makes Ganjeolgot’s winter night feel truly special.
The Ulju Public Art Project “Ganjeolgot: Secret Garden,” along with nightscape installations, media art, and LED lighting, will be set up around the venue. Gentle light will spread over the dark shoreline, making even a simple walk feel like a unique visual art experience.
Various experience booths such as wish trees, calligraphy, tarot readings, and a retro arcade will be in operation. Write down your New Year’s wishes or enjoy lighthearted games and create memories with family, partners, and friends.
Warm New Year’s tteokguk (rice cake soup) will be shared at the venue. In the cold early morning air, a spoonful of hot broth will warm your body as you share blessings for the year ahead.
The Ulju Promotion Hall, booths selling local agricultural specialties, and a variety of food trucks will be available, allowing you to enjoy local flavors and stories. There’s a wide range of choices from light snacks to hearty meals.
Shuttle buses and return buses operating between the venue and external temporary parking lots are planned. As large crowds are expected, using public transport and shuttles will make getting around more comfortable.
The sunrise time on January 1 is expected to be 7:31 a.m., so to watch comfortably, it’s best to arrive by at least 6:00 a.m. Factoring in both parking and walking time when planning will make things easier.
The perceived temperature at the seaside in the early winter morning is especially low, so bring a thick coat, windproof outerwear, gloves, a hat, and a scarf. Considering that you’ll be outside for an extended time, hand warmers and similar items are also very helpful.
Parking inside the venue is limited, so it’s easier to use external temporary parking lots along with shuttle and return buses. As heavy traffic is expected when people head home, check the shuttle operating times and stops in advance.
For the drone and fireworks shows, it’s best to grab a place in advance with a good view of both the beach and the stage.
Experience booths and tteokguk sharing can draw long lines, so going a bit earlier is usually more convenient.
Impressions (Planned Visit)
Today is December 29, 2025, and since the Ulju Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival will be held from December 31, 2025 to January 1, 2026, I haven’t attended yet and will be visiting soon. With the festival just around the corner, my heart is full of excited anticipation. According to the latest information, this year’s Ganjeolgot Sunrise will be held under the theme “Ganjeolgot, Opening the First Morning of the Korean Peninsula.” It starts with a New Year’s Eve concert and sunset performance, followed by a drone light show and celebratory fireworks at dawn on January 1. Just imagining the light and sound spreading over the dark sea is enough to make my heart race.
I’m especially looking forward to how rich the moment of sunrise will feel, with sunrise performances, wish interviews, and pre-ceremony shows planned. With the nightscape exhibition “Ganjeolgot Secret Garden,” the Ulju Public Art Project, LED lighting, and media art set up around the venue, I can already picture the soft glow settling over the night sea. Warm touches like food trucks, experience booths, and tteokguk sharing will also be there, so I’m excited by the thought that the cold early morning air won’t be only about the chill, but also about the warmth of people and their presence by my side.
Both internal and external temporary parking lots are being prepared, and there are plans for shuttle and return buses. As a large number of visitors is expected, it feels wise to plan transportation and accommodation in advance. To make sure I don’t miss that brilliant, unforgettable moment when I actually experience the sunrise, it seems best to start getting ready from early dawn. Thinking about the new year I’ll soon welcome at Ganjeolgot—the drone lights and fireworks spreading between the sound of the waves, and the smell of tteokguk drifting in the morning air—my heart beats faster. Just knowing that the time to stand together under the first sunlight of the year and share a hopeful moment is not far off makes this winter feel a little warmer.
Accommodation
If you choose and book your accommodation for the night before the sunrise in advance, you can reduce the burden of traveling in the very early hours. Here are some conveniently located places around Ganjeolgot, nearby Jinha Beach, and along Haemajiro.
31-1, Ganjeolgot 1-gil, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A small lodging close to Ganjeolgot, making it very convenient for the sunrise.
It’s a good idea to check your walking route for the early morning in advance.
Distance: 0.3 km
11, Kkaemok 2-gil, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A good choice if you’re driving, located midway between Ganjeolgot and Jinha Beach.
If you’re coming by car, it’s reassuring to confirm parking availability in advance.
Distance: 3.0 km
74, Jinha-haebyeon-gil, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
Accommodation where you can enjoy a sea view right in front of Jinha Beach.
Perfect for a schedule that includes a beach walk followed by a short drive to Ganjeolgot.
Distance: 3.1 km
34, Jinha-haebyeon-gil, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
Located near Jinha Beach, ideal for staying close to the sea.
During peak season, rooms can sell out quickly, so advance booking is recommended.
Distance: 3.4 km
Choose accommodation with both travel time and parking routes to Ganjeolgot in mind for greater convenience.
