"Snowfall and Traffic Jams Expected... How About Enjoying Year-End and New Year Holidays Near Seoul?"

Seoul Tourism Foundation Recommends Sunrise, Sunset, and Outing Spots
CJ Foodville Hosts New Year Event at N Seoul Tower
Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Countdown Event

The year of the Black Rabbit is coming to an end, and the new year of Gapjin, imbued with the energy of the Blue Dragon, is just around the corner. This year, most regions across the country are expected to experience snow or rain toward the end of the year. Due to the cloudy weather, it is anticipated that watching the sunset will be difficult. For those who find it hard to travel far to the seaside or famous tourist spots, or who prefer to quietly feel the New Year's atmosphere nearby, we introduce nearby outing spots around Seoul and events prepared by the distribution industry.

On the 30th, the Seoul Tourism Foundation categorized places with dragon (龍)-related names into three themes: sunrise, sunset, and outings, guiding them as spots where one can receive the dragon's energy. For sunrise, Yongmasan and Yongwangsan were recommended; for sunset, Yongyangbongjeojeong; and for outings, Yongridan-gil and Sharosugil.

Sunrise viewed from the observatory near the summit of Yongmasan in Jungnang-gu, Seoul
[Photo by Seoul Tourism Organization]

Sunrise Spots: Yongmasan and Yongwangsan

Yongmasan, located in Jungnang-gu, Seoul, is a place where you can enjoy the scenery of Seoul. The dazzling cityscape of downtown Seoul stretches along the Han River, and Bukhansan Mountain extends like a fortress wall, embracing Seoul, creating a magnificent view. The fastest route to the summit of Yongmasan starts from Ppeongtwigi Park. Climbing the stairs up the mountain leads to the octagonal pavilion. While the view from the pavilion is beautiful, the Seoul Tourism Foundation explains that the best view for watching the sunrise is from the deck observatory located just below the summit, past the pavilion.

Yongwangsan is a representative sunrise spot in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Every year on January 1st at 6 a.m., a sunrise festival is held to pray for New Year's wishes. Before the sun rises, wish-writing and a traditional folk music parade take place at Yongwangsan Neighborhood Park, and at Yongwangjeong pavilion on the summit, participants greet the first sunrise with cheers and release wish balloons to welcome the first morning of the new year. This mountain has an elevation of 78 meters, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit starting from Yeomchang Station.

Sunset viewed from Yongyang Bongjeojeong Park in Dongjak-gu, Seoul
[Photo by Seoul Tourism Foundation]

Sunset Spot: Yongyangbongjeojeong

Yongyangbongjeojeong in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, is named because the view from here shows high mountain peaks to the north, the Han River flowing in from the east, resembling a dragon raising its head and soaring, and a phoenix taking flight. Upon reaching the Yongyangbongjeojeong observatory, you can see the Hangang Bridge and Nodeul Island. Turning your gaze to the left reveals the 63 Building and the Yeouido area. The night view is perfect, illuminated by the lights from the high-rise buildings covering Yongsan and Yeouido.

Outing Spots: Yongridan-gil and Sharosugil

Yongridan-gil in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, refers to the alleyway stretching from Sinyongsan Station to Samgakji Station. Each alley is lined with unique restaurants and cafes, making it popular especially among the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z). Sharosugil near Cheongryongsan in Gwanak-gu is also drawing attention as an outing spot. It is the alley area extending from Exit 2 of Seoul National University Station toward Nakseongdae Station, combining the 'Sha' sculpture, a symbol of Seoul National University, and the tree-lined street, hence called Sharosugil. Cheongryongsan is a low mountain with an elevation of 159 meters, and among Seoul’s hiking trails, it is considered easy, making it ideal for a light walk.

Lotte World Tower Observatory Seoul Sky's 123 Lounge
[Photo by Lotte World]

Year-End and New Year Events at Namsan and Jamsil

At N Seoul Tower, operated by CJ Foodville, year-end and New Year promotions are being offered. On the 31st, a 'Countdown Party Pass' will be available at the N Seoul Tower observatory, allowing visitors to enjoy the New Year's countdown. The pass includes both seated and standing areas. The event runs from 11 p.m. on the 31st until 1 a.m. on January 1st of the following year. A special 'Wish Mailbox' will also be operated, where visitors can write their New Year's resolutions and plans on wish postcards and place them in the mailbox located in the plaza to receive them after March next year.

The N Seoul Tower observatory will open earlier at 6 a.m. on January 1st to welcome sunrise visitors. The Korean dining restaurant 'Hankook,' located on the observatory floor, will offer a limited New Year's breakfast menu called 'Five-colored Rice Cake Dumpling Soup Set' at 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for customers coming to watch the sunrise.

Additionally, at the Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky observatory in Songpa-gu, Seoul, a 'Countdown' event will be held on the 31st. It is an opportunity to welcome the New Year while enjoying the Seoul skyline from 500 meters above ground. On January 1st, an 'Sunrise Package' is scheduled, allowing visitors to watch the sunrise from the observatory.