Trazy Blog

All the insider's travel tips in Korea

Korea Festivals & Events Korea Winter

New Year’s Eve in Korea: 2026 Countdown Events & Fireworks

Trazy Crew

Join the swing of events to celebrate New Year’s Eve and have a wonderful start to the year!

A spectacular nighttime view of a fireworks display over a river and city skyline.

Getting excited about the New Year? If you are wondering where and how to celebrate New Year’s Eve, we’ve selected the best spots for you. Join the waves of Koreans who come out to celebrate the New Year and have fun on December 31 and January 1, the Korean way! Take a look at what you can do in different places to welcome 2026 with your loved ones.

Seoul

1. N Seoul Tower

  • Address: San 1-3, Yongsan-dong 2-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)

N Seoul Tower, the iconic landmark of Seoul, has planned a variety of events to welcome 2026! Known as one of the best spots to catch the first sunrise of the year, it features an exclusive breakfast menu at N Grill, a premium dining restaurant, and HanCook, a Korean restaurant located within the tower.

2. Gwanghwamun Square

  • Address: 172 Sejongdaero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (KakaoMaps)

At the end of the year, Gwanghwamun Square hosts a variety of fantastic events, including Seoul Light Gwanghwamun and the Gwanghwamun Holiday Market (Dec 12~31). You’ll be amazed by the dazzling installations, featuring an impressive Christmas tree and vendors offering handcrafted goods and seasonal snacks. These events take place until January 4th, 2026.

Check out these fun activities nearby:

3. Cheonggyecheon Stream

  • Address: 148 Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (KakaoMaps)

Enjoying the annual Seoul Lantern Festival at Cheonggyecheon Stream is a perfect way to bid farewell to 2025. This enchanting festival features over 200 dazzling light installations along the stream, creating a magical atmosphere. Don’t miss your chance to experience this stunning display, which runs until January 4, 2026!

Check out these fun activities nearby:

4. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

  • Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (KakaoMaps)

One of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve is by enjoying Seoul Light DDP, a spectacular media art festival held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). This event features dazzling light installations and projections on the building’s impressive 222-meter façade. This year, you can celebrate New Year’s Countdown with fireworks, DJ G-PARK (Park Myeong-soo) & THE SOLUTIONS on December 31st from 11PM. It promises to be a vibrant celebration filled with art, light, and festive spirit!

Check out these fun activities nearby:

5. Lotte World

  • Address: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 띵띵 (@thingthing.kr)

Lotte World in Jamsil is the perfect place to celebrate the last day of 2025 with excitement and entertainment! You can enjoy Lotte World Theme Park until midnight on December 31, and celebrate the New Year with a spectacular fireworks and light show! While official announcements are still pending, Lotte World Tower has a tradition of celebrating the New Year with extravagant fireworks every year, so stay tuned for an unforgettable display!

Check out these fun activities nearby:

6. Myeongdong

  • Address: 63 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)

Seoul’s Jung-gu District has announced that the 2026 New Year’s Countdown Show LIGHT NOW will be held at the Myeongdong Shinsegae Department Store on December 31 at 11 PM. The event will feature a media façade show, a K-pop concert, and a spectacular fireworks display – similar to the famous Times Square countdown in New York City.

Check out these fun activities nearby:

7. Bosingak

  • Address: 54 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)

In Korea, the tradition of ringing the landmark bell symbolizes the transition from one year to the next. The Bosingak Bell, located near Jonggak Station, is Seoul’s iconic bell with a rich historical legacy. Every New Year’s Eve, 16 people, including the mayor of Seoul, ring the bell 33 times at midnight, marking the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one.

This cherished tradition dates back to the Joseon Dynasty, when the bell was originally used to signal the start and end of each day. Today, it has evolved into a beloved national celebration that draws thousands of Koreans to the Bosingak Bell Pavilion on December 31st, where they gather to bid farewell to the past year and welcome new hopes and possibilities.

