We’ve put together the ultimate list of the best places in South Korea to catch amazing sunrises and sunsets that every traveler should know.
Here’s our pick of 15 best spots to seize sunrises and sunsets across South Korea!
1. Gyeongpo Beach
Though it may be too early to be celebrating just yet, we’re just a few months away from bidding 2019 farewell. So, start the New Year’s afresh with a glorious view of the sunrise at the picturesque Gyeongpo Beach, in Gangneung, after celebrating the countdown at the 2020 Coex New Year’s Countdown! Find out more about it here. 🙂
2. Jeongdongjin
Wonder where Koreans celebrate the Year-End and see their first sunrise of the year? We would say it’s Jeongdongjin, where you can spot one of the earliest sunrises in Korea! Located on the east coast of Korea, it is also well known for its beautiful coastal scenery and a cafe and a hotel that resemble a ship.
3. Chuam Beach
Chuam Beach, located in Gangwon-do Province, is another beautiful attraction for travelers and tourists. This place is highly recognized for ‘Chotdaebawi Rock (Candlestick Rock)’, which resembles a candlestick. Take a photo when the sun slowly rises above the Candlestick Rock! It’ll be one of the best photos in your lifetime. 😉
4. Suncheon Bay
Here, at Suncheon Bay, you can witness a jaw-dropping scenic panorama of wetlands thickly covered by reeds. And the sunset over these open fields of golden reeds along the bay is absolutely stunning! If you’re interested, refer to K-Shuttle Bus Tour – Western Korea or K-Shuttle Bus Tour – All around Korea, which provides travelers with a convenient way to travel and experience the best attractions around South Korea. For more details, click here.
5. Jamsil
When the sun falls down, this building in Jamsil is strikingly beautiful. The Lotte World Tower, standing at 555m and 123 floors from the ground, is the tallest skyscraper in Korea. With one of the top 3 observatories, Seoul Sky, that has a 360-degrees panoramic view, Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky offers the best sunset views! Other attractions nearby are Seokchon Lake and Lotte World, a popular amusement park in Seoul that offers great entertainment and thrills to all. If that’s not enough, visit the Lotte World Aquarium too, home to over 650 magnificent marine creatures!
6. Daebudo Island
Daebudo Island, located near Ansan, is a beautiful charming island that offers a fantastic view of sunrise and sunset in South Korea. A drive around Daebudo Island and other islands nearby is strongly recommended! 😉
7. Okjeongho Lake
This picturesque scene of Okjeongho Lake, in Imsil, Jeollabuk-do Province, is totally worth waking up in the early morning. So, get your camera out, and do some hiking! Then, you’ll be rewarded with this awesome photo. 🙂
8. Guksabong
Along with Okjeongho Lake, Guksabong is another favorite photography location for professional photographers in Korea. And no words can describe how marvelous the natural landscape is from Guksabong!
9. Soraepogu Ecological Park
Once the biggest production region of natural sea salt, the place has turned into an ecological park today, and the reflection of a sunset over this wide salt pan is just unforgettable.
10. Yangpyeong
Paragliding adds a thrill to a trip as well as a magnificent view of the natural landscape from above. Okmasan, in Boryeong, is a perfect place to enjoy this extreme sport and wonderful surrounding! For more details, click here! Yangpyeong offers another exciting activity – Rail Biking. Enjoy a fun rail bike ride and take in the beautiful scenery of Nature that unfolds before your very eyes!
11. Yeonggwang
Hit the road to Baeksu Coastal Road, in Jeollanamdo Province! It’s a 16.5 km long highway where you can enjoy a great drive and a beautiful scene of Chilsan Sea. All year round, people visit this west coast of South Korea to see the captivating sunset!
12. Ulsan
Daewangam is another spot that boasts a fantastic sunrise and sunset in South Korea. It is a rock island connected to the mainland with an iron bridge. Try a visit to Daewangam and capture the moment when the sun rises or when it falls!
13. Gyeongju
Wait for the right moment to click the shutter! The sunrise and sunset over Gameunsaji (Gameunsa Temple Site), in Gyeongju, is just incredible. The photo of a sunrise, silhouettes of the temples, and a natural surrounding…seems like a perfect shot!
FYI, Gyeongju is referred to as “the museum without walls”, boasting a vast number of archaeological sites! For travelers who want to explore the true side of Gyeongju, check out these tours:
Gyeongju 1 Day Tour from Busan
Gyeongju City 1 Day Private Tour – from Gyeongju/Busan
Gyeongju Culture & Heritage Sites 1 Day Tour from Busan
14. Han River
Lazy to get out of the city? Don’t worry. In Seoul, there are 12 Han River Parks where you can catch awesome sunrise and sunset over the Han River. Maybe rent a tent and have a quaint little picnic as you admire the sunset in the evening. If you’re more of the active type, head on down for some evening kayaking on the Han River.
Another great way to enjoy this dynamic change of scenery is by getting on a Boat / Yacht Ride across the Han River. If you’re looking for something romantic, hop aboard the Han River Ferry Cruise. Running day and night, the cruise offers a convenient ride all the way through the river and a great view of the 63 Building, Namsan Tower, Jamsil’s Multi-Sports Complex, and other famous tourist spots from the deck. For details and schedule of the cruise, click here.
15. Pohang
Followed by Jeongdongjin, Homigot, located in Pohang, is also a popular spot to spend the last day of the year and catch the first sunrise of a new year. Other famous attractions of Pohang are the hand-shaped bronze sculptures, and you can find them at the beachfront.
Now that you know where to catch the best sunrises and sunsets in Korea, just choose your favorite one from this ultimate selection. Join the countdown and welcome the first sunrise of 2020 in South Korea! 🙂
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Photo Credits:
- Chuam Beach by GohRo
- Suncheonman Bay by Byeonggwan
- Daebudo by 낭만고래 – 자작, CC BY-SA 4.0, 링크
- Okjeongho Lake by Republic of Korea
- Guksabong by Contax3
- Yangpyeong Paragliding by Yangpyeong Paragliding Park
- Yeonggwang by Yeonggwang-gun Tourism
- Soraepogu Ecological Park by Visit Korea
- Teonggwang by Heui Jong Kim
- Gyeongju by Isageum
I love sunsets so much. These pictures are beautiful!
Thank you very much! 🙂