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South Korea Best Sunrise and Sunset Locations for Photos

Trazy Crew

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 the 15 best spots to seize sunrises and sunsets across South Korea!

Best Sunrise Spots 🌅

1. Sokcho Beach

  • Address: 186 Haeoreum-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (Kakao Map)

A serene sunset view at Sokcho Beach features the bright orange sun hanging low just above the horizon of the dark blue sea.

Sokcho Beach, nestled along the picturesque eastern coast of South Korea, is renowned for being one of the most enchanting sunrise spots in the country. As the first light of dawn paints the sky in a palette of warm hues, the tranquil expanse of Seokcho Beach becomes a captivating canvas, making it a favorite destination for those seeking the awe-inspiring beauty of the morning sun over the East Sea.

Join our hassle-free tours to Sokcho!

2. Jeongdongjin Beach

  • Address: 64-3 Jeongdongjin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (Kakao Map)

A vibrant sunrise illuminates the ocean at Jeongdongjin Beach, casting a deep golden and orange glow across the sky and the rolling waves.

Wonder where Koreans celebrate the Year-End and see their first sunrise of the year? We would say it’s Jeongdongjin Beach, 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 resembles a ship. Witness the stunning sunrise view at Jeongdongjin Beach after celebrating New Year’s Eve at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) at your own pace.

Join our hassle-free tours to Jeongdongjin!

3. Naksansa Temple

  • Address: 100 Naksansa-ro, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do (Kakao Map)

An elevated, aerial view of Naksansa Temple at sunrise shows a cluster of traditional Korean buildings with dark-tiled roofs nestled on a lush, green hillside.

Naksansa Temple is a wonderful destination to experience the cherished Korean tradition of watching the first sunrise of the year. Located on Korea’s east coast, this tranquil temple offers breathtaking views of the sunrise framed by its serene grounds. Perched on a cliff overlooking the East Sea, Naksansa provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise, allowing visitors to enjoy a perfect blend of natural beauty and peaceful surroundings.

Join our hassle-free tours to Naksansa Temple!

4. Pohang

A breathtaking sunrise at Homigot Sunrise Square features the iconic Hand of Harmony sculpture emerging from the dark blue sea.

Followed by Jeongdongjin, Pohang is also a popular spot to visit, especially with K-drama filming spots from ‘Hometown Cha Cha Cha’ & ‘When the Camellia Blooms’. What’s more, it’s a great place to spend the last day of the year and catch the first sunrise of the new year. Homigot Sunrise Square is a famous spot to see the sunrise over the sculpture of Sangsaeng’s Hand, which symbolizes reconciliation and coexistence.

Join our hassle-free tours to Pohang!

Join our K-drama tours to Pohang!

5. Gyeongju

A vibrant, multi-tiered traditional Korean pavilion stands prominently on a stone base, likely part of a temple site such as Gameunsa Temple.

Wait for the perfect moment to snap that photo! The sunrises and sunsets over Gameunsaji (Gameunsa Temple Site) in Gyeongju are absolutely breathtaking. Imagine capturing a sunrise with the silhouettes of the temples set against the natural landscape—it’s a picture-perfect scene!

Just so you know, Gyeongju is often called “the museum without walls” because of its rich array of archaeological sites. If you’re interested in exploring Gyeongju’s historical treasures, consider joining one of the special winter tours that highlight both its cultural landmarks and seasonal attractions.

Join our hassle-free tours to Gyeongju!

6. Ulsan

A wide, high-angle view of the sunrise at Daewangam Park shows the sun peeking over the horizon, casting a shimmering golden reflection across the dark blue ocean.

Daewangam Park is another spot that boasts a fantastic sunrise and sunset in Ulsan. It is a rock island connected to the mainland with an iron bridge. How about a visit to Daewangam and capture the moment when the sun rises or when it falls?

Ganjeolgot Cape is also a popular sunrise spot in Ulsa, offering breathtaking views of the sun’s first light breaking over the horizon of the East Sea.

Join our hassle-free tours to Ulsan!

7. Naksan Beach

  • Address: Jeonjin-ri, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do (Kakao Map)

A serene, high-angle view of Naksan Beach at sunrise shows the sun arising from the horizon, casting a bright golden reflection across the dark, calm ocean.