8. Bongeunsa Temple

  • Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 김은찬 (@zal_zzic_chan_a)

If you want to see fireworks on New Year’s Eve, head to Bongeunsa Temple on December 31st! The bell-tolling event kicks off at 10:40 PM, followed by the fireworks show at midnight. The temple is conveniently located near COEX Mall, allowing you to spend your day shopping and taking Instagram-worthy photos at the Starfield Library and visit the COEX Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Seoul, before heading to the temple for the festivities. It’s a great way to enjoy both the vibrant atmosphere of the mall and the serene beauty of the temple as you ring in the new year!

Check out these fun activities nearby:

Busan

1. Haeundae Beach

  • Address: Wu-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Kakao Map)

If you are in Busan on New Year’s Eve, be sure to check out the 12th Haeundae Light Festival, themed “Stellar Haeundae,” which is a dazzling winter event taking place from November 29th, 2025, to January 18th, 2026. The festival is held at Haeundae Beach and the Gunam-ro area, with lighting displays running daily from 6 PM to 10 PM. 

Check out these fun activities nearby:

2. Gwangalli Beach

  • Address: 219 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan (Kakao Map)

 

Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기

 

DongJoo.P(@red_pearl83)님의 공유 게시물

On December 31, 2025, the 2026 Countdown Busan event will take place at Gwangalli Beach, offering a vibrant way to say goodbye to the year and welcome the New Year. The festivities will kick off at 10 PM and will include a variety of exciting activities leading up to midnight. The event is free to attend and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with entry available from 7 PM.

At the stroke of midnight, attendees can look forward to a spectacular performance accompanied by a synchronized display of M-drone lights, creating a stunning visual experience. This unique celebration promises to be an unforgettable event for both locals and visitors, filled with heartfelt moments and inspiring beginnings as the New Year arrives.

Check out these fun activities nearby:

3. Yongdusan Park

  • Address: 37-55 Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan (Kakao Map)

On New Year’s Eve, a bell-tolling event takes place at Yongdusan Park to mark the end of the year and welcome the new one. Be sure to dress warmly for the occasion and enjoy the fireworks as you celebrate the arrival of 2026 with your loved ones!

To explore the beauty of Busan easily and conveniently, see below:

Jeju Island

1. Seongsan Ilchulbong

  • Address: 78 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (Kakao Map)
A stunning sunrise over Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) on Jeju Island shows the sun peeking over the flat-topped volcanic tuff cone.
Sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong

Thousands of visitors flock to Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) on New Year’s Day to witness the first sunrise of the year. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise and the stunning landscape of Jeju Island. Standing 182 meters high with a massive crater, the peak is uniquely crowned by 99 sharp rocks, giving it a distinctive crown-like appearance.

The New Year’s Countdown and Sunrise Festival runs from December 31st to January 1st, featuring a variety of exciting programs, including a captivating media show. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, participate in special events, and experience the magical moment of the first sunrise, which is believed to bring good luck for the coming year.

Check out these fun activities nearby:

To explore the beauty of Jeju Island easily and conveniently, see below:

New Year Sunrise Spots

1. 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.

If Koreans want to catch the first sunrise of the year after hearing the ringing of the Bosingak Bell in Seoul, many of them head right away to Jeongdongjin Beach on the east coast of Korea for an overnight trip. Watching the sun rising above the sea line, they pray for things they hope for in the coming year, such as good health, prosperous business, and great academic results.

2. 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 renowned destination for watching the first sunrise of the year in South Korea, particularly celebrated on New Year’s Day. Located in Yangyang, Gangwon-do, this ancient temple, founded by the monk Uisang during the Silla Dynasty, offers breathtaking views of the East Sea and is considered one of Korea’s three major Guanyin holy sites.

3. Homigot Sunrise Square

  • Address: 136 Haemaji-ro, Homigot-myeon, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongbuk (Kakao Map)

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

Homigot Sunrise Square, located at the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, is a popular destination for witnessing the first sunrise of the year. Known for its stunning sunrise views, this square features the iconic Hand of Coexistence sculpture, which symbolizes harmony and unity. If you are in Busan, you can easily head over to the iconic Homigot Sunrise Square to watch the first sunrise of 2026.

The New Year is drawing close, and it’s time to start making plans! Join one of these New Year celebrations and greet the New Year in the Korean way during your stay in Korea. It will be a memorable beginning to the year 2026!

