[Report] "Let’s Embrace the Spirit of the Red Horse"... Welcoming the Year of Byeong-o atop Mudeungsan Despite the Bitter Cold

A Pre-dawn Climb at Minus 6 Degrees, Guided by Headlamp Beams
Citizens Await the First Sunrise of the Year: "Wishing for a Year Where Everyone Thrives"

At 5 a.m. on January 1, the first day of the year of Byeong-o, the entrance to Wonhyo Temple on Mudeungsan Mountain was already crowded with people, despite the biting cold of minus 6 degrees Celsius. As the mountain opened at 4 a.m., hikers flocked toward Jeungsimsa and Wonhyo Temple, and the parking lot quickly filled to capacity. When no more cars could enter, some parked along the roadside and headed into the dark mountain paths, relying on the light of their headlamps. Although few words were spoken, the sound of footsteps alone conveyed the special atmosphere of New Year's Day.

Hikers lined up along the Seoseokdae Ridge facing the direction of the rising sun. Photo by Song Bohyun

On the uphill path leading to Seoseokdae, a fierce wind blew directly into the hikers. Dressed in thick padded jackets, neck warmers, gloves, and armed with heat packs, they walked silently. With some sections frozen over, crampons and trekking poles were essential, and many people shone their lights on the feet of those ahead or matched their pace. Brief words like "Be careful" and "We're almost there" were scattered along the ascent. While some paused briefly to catch their breath, few turned back.

Three young women, all twenty years old, walked side by side. One, who came with her friends, said, "I want to spend my one and only twentieth year in a way that truly fits being twenty. It's cold and tough, and sometimes I want to stop, but we plan to go all the way at our own pace." Another, nodding beside her, added, "I hope this start stays with me throughout the year."

Visitors watching the sunrise at Seoseokdae, Mudeungsan. Photo by Song Bohyun

A father, accompanied by his three children in second and fifth grade of elementary school and first grade of middle school, laughed as he said, "It was tough convincing them to come see the sunrise." Still, he added, "I hope this year we strengthen our bonds and stay healthy," as he adjusted their collars. Despite the harsh cold, the family kept a steady pace.

Upon reaching Seoseokdae, the eastern sky gradually began to open. As the red light spread, people took out their phones or closed their eyes for a moment. A couple in their sixties, who had come from Jinwol-dong in Nam-gu, gazed at the sun with their hands clasped and said, "Health is the most important thing." They added, "Last year saw many events, from the president's impeachment to the inauguration of a new government. We hope this year will not be about winners and losers, but about building a solid foundation where everyone can thrive."

Long icicles hung from the cliffs along the trail. Some people stopped to take photos, while others moved carefully, shortening their steps on the icy sections. Some poured hot water from thermoses to eat cup noodles for breakfast. Saying, "Food tastes best on the mountain," they finished their steaming meals and continued toward Seoseokdae.

Icicles formed on the cliff of the Seoseokdae Direction Trail. Citizens stopping in the cold to take photos. Photo by Song Bohyun

Across Gwangju, sunrise celebrations and rice cake soup sharing events continued throughout the day. Similar gatherings were held at the Neoritjae Sports Rest Area in Dong-gu, the Geumdangsan Artificial Waterfall Square in Seo-gu, Wolsan Neighborhood Park in Nam-gu, in front of the Mudeungsan Wonhyo Branch Office in Buk-gu, and at Eodeungsan in Gwangsan-gu. On the way down, people hunched their bodies and adjusted their pace slowly. Although the sun was already high in the sky, some still looked back toward Seoseokdae, holding its light in their eyes.

Mudeungsan on New Year's Day was both quiet and bustling. Some people organized their resolutions with every step, while others warmed their hands in the wind and patted each other's shoulders. Having endured the subzero dawn and climbed the mountain, everyone was marking their own new beginning.