Enjoy Sunrise and Sunset at Yeongsangang River and City Observatories
New Year's Sunrise and Rice Cake Soup Sharing Events on January 1
ACC and Gwangju Songjeong Station: Year-End and New Year Photo Hotspots
Gwangju City has introduced local sunrise and sunset spots, as well as New Year's sunrise events, for citizens and tourists ahead of the 2026 Byeongo Year. These locations, centered around Mudeungsan, the Yeongsangang River area, city observatories, and cultural spaces, allow visitors to enjoy both the first hike and sunset of the new year on the same day.
On December 24, Gwangju City recommended Seochang Emotional Observatory, Mudeungsan National Park, Geumdangsan, Sajik Park Observation Tower, National Asia Culture Center (ACC), and Gwangju Songjeong Station as the city’s top attractions for the New Year.
Yeongsangang River Sunset Spot: Seochang Emotional Observatory
Seochang Emotional Observatory, located near Seochang Port in Seo-gu, has recently gained attention as a sunset destination where visitors can enjoy views of the Yeongsangang River, silver grass, and the setting sun. The two-story observation deck is known as a photo hotspot, attracting couples and families alike.
The Most Crowded New Year's Sunrise: Mudeungsan
Mudeungsan National Park is the most popular destination among citizens on New Year's Day. The sunrise seen from Seoseokdae and Ipseokdae at an elevation of 1,187 meters is considered an iconic scene marking the start of each new year. Entry is permitted from 4 a.m., and various hiking trails such as Jungmeorijae, Jangbuljae, and Seoseokdae are open. Gwangju City plans to strengthen visitor safety management and trail inspections, focusing on the Wonhyo Temple and Jeungsim Temple areas.
New Year's Sunrise and Rice Cake Soup Sharing Events Across Gwangju
On January 1, New Year's sunrise and rice cake soup sharing events will be held throughout Gwangju. Celebrations will take place at locations such as the Neoritjae Sports Rest Area in Dong-gu, the artificial waterfall plaza on Geumdangsan in Seo-gu, Wolsan Neighborhood Park in Nam-gu, in front of the Mudeungsan Wonhyo Branch Office in Buk-gu, and Eodeungsan in Gwangsan-gu.
Sunrise and Sunset Viewing Spots Popular on Social Media
Photo spots for the year-end and New Year are also drawing attention. At Gwangju Songjeong Station Square, the "Most Beautiful Station Festival in December" is being held, with landscape lighting operating until mid-January next year. At the National Asia Culture Center, a large photo zone featuring the phrase "HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2026" has been set up, accompanied by year-end lighting displays. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of ACC’s opening, a large character photo zone has also been installed in the lobby of the Asia Culture Museum.
The Eodeungsan Observatory, the riverside park at the confluence of the Yeongsangang and Hwangnyonggang Rivers near Sandonggyo Bridge, and certain sections of the Pureungil Park have become popular sunrise and sunset viewing spots on social networking services (SNS). The Eodeungsan Observatory is known as an "easily accessible sunrise spot" due to its gentle hiking trail, while the Sajik Park Observation Tower is recognized as a place to enjoy both city night views and sunsets.
Gwangju City has advised visitors to check weather conditions in advance when viewing the sunrise or sunset, wear warm clothing, use designated trails, and follow safety guidelines. Special caution is urged for personal safety during early morning and nighttime hikes.
Lee Seungkyu, Director of the New Vitality Promotion Headquarters of Gwangju City, said, "I hope the Byeongo Year brings a dynamic and hopeful year to all citizens," adding, "We look forward to Gwangju’s sunrise and sunset spots becoming places of relaxation in everyday life."
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