[Photo] Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo District, Completes 2023 New Year's Sunrise Event

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, Completes First Sunrise Event of the Year at Haneul Park

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Gang-su) successfully held the ‘2023 Haneul Park Sunrise Event’ at Haneul Park, one of Seoul’s representative sunrise viewing spots, to welcome the Year of the Rabbit, 2023, the Year of the Black Rabbit.

The event, held from 7 a.m. on January 1, 2023, attracted about 20,000 visitors, including residents, who gathered in small groups at Haneul Park to watch the first sunrise of the new year and share hopes for the year ahead.

Since this was the first event of 2023 under the newly inaugurated 8th local government administration and the first sunrise event in three years following social distancing measures, the district made thorough preparations to ensure that visitors could enjoy the sunrise safely and joyfully.

The event featured activities such as the ‘New Year Wish Tree,’ where residents wrote their wishes and hung them on a wish tree to pray for the new year, the raising of ‘Light Balloons’ displaying hopeful messages in the sky, and performances including traditional drum playing and opera, delighting the eyes and ears of visitors to Haneul Park.

In particular, Mayor Park Gang-su and Mapo-gu staff respectfully bowed deeply to residents and visitors attending the sunrise event, praying for their well-being and health, and pledged to improve resident welfare and create a safer Mapo, drawing attention.

Additionally, since the event took place early in the winter morning, the district deployed a total of 320 safety personnel, including 110 police officers and 165 district officials, at hazardous spots throughout Haneul Park to prevent accidents. Fire trucks and ambulances were also kept on standby to respond promptly to any fire or emergency incidents, emphasizing safety.

Mayor Park Gang-su, who attended the sunrise event, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you to the residents who braved the cold to come to Haneul Park and participate in the sunrise event." He added, "In 2023, the Year of the Black Rabbit, I hope all Mapo residents will be healthy and happy, and that all their dreams will come true," conveying his heartfelt wishes to the community.

Ryu Gyeong-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, Holds ‘2023 Jungnang Sunrise Event’ at Bonghwasan Summit

Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi) held the ‘2023 Jungnang Sunrise Event’ at the summit of Bonghwasan at 7 a.m. on January 1, marking a hopeful start to the Year of the Black Rabbit, 2023.

The event began with congratulatory performances of opera and folk songs attended by about 300 people, including Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi and Jungnang residents. The program continued with a “Manse” cheer (three cheers for long life) and other performances praying for the health and happiness of the residents throughout the year.

Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi said, “I am glad to be able to celebrate the sunrise with residents after three years. It is especially meaningful that everyone, including the elderly, children, and people with disabilities, could comfortably reach the summit together via the accessible path.” He added, “I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2023, the Year of the Black Rabbit. In the new year, I will work even harder on the ground to help Jungnang-gu bloom with happiness.”

Jung Moon-heon, Mayor of Jongno-gu, Hosts ‘22nd Jongno-gu Inwangsan Sunrise Festival’ at Cheongun Park at 6:30 a.m. on January 1

Jongno-gu (Mayor Jung Moon-heon) welcomed the Year of the Black Rabbit by holding the ‘22nd Jongno-gu Inwangsan Sunrise Festival’ at Cheongun Park at 6:30 a.m. on January 1.

The event began with a traditional folk band parade at Cheongun Park, followed by congratulatory performances including Nanta drumming and opera, an opening declaration, greetings, sunrise viewing, and a “Manse” cheer. From 8 a.m., participants moved to the Blue House Fountain Plaza to perform a large drum beating ceremony. (Photo)

Mayor Jung Moon-heon stated, “It was a special moment to share the heartfelt experience of watching the first sunrise of the new year after a challenging 2022.” He added, “In 2023, I will devote all my efforts to continuously communicating with residents and making Jongno a ‘cradle of future culture and a model for the world.’”