Naksan Beach is one of the most beautiful sunrise spots in Korea. It’s highly recommended to make your New Year’s wish upon the beautiful sunrise over the ocean of Naksan Beach. It’s highly recommended to explore the snow-capped mountain ranges in Seoraksan National Park and the 3 most iconic destinations in the vicinity of Seoul: Petite France, Nami Island, and the Garden of Morning Calm when visiting Naksan Beach.

8. Gyeongpo Beach

  • Address: 514 Changhae-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (Kakao Map)

A vibrant sunrise over the sea at Gyeongpo Beach features a bright, round sun just above the horizon line.

Gyeongpo Beach is another popular spot to see the first sunrise of the year. Start the New Year afresh with a glorious view of the sunrise at the picturesque Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung, after celebrating the countdown at the Coex New Year’s Countdown!

Be sure to explore the best ways to experience Gangneung and enjoy all its exciting activities!

Join our hassle-free tours to Gangneung!

9. Chuam Beach

  • Address: 474-20 Chuam-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do (Kakao Map)

A serene, low-angle shot of Chuam Beach at sunrise shows the sun hanging low in a soft, pale sky, casting a bright, shimmering reflection across the gentle waves of the dark ocean.

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. 😉

10. Jamsil

A dramatic wide-angle shot captures the Lotte World Tower standing prominently over the Seoul skyline during a vibrant sunrise.

When the sun rises, this building in Jamsil is strikingly beautiful. The Lotte World Tower, standing at 555m and 123 floors above the ground, is the tallest skyscraper in Korea. With one of the top 3 observatories, Seoul Sky, which has a 360-degree panoramic view, Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky offers the best sunrise 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!

Get your tickets at the best deal!

Best Sunset Spots 🌇

1. Suncheon Bay

  • Address: 513-25 Suncheonman-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do (Kakao Map)

A vibrant sunset glows over the vast wetlands of Suncheon Bay, casting a warm orange and golden light across the landscape.

At Suncheon Bay, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of wetlands lush with reeds. The sunset over these expansive fields of golden reeds is truly spectacular!

Join our hassle-free tours to Suncheon!

2. Daebudo Island

  • Address: Daebudong-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do (Kakao Map)

A vibrant sunset over the Daebudo Island mudflats features a bright, round sun hanging low in an orange and yellow sky.

Daebudo Island, located near Ansan, is a charming destination that offers stunning views of both sunrises and sunsets in South Korea. Taking a drive around Daebudo and the nearby islands is highly recommended for an unforgettable experience!

3. Soraepogu Ecological Park

  • Address: 1-55 Nonhyeon-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon (Kakao Map)

A misty sunset at Soraepogu Ecological Park features two traditional wooden windmills standing in a field of tall, golden reeds.

Soraepogu Ecological Park, once the largest producer of natural sea salt, has transformed into a stunning ecological park. The reflection of the sunset over the expansive salt pans here is truly unforgettable.

4. Yangpyeong

A silhouette captures a person paragliding against a soft sunset sky.

You can also catch a stunning sunset in Yangpyeong! For an added thrill, try tandem paragliding, which offers breathtaking views of the natural landscape from above.

5. Hangang River

A scenic sunset view of the Seoul skyline features a large Hangang Sunset Cruise boat traveling across the calm water of the Han River.

Feeling lazy about leaving the city? No worries! In Seoul, you can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets at 12 Hangang River Parks. A fantastic way to experience this romantic scenery is by taking a Han River Ferry Cruise. Operating day and night, the cruise offers a convenient ride along the river, providing stunning views of landmarks such as N Seoul Tower and Banpo Bridge from its deck.

Enjoy the sunset with Hangang River activities!

Hassle-free Ways to Explore Sunrise & Sunset Spots in Korea

More of Our Blogs about Year-end Events in Korea

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 2026 in South Korea! Find out more on Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!

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3 thoughts on “South Korea Best Sunrise and Sunset Locations for Photos”

  1. Pingback: Where and How Koreans Celebrate New Year’s Eve | TRAZY.COM

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