Hanam City to Open Union Tower Observatory at 7 a.m. on January 1

Hanam City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Hyunjae) announced on December 29 that, to mark the first day of the new year in 2026 (Byeong-o Year), the Union Tower Observatory will open two hours earlier than usual, offering citizens a special opportunity to enjoy the sunrise in the heart of the city.

Union Tower Observatory. Provided by Hanam City

This early opening has been arranged so that citizens can reflect on their wishes and resolutions at the starting point of the new year and spend meaningful time together.

The early opening will take place only on January 1, 2026. On this day, the observatory, which normally opens at 9:00 a.m., will operate from 7:00 a.m. The first sunrise of the new year is expected at around 7:47 a.m.

The Hanam Union Tower Observatory, standing 105 meters tall, is a landmark observation spot in Hanam with a 360-degree panoramic view, allowing visitors to take in the scenic beauty of the Han River, Geomdansan, Yebongsan, and other surrounding landscapes at a glance. With the early opening, citizens are expected to be able to watch the first sunrise of the year rising over the ridge of Geomdansan from the observatory.

On the day of the event, entry to the observatory will be limited to a total of 200 people. Numbered tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the first-floor lobby to ensure orderly entry. The city plans to minimize congestion and maintain a safe viewing environment by separating elevator routes and deploying staff for on-site guidance.

Prior to the event, the city will conduct a safety inspection and will ensure thorough operations by deploying safety personnel, controlling the number of entrants, and activating emergency response systems so that citizens can enjoy the sunrise without inconvenience.

A city official stated, "We hope that watching the first sunrise of 2026 will be a time for all citizens to embark on a hopeful new beginning," adding, "We will continue to operate the Union Tower Observatory as a space that shares meaningful moments in the daily lives of our citizens."

Meanwhile, the Hanam Union Tower Observatory is an open observation space accessible to citizens and visitors throughout the year, and the city plans to continue offering various citizen-oriented programs tailored to different seasons and occasions.