At Cheonseongdae in Wonhyobong, Cheonseongsan Mountain,
Over 2,000 Citizens Gather to Make New Year’s Wishes
Cheonseongsan Mountain, known for offering the earliest sunrise on the Korean Peninsula, once again ushered in the New Year.
On January 1, 2026, the first day of the Byeongo Year, Yangsan City in South Gyeongsang Province held the 'Cheonseongsan Sunrise Event' at Cheonseongdae in Wonhyobong, Cheonseongsan Mountain, where the sunrise can be seen first on the Korean Peninsula. The event was a great success.
Hosted and organized by the Yangsan Magnolia Lions Club, the event drew a crowd of over 2,000 sunrise seekers from across the country, filling the Wonhyobong area of Cheonseongsan Mountain despite the subzero temperatures.
The pre-ceremony stage featured a Buddhist dance performance symbolizing the casting off of past worries and a drum performance wishing for good fortune in the New Year. Afterwards, Park Wansu, Governor of South Gyeongsang Province; Na Dongyeon, Mayor of Yangsan; Yoon Youngseok, National Assemblyman; Kim Taeho, National Assemblyman; Kwak Jongpo, Chairman of the City Council; and Kim Namjin, Lions Club Region 3 Chairman, each delivered New Year's greetings in turn.
Inside the heated tents set up to help citizens stay warm while waiting for the sunrise, fishcake soup and hot drinks were served. A variety of programs were offered, including writing New Year wishes, a photo zone featuring a red sculpture and sunrise viewing points, and more.
Anticipating a large turnout, Yangsan City established a close cooperation system with relevant agencies and deployed safety personnel throughout the hiking trails and event venue, successfully concluding the event without a single safety incident. In particular, the city minimized transportation inconveniences for visitors by increasing shuttle bus operations and securing temporary parking lots.
Governor Park Wansu stated, "I am confident that 2026 will be a year in which South Gyeongsang Province rises vigorously together with its 3.3 million residents. I will do my utmost to ensure that the provincial government works diligently for the people, and I ask all residents to join their strength with ours."
Mayor Na Dongyeon said, "Cheonseongsan Mountain is a sacred place of hope, where the first sunrise of the New Year greets the Korean Peninsula. Just as the sunlight of Cheonseongsan spreads hope, I wish for the lives of our citizens to shine brighter than ever. This year marks the meaningful 30th anniversary of Yangsan’s elevation to city status and will be an important starting point for the next 100 years. We will ensure the continuity of our city administration without interruption and faithfully fulfill our promises to citizens throughout 2026."
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