IFEZ Journal

Get Inspired on the First Day of the New Year

Sunrise Attractions in Incheon

The sun rises and sets every day, but it looks particularly exceptional on the first day of the new year. 

Looking at the rising sun, we shake off the regrets of the past year and expect a hopeful beginning 

to the year to come. Incheon has many places where you can enjoy beautiful views of sunrises. 

Welcome 2024 by greeting the sunrise and pushing away the darkness.

01. A Special Morning in the Wild Gureopdo Island

As you walk along the deserted beach, unique coastal erosion features appear, and deer run around in the broad fields. Gureopdo Island, where you can experience all these natural wonders, is considered a backpacking paradise. Since the island has no direct ferry service, you must switch boats at Deokjeokdo Island and sit through another hour-long ride to reach it. The pristine nature of this island is well-preserved, as it never becomes too crowded. The most famous place on Gureopdo Island is Gaetmeori Hill. If you pitch a small tent here to spend the night, you can have a spectacular morning the next day. Would mornings in the wild be similar to this?

02. Red Sun in an Exotic Landscape Sorae Ecology Park

Imagine the sun rising between reed fields swaying in the breeze amongst large, exotic windmills. What if you could actually capture this romantic scene with your very own eyes? At Sorae Ecology Park, you can enjoy a unique sunrise view just as described above. The large area of 350 m2 has an exhibition hall and landscaping facilities, such as a bird-observation platform, an ecological observation platform, and a wooden bridge. It’s a lot of fun wandering around every nook and cranny to find the exact angle of scenery to suit your tastes. The misty fog that blooms throughout the park early in the morning creates an especially dreamy atmosphere.

03. Sunrise Harmonizing Nature and the City Gyeyangsan Mountain

In Incheon, Gyeyangsan Mountain (395 m) is the region’s second highest after Ganghwa Manisan Mountain. As the representative mountain of Incheon, Gyeyangsan Mountain has long been loved by Incheon citizens as a famous sunrise spot. After climbing for about an hour to reach the top, you will see a panoramic view of the islands and Incheon’s downtown. As the sun slowly rises over the eastern city center, people close their eyes and make a wish. Gyeyangsan Mountain is perfect for starting a hopeful year. You can safely climb the mountain on well-maintained hiking trails, even in the dark before sunrise.

04. New Year’s in Downtown Solchan Park

Solchan Park is located on the southern beach of Songdo. This place was originally a workshop where various structures were made and transported during the construction of Incheon Bridge. After the bridge was completed, the place fell into neglect for some time but was transformed into a rest area for citizens. Solchan Park stretches out horizontally and features a deck for walking and enjoying the seascape. Equipped with various exercise machines and picnic grounds, this park is crowded with people every weekend. You can wait for the sunrise in warmth and comfort while making use of convenience facilities like cafes and 24-hour stores that will surely help you ward off the cold wind.

05. Meet the Sun Rising over Incheon Bridge Seoksangot

Seoksangot is a small protruding feature on the coastal road south of Yeongjong International City. Without looking carefully, many people will pass by this place without noticing it. The tiny Seoksangot could become your secret sunrise-viewing spot. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing ocean view without any islands to obstruct you. The highlight of the scenery is Incheon Bridge, which crosses the middle of the sea. The sight of the sun slowly peeking out from the horizon under the long stretch of Incheon Bridge is truly spectacular. Don’t miss the moment when the sun rises from under the sea to reach the top of the bridge tower.

06. A Unique Sunrise Scene Awaits You Geojampo Wharf

Incheon has some attractions where you can see both the sunset and sunrise. Geojampo Wharf is one such spot. As its port faces the eastern sea, you can see the sunrise while the wharf is in the West Sea. The best spot for observing the sunrise is Maedorang, an uninhabited island. The sun lifts into the air just behind the island, which resembles a shark’s fin. Since the sun rises in a different direction in summer, you can enjoy this spectacular view only in winter. Especially during the year-end holidays, Geojampo Wharf is often crowded with people armed with cameras.

07. The First Day of the New Year on a Cruise Ship Palmido Island

Palmido Island is home to Korea’s first modern lighthouse. Only members of the navy and lighthouse managers actually reside on Palmido — an otherwise uninhabited island. In the past, the island was designated as a military protection zone, and access for civilians was prohibited, but it was opened to the public on a limited basis in 2009. Afterward, cruise ships touring Palmido Lighthouse began to operate. In particular, every year, on December 31 and January 1, you can board a boat to view the sunset and sunrise from Palmido Island. After watching the breathtaking sunrise from the lighthouse observatory, you can enjoy various other experiences, such as lighting the lighthouse and creating wishing capsules.