Restaurants & Cafés
A warm meal before or after the sunrise makes it much easier to bear the cold early morning. The restaurants along Ganjeolgothaean-gil, nearby Haemajiro, and Sinamhaean-gil are especially convenient to explore.
246, Ganjeolgothaean-gil, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A spot where you can enjoy both tourist conveniences and meals near Ganjeolgot.
Easy to include in your route before or after your sunrise schedule.
Distance: 0.7 km
83, Ganjeolgothaean-gil, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A sashimi restaurant where you can enjoy fresh fish with seaside views.
A nice place to stop for a leisurely lunch after greeting the New Year’s sunrise.
Distance: 0.8 km
924, Haemajiro, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A barbecue restaurant ideal for enjoying grilled meat.
Convenient to visit by car in line with your evening schedule.
Distance: 3.2 km
13, Sinamhaean-gil, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A seaside sashimi restaurant where you can dine with sea views.
Great to combine with a scenic drive around the Ganjeolgot area.
Distance: 3.8 km
11, Sinamhaean-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A place where you can enjoy dishes that pair well with coastal scenery.
Worth considering as a relaxed brunch spot after the sunrise.
Distance: 3.8 km
102, Sinri-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A café-style space perfect for enjoying coffee with sea views.
Ideal for a short break with a warm drink after the sunrise.
Distance: 4.0 km
Mapo Myeonok, 10-36, Wollae 2-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan
A good place near Gijang for warm, comforting soup-based dishes.
Easy to add to your route when heading toward Gijang before or after visiting Ganjeolgot.
Distance: 8.1 km
270, Haemajiro, Jangan-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
Known for warm meals centered on seafood kalguksu (noodle soup).
A great option when you want to warm up after a cold early morning.
Distance: 9.3 km
If you move a little later instead of immediately after the sunrise, it’s easier to avoid queues at restaurants.
Nearby Attractions
If you pair the Ganjeolgot sunrise with light visits to nearby spots like Jinha Beach, Myeongseon-do, and Gangyang Port, your day will feel even fuller. Distances are relatively short, so it’s easy to visit them in a loop without overexerting yourself.
Daesong-ri, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A symbolic Ganjeolgot spot perfect for sending your New Year’s wishes on a postcard.
Drop by before or after the sunrise and leave a New Year’s postcard.
Distance: 0.1 km
Jinha-ri, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A beach with a gentle shoreline, ideal for a quiet stroll.
A short drive away, perfect for leisurely enjoying sea views.
Distance: 2.1 km
Jinha-ri, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A striking photo spot featuring an island floating on the sea.
On clear days, it’s great for both photography and a short walk.
Distance: 3.1 km
123, Gangyang-gil, Onsan-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A harbor where you can enjoy views of fishing boats and breakwaters.
A nice stop on a leisurely drive after the sunrise.
Distance: 3.8 km
Yong-ri, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A gentle mountain, perfect for feeling close to nature on a light hike.
A good option when you want to enjoy both light trekking and a drive.
Distance: 4.4 km
Hwasan-ri, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A reservoir where calm waters blend with the surrounding scenery.
Best for a quiet time after a short drive.
Distance: 7.8 km
10, Daeryong 1-gil, Jangan-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
A quiet village where you can take a slow, relaxing walk.
Nice to add when your route takes you in the direction of Gijang.
Distance: 8.8 km
4, Deoknam-ro, Onsan-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
A small park that’s perfect for a short rest.
A good place to pause and catch your breath while moving through nearby areas.
Distance: 9.4 km
If you plan to take photos, bringing gloves and spare batteries will be helpful.
Getting There
Public Transportation — From Ulsan Station toward Ganjeolgot, you can take bus No. 5004 or travel by car or taxi. If using the bus, it’s a good idea to check transfers and timetables in advance.
By Car — You can access the Ganjeolgot Park area via Ganjeolgothaean-gil in Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan. During the festival, in addition to the internal Ganjeolgot parking area, six external temporary parking lots and five café parking lots open to visitors will be available, and shuttle and return buses will connect the venue with these temporary parking areas.
Once you arrive, check the locations of temporary parking lots and shuttle boarding points in advance to keep things relaxed.
Closing
Sharing the sight of the first light of the new year slowly spreading over the winter sea feels like the simplest yet deepest ritual for closing one year and welcoming the next. The Ulju Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival is a place where you can watch one of the earliest sunrises on the Korean Peninsula and quietly revisit your wishes within a time woven from music, fireworks, drone shows, and art exhibitions.
In this place where cold early-morning air, the sound of waves, a warm bowl of tteokguk, and people’s laughter all blend together, you might like to slow your steps and adjust the pace of your heart. Just bring your excitement for the sunrise—leave the rest to unfold slowly on site.
