Top 10 things to do in South Korea on New Year’s Eve

South Korea, a perfect combination of the old and the new world, is one of the most suitable places to welcome the New Year. The beautiful cities of South Korea turn into the beautiful places of celebration on the New Year’s Eve with its temples and beautiful landscapes. From the most famous countdown celebrations in Seoul to the stunning sunrise ceremonies on Jeju Island, the country has something for everyone. If it’s fun and excitement that you’re after, or quiet and contemplation, New Year’s Eve in South Korea is sure to deliver.

In South Korea, one of the most fascinating things about New Year’s Eve is that it is a blend of the old and the new. With bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Pavilion to the firework show at Lotte World Tower, South Korea knows how to party. South Korea also has less raucous ways of celebrating the holiday, like temple stays or watching the first sunrise of the year, which are very traditional in Korea. Due to these activities, it is a perfect place for people who want to find a purpose of starting the New Year.

If you are to be part of the magic of New Year’s Eve in South Korea, make sure that you have set your travel plans including how to get a South Korea Visa. Holidays are always busy, and so it is always wise to begin preparations early to help one enjoy the festivities. Thanks to inviting people, scrumptious cuisine, and vibrant festivities, South Korea is packed with innumerable fun activities to engage in, so it’s a wonderful destination to celebrate the New Year.

Below are ten things to do in South Korea on New Year’s Eve to ensure you have the best time in the country

1. Bosingak Bell Pavilion Countdown

One of the most famous New Year’s Eve celebrations in South Korea takes place at Bosingak Bell Pavilion located in Jongno area, which is historic part of Seoul. Each year, the clock chimes the New Year as the bell goes on to toll 33 times at the stroke of midnight. The ceremony of ringing bells is with the tunes, lively people and other performances making the entire environment joyful. It is an event that combines traditional South Korean celebration with modern New Year’s Eve celebration, which makes it one of the best things to do in South Korea on New Year’s Eve.

2. Enjoy the Fireworks at Lotte World Tower

For a more modern experience, visit the Lotte World Tower in Seoul which is the tallest structure in South Korea. Every year the tower holds a spectacular firework show that illuminates the city at night. If you are in the mood for an exciting, colorful and full of light show – this one is a firework. A lot of people go to nearby places such as Lotte World Mall and the Songpa area in order to watch the New Year’s Eve festivities in South Korea.

3. Sunrise at Homigot Sunrise Square

It is a tradition in the Korean culture that people watch the first sunrise of the New Year. Visit Homigot Sunrise Square in Pohang which is famous for the sunrise view of the East Sea. This sculpture known as the Hand of Harmony gives a positive message of unity and it will be a very good send off for a sunrise. People come to watch this natural spectacle in the early morning and this is a way of welcoming a New Year with positive energy.

4. Have fun at Gwangalli Beach in Busan

The second largest city in South Korea, Busan has a very active New Year’s Eve event at Gwangalli Beach. The beach is transformed into a venue for a lively celebration with music, dancing, shows, and food kiosks. The grand finale of the event is the fireworks display over the Gwangan Bridge which lights up the night with different colors. If you wish to dance, bask in the beach feel or watch the fireworks, Gwangalli Beach remains one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in South Korea.

5. Experience Jeju Island’s celebrations

But for a more leisurely celebration of New Year’s Eve, Jeju Island is a great place to be. The island of Jeju is famous for its beautiful nature, so it can be considered that there is an interesting way to celebrate the new year. You can make a contribution in the temple rituals, attend cultural performances or join a sunrise hike up to Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise) which is, indeed, a symbol of the island. The atmosphere of Jeju is calm and beautiful, so it is a great place for nature and history lovers, which is why visiting Jeju on New Year’s Eve is among the best Thing to do in South Korea.

6. Discover N Seoul Tower for a bird’s eye view

N Seoul Tower stands on the Namsan Mountain and, without any doubt, it provides one of the most spectacular views of the South Korean capital on New Year’s Eve. You can watch the fascinating fireworks and light shows from the observation deck of the building across the city. If you have someone special with you, then you should also know that N Seoul Tower is also known for the ‘love locks’ where couples lock their love. It is a great place for lovers and to welcome the New Year with stunning views of the city at night.

7. Take a One Day Silent Meditation at a Buddhist Temple

For those who do not like noise and which are in search of a new year experience that will transform them, a Buddhist temple is the best place to be during New Year ’s Eve. Some temples for example Jogyesa Temple in Seoul and Bongeunsa Temple in the district known as Gangnam hold special year-end services. These are ringing ceremonies and chanting, which are considered to cleanse the spirit for the year to come. To spend a night in a temple is an unforgettable cultural event and a great opportunity to spend a day in the contemplation of the past year.

8. Go to COEX Mall to attend the Countdown Party

If you’re into something more youthful and contemporary, there is one of the biggest New Year’s Eve countdown events that take place indoors at the COEX Mall in Seoul. The event in the mall is a live DJ, a giant LED countdown timer and colorful lighting. It is a fun and lively celebration for those who wish to be part of the cities exciting New Year celebrations. The above is one of the most recommended new year’s eve activities in South Korea for lovers of dancing, music and crowd.

9. Winter Festivals at Ice Parks

Winter festivals celebrated in South Korea are among the most interesting ways of celebrating the season. If you are an adventure freak, go for festivals like Taebaeksan Snow Festival or Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival. These festivals include ice fishing, snow sculpture and other related activities which are fun for families and enthusiasts. There are ice fishing contests, and there is also a lot of local food you can taste while walking through the winter landscape.

10. Taste New Year’s Delicacies

Korean foods have a significant place on the New Year’s Eve celebration. It is a custom to eat foods like tteokguk, rice cake soup to mark longevity and prosperity in the new year. You also can taste different types of street food in markets located all over the city. These include tteokbokki which is rice cakes in spicy soup, hotteok which is sweet pancake and odeng which is fish cake on skewers ideal for when you are out and about in Seoul or any other city in South Korea on New Year’s eve.

Conclusion

You may also need to get your South Korea visa sorted out before you go to South Korea to enjoy all the fun Thing to do in South Korea on New Year’s eve. The visa is not very complicated but may take time and even longer during the holiday seasons. Do not forget to check the current travel advisories and the entry restrictions because these are sometimes subject to change. That way, you will be ready to have the best New Year’s Eve celebration in South Korea!

Suggested to Read:

• Top 5 Cultural Places to Visit in Seoul, South Korea
• 7 Spots to Experience Christmas Lights and Decorations in Korea

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