Welcoming the Hopeful Year of the Blue Dragon with 3,000 Residents Watching the First Sunrise at Gaehwasan Peak in Banghwa 2-dong
Pre-event Performances Including Popera and Nanta Followed by Sunrise Activities Like Releasing Wish Airplanes
Safety Staff Deployed on Main Routes, Ambulance Operation, and Thorough Safety Measures with Related Agencies
Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon) will hold the ‘2024 Gaehwasan Sunrise Event’ with about 3,000 local residents to welcome the hopeful Year of the Blue Dragon on January 1, 2024, announcing a new era of ‘A Future Added Together, Gangseo Shared Together.’
Gaehwasan is a 128-meter-high mountain facing Haengjusanseong Fortress across the Han River, known as a popular sunrise spot within the city.
The event is prepared to welcome the first sunrise of the new year, Gapjin Year, with residents at the Gaehwasan Sunrise Park (summit), praying for the health and happiness of 570,000 Gangseo residents, and to mark a hopeful start for Gangseo-gu.
At 6:40 a.m. on the day, a splendid pre-event performance will take place, including poetry recitations by the Gangseo Literary Association, lively street performances by the Gangseo Gugak Association, popera by Contempodivo, and daebuk and percussion performances by Superstick.
The main event will begin with the opening declaration, followed by three rounds of ‘Daebuk Tago’ symbolizing warding off bad luck, health, and wealth, and then Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon will read his New Year’s greetings and message.
Participants will release their wish airplanes and enjoy a countdown to the sunrise at 7:47 a.m., followed by three cheers and a spectacular fireworks display. A harmonious space will also be provided for attendees to exchange New Year’s greetings and well-wishes.
Throughout the event, side activities will include ▲photo sessions with the Blue Dragon mask symbolizing the Gapjin Year ▲writing New Year wish notes ▲a wish postcard mailbox (to be delivered two months later) ▲writing New Year wish phrases and family mottos in calligraphy and brush writing ▲and traditional Yutnori fortune-telling.
Gaehwasan, where the event takes place, will also feature unique attractions such as a ‘Sky Lantern Exhibition’ illuminating the festival site and a ‘Photo Zone’ to capture New Year memories.
The district is putting full effort into preventing safety accidents, anticipating a large crowd.
A joint inspection team composed of Gangseo Fire Station, Gangseo Police Station, Korea Electrical Safety Corporation, and Korea Gas Safety Corporation will conduct a pre-check at the sunrise event site one day before the event to ensure perfect safety management.
On the event day, safety facilities will be installed along the main routes up Gaehwasan, and safety personnel will be stationed throughout the venue to maintain order.
Especially this year, two additional ambulances from the public health center and private services will operate, and the Gaehwasan 119 Safety Center will monitor the site to thoroughly prepare for fire and other safety incidents.
Moreover, the district will maintain a constant emergency contact network with Gangseo Police Station, Gangseo Fire Station, and Ewha Seoul Hospital to prevent accidents and respond swiftly if any occur.
A temporary parking lot will be set up near Bangwon Middle School close to Gaehwasan to encourage its use.
Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon said, “I hope this safe Gaehwasan Sunrise Event will be a time to make your wishes and share the energy of the Blue Dragon. I ask for your great interest and participation so that this year can be a hopeful and progressive year for our Gangseo-gu.”
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