The Best Places to View the Sunrise and Sunset
(Published December 18, 2012)

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization recommends the best places to watch the last sunset and first sunrise of the year.
The Year of the Dragon is coming to an end. Looking back, many will feel there is more to be desired but nonetheless the Year of the Snake is already at our doorstep.
  
When December comes, many travel to a good spot to watch the sunset or sunrise and reflect on their achievements and hopes and pledge to keep their New Year’s resolutions. The destination is especially popular among amateur photographers. Thirty minutes before and after sunset or sunrise is considered the magic hour.
 
Here, we list a few spots with the best sunrise and sunset views in Gyeonggi Province.

Sunset in Gyeonggi Province
 

◇ The forest is reflected on the still lake water, forming unforgettable scenery. ⓒ G-News Plus, provided by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization

Wangsong Lake Sunset — as Smooth and Subtle as Morning Coffee

You will see a small lake on the side if you travel past Uiwang on the subway or train. This spot has become a popular place for watching the year’s last sunset. The competition for parking space starts early.

The best place to watch the sunset from this lake is the parking lot in front of the Bird Science Center. The forest reflects on the serene surface of the lake, forming beautiful scenery that is further enhanced when snow covers the lake during the icy cold winter season.

The forest is home to all sorts of birds, with certain migrant winter birds returning every year. The spot is great for bird watching and listening to birds sing. Uiwang Natural Learning Park and Railroad Museum are also good places to visit if you are in the area. There is even a sledding area that opens every season.
 ◇ Tando Port is another popular sunset-viewing spot. ⓒ G-News Plus, provided by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization
 
Tando Port’s Red Sunset Beckons to Visitors
 
Tando Port has quickly become a new favorite among sunset-viewing spots in the recent years. The warm sunset colors become even more vibrant in the winter season when photographers flock to capture the moment’s beauty. There is a wide mud flat between the Ansan Fishing Village Folk Museum and the ocean as seen from the three towering wind power turbines. On Nueseom Island, there is a lighthouse and an observatory.
 
If you get there early, try walking to Nueseom Island along the beach. You can take pictures of the beautiful mud flat as you walk past the wind turbines. Make your way up the lighthouse on Nueseom Island to the observatory. The sunset as seen from the spot will envelope you in a sea of color.

If you crave for more scenery after the short sunset, go to Jebudo Island to capture the last moments within thirty minutes of the sunset. Take in Jebudo Island’s nightscape in the distance while enjoying clam noodle soup to chase away the cold.
 ◇ Watch the sunset and seagulls in the middle of the sea to get the full effect. ⓒ G-News Plus, provided by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization
 
Gungpyeong Sunset Lives up to Its Reputation

Gungpyeong Port in Hwaseong City is a destination synonymous with beautiful sunsets. Named the most beautiful destination among the “eight scenic views” in Hwaseong, Gungpyeong is always bustling with tourists. The best place to watch the sunset is at the end of the breakwater where there is a fishing pier.
 
Seagulls fly over the small fishing ships docked at the pier against the sunset. At the tip of the breakwater, there is nothing to disrupt