To find out more about Korea’s winter wonders and New Year’s events, visit Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop.

 

9 thoughts on “New Year’s Eve in Korea: 2026 Countdown Events & Fireworks”

  2. Hi. I am Wendy from Singapore.
    I am planning to visit Jeju for New Year Eve 2017 fireworks.
    Planning to come from 26th December 2017 to 02nd January 2018.
    Beside fireworks any other celebration during my choosen date the above?
    Is there any fireworks 2017 celebration on New Year Eve 2017?
    Fireworks nice and celebration is big?
    I understand that i can view Sunrise at Jeongdongjin on when?
    How far from Jeju Island to Jeongdongjin?
    Can i go by train or bus and distance how long?
    Hope to hear from you soon.
    Thank you.

    Reply

    1. Hello Wendy! Yes, there will be Seongsan Sunrise Festival, which will take place around the area of Seongsan Ilchulbong (www.trazy.com/spot/643) from Dec 30, 2017 until Jan 1, 2018. Other year-end festivals and events in Jeju Island have not been announced yet. The Seongsan Sunrise Festival is by far the biggest major festival in Jeju where visitors can take part in the countdown and enjoy firework show at midnight. After watching the fireworks, you can can climb up Seongsan Ilchulbong around 5:30am to watch the sunrise. If you want to celebrate the New Year’s Eve, Jeongdongjin is another great destination to visit and watch the sunrise. Our tour to the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival will soon be available at Trazy.com so if you want to visit the festival, please check in our website regularly via this link: http://www.trazy.com/experience/detail/477. Since there is no direct train or bus system that connects Jeju Island and Jeongdongjin, you will have to take a flight from Jeju Int’l Airport to Yangyang Int’l Airport or Wonju Int’l Aiport and then take an express or local bus to the venue of the sunrise festival. Hope this information helps!

      Reply

  3. Hi. I am Rebecca from Singapore.
    I am planning to visit Jeju for New Year Eve 2017 fireworks.
    Planning to come from 26th December 2017 to 02nd January 2018.
    Beside fireworks any other celebration during my choosen date the above?
    Is there any fireworks 2017 celebration on New Year Eve 2017?
    Fireworks nice and celebration is big?
    I understand that i can view Sunrise at Jeongdongjin on when?
    How far from Jeju Island to Jeongdongjin?
    Can i go by train or bus and distance how long?
    Hope to hear from you soon.
    Thank you.

    Reply

    1. Hello Rebecca! Yes, there will be Seongsan Sunrise Festival, which will take place around the area of Seongsan Ilchulbong (www.trazy.com/spot/643) from Dec 30, 2017 until Jan 1, 2018. Other year-end festivals and events in Jeju Island have not been announced yet. The Seongsan Sunrise Festival is by far the biggest major festival in Jeju where visitors can take part in the countdown and enjoy firework show at midnight. After watching the fireworks, you can can climb up Seongsan Ilchulbong around 5:30am to watch the sunrise. If you want to celebrate the New Year’s Eve, Jeongdongjin is another great destination to visit and watch the sunrise. Our tour to the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival will soon be available at Trazy.com so if you want to visit the festival, please check in our website regularly via this link: http://www.trazy.com/experience/detail/477. Since there is no direct train or bus system that connects Jeju Island and Jeongdongjin, you will have to take a flight from Jeju Int’l Airport to Yangyang Int’l Airport or Wonju Int’l Aiport and then take an express or local bus to the venue of the sunrise festival. Hope this information helps!

      Reply

  4. hello i’m marwen from tunisia
    i’m planning to celebrate of the new year in south korea
    i hear a lot of the amazing ways of celebrations of new year
    and i want to live the experience
    and i think the Seongsan Sunrise Festival is very interesting

    Reply

  5. Hi I’m Gold from the Philippines. My friends and I are going to Seoul on Dec 31 and will arrive Incheon Airport at 10:30pm. Are there any spots where we can celebrate New Year count down in the area? We’re looking for a place to celebrate NYE before heading to our airbnb in Seoul.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Close

Related Post