The red-colour area is where Gangwondo Province is located. (Image Source: Wikipedia)
Gangwondo (강원도) is a very beautiful province with so many attractions that we can visit. The area is blessed with beautiful mountains (Seoraksan & Taebaeksan), clean beaches (Jeongdongjin Beach) and Ski resorts (the 2018 winter Olympics is scheduled to take place in Pyeongchang). (Information Souce: Visit Korea)
What I love most about the province is that they have the most beautiful sunrise you will witness from the East Sea. With the year 2014 almost coming to an end, we can look forward to greeting the first sunrise of the new year. On 1st January of each year, despite the freezing temperatures, Koreans will flock to the seaside to welcome the first sunrise of the new year. It is a Korean custom to make a wish while watching the first sunrise of the year, and hope it will come true.
The first destination I would recommend is JEONGDONGJIN BEACH (정동진해변). This is my favourite and the most famous place to watch the sunrise. The early morning sun rising over the ocean and outlining the train station and surrounding pines is a sight that has been described as “straight out of a fairy tale”. Apart from the sunrise, the ceremonial “turning of the hourglass” located at the beach is symbolic to signify the changing year. As the Jeongdongjin railway station is located just right next to the beach making it very convenient for travel.
Taking the overnight night train bound for Jeongdongjin. It takes approximately about 6 hours. We left at 11pm and arrived around 4am.
We regretted immediately upon arriving at the station, because it was SOooooooo COLD!!
The sun finally creeping out from the horizon. The ship in the background is a popular tourist attraction. Don’t forget to visit there when you are in this town.
Large Waves that resembles that of a Tsunami
The breathtaking sunrise. I didn’t go on new year’s day and look at how crowded the beach is already. This goes to show the beach popularity for sunrise watching.
Of all the train stations I have been to, this is my favourite. Probably because of its location close to the sea.
Next on my favourite list is NAKSAN BEACH (낙산해변). Located in Yang Yang (which means where the sun rises) county, the beach is a famous tourist attraction for travellers and tourists because of its clean sand beach, low water depth, various convenient facilities, thick pine forests and the numerous temples and remains located in the vicinity. (Information Source: Yang Yang County). Making a wish on the New Year’s sunrise at Naksan, will give you a plentiful and prosperous year ahead.
Sun slowly creeping out from the far horizon.
Naksan Temple, located along the coast.
This “fishy” bells can be seen hung around the temple
Beautiful Sunrise
Now that you have read my introduction of sunrises on Jeongdongjin beach and Naksan beach, it is time for you to visit them this New year and make a wish! Just take note that there will be a lot of people on those beaches too. On a happier note, the more people there are squeezing around you, the warmer you will feel!! ;P
GRACING KOREA 