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Haedoji: The Korean New Year’s Tradition of Catching the First Sunrise: Learn From a Local Guide!

Welcoming the New Day, New Year, and New Beginnings with a moment of tranquil reflection and hope. Let's check why you should experience this traditional event next year!


Image: First Sun rise of the year - Photo: Google Images
Image: First Sun rise of the year - Photo: Google Images

New Year's Day means different things for different people in different countries. You may have noticed, if you have visited or been living in Korea, that many Koreans enjoy waking up early, or staying up all night, to welcome in the first sunrise of the year with their friends and family. In this article, the Dojeon team will dive deeper and find out more about this tradition, what it means, and where you can enjoy it!


What is Haedoji?


Haedoji means the "rise of the sun", which refers to the popular Korean custom of gathering to watch the very first sunrise of  New Year's day. Actually, this annual event is deeply symbolic for many Koreans, as it represents a fresh start and a renewed hope for the start of the New Year


Prime Haedoji Locations for the First Sunrise


The most recognized Haedoji spots are concentrated along Korea's East Coast, where the sun rises first. Jeongdongjin is celebrated for its iconic beachside train station and the massive Sandglass Park ceremony, and this is one of the more famous locations to visit, so please prepare for the large crowds.



If you head further south,  Homigot Sunrise Square in Pohang is instantly identifiable by the striking "Hand of Harmony" sculpture rising from the sea, and is a location which is easily accessible from Daegu. This area has a lot of places to park, which makes it easily accessible.


In the major port city of Busan,  Gwangalli Beach is a popular spot for viewing the sunrise framed by the magnificent Gwangan Bridge. Since it's a tourist destination for the New Year's Eve light show, this is one of the prime spots to enjoy the New Year's Eve sunrise


A Communal Celebration


Watching the Haedoji is often a communal celebration, bringing together families and friends who share warm drinks and food while waiting in the cold. Lewis Hooper from the Dojeon Media Team has witnessed firsthand the amount of people who gather very early in the morning on the first day of the New Year in order to watch the beautiful sunrise along Gwangalli Beach in Busan, which to him felt like a surprise as so many people were awake so early.


Incredibly, this shared moment strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories as everyone welcomes the new year together, and is one that we would like to try next year if we have the chance



Final thoughts


Welcoming in the first sunrise of the New Year sounds like the perfect memory and experience! For the Dojeon team, the first sunrise means new hope and prosperity for another year. What does the first sunrise mean to you?!


How do you like to spend New Year's Day? Let the Dojeon team know!


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