Sokcho City to Host '2026 New Year Celebration'... Fireworks on the 31st, Sunrise Event on the 1st

Wishing for Citizens' Well-Being
with the Passion and Spirit of Challenge
Symbolized by the Year of the Red Horse

Sokcho City in Gangwon Province will host the '2026 Sokcho Citizens New Year Celebration' on December 31, starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Expo Lawn Plaza, to welcome the Year of the Red Horse (Byeongo Year). The event is expected to be a time of unity, filled with various programs wishing for the well-being of citizens and a hopeful start to the new year.

'2026 Sokcho Citizens New Year Celebration' Poster. Provided by Sokcho City

This year’s event is designed to comfort citizens and tourists who have worked hard throughout Eulsa Year, and to share the passion, challenge, and energy of change symbolized by the Year of the Red Horse through a variety of experiences, performances, and shows.

From 7:00 p.m., citizen participation booths such as tarot readings, caricatures, wish writing, family motto writing, and photo booths will be available. There will also be a range of performances, including a Zumba dance show by local Sokcho artists, popular singers, a musical gala show, busking, and a magic & juggling show.

At midnight, a countdown performance will be held with citizens to welcome the new year, followed by a spectacular fireworks display to mark the beginning of 2026. Throughout the venue, special photo zones will be set up, including illuminated sculptures celebrating the new year, and photo opportunities with the Red Horse and Jjaniraeyo mascot costumes, offering citizens and tourists memorable experiences blended with nighttime tourism.

On January 1, starting at 5:30 a.m., the '2026 Sokcho Sunrise Performance' will take place at the outdoor stages near the south and main gates of Sokcho Beach. The sunrise event will begin with a demonstration of the new media art content, 'Sea of Light, Sokcho,' and will be followed by a calligraphy performance and percussion show, adding to the inspiration of the new year’s morning.

Sokcho City has established thorough safety management measures and will strengthen on-site safety in cooperation with the police, fire department, and other relevant agencies. The city plans to deploy safety personnel, control traffic, operate heated shelters, and provide hot beverages, implementing systematic safety and convenience measures to ensure that citizens and tourists can participate in the event with peace of mind.

'2026 Sokcho Citizens New Year Celebration' Poster. Provided by Sokcho City

Lee Byeongseon, Mayor of Sokcho, stated, "Through the '2026 Sokcho Citizens New Year Celebration,' filled with the passion and energy of challenge symbolized by the Year of the Red Horse, we wish for the unity and happiness of our citizens. We will make thorough preparations so that both tourists and citizens visiting Sokcho can welcome the new year safely, comfortably, and with lasting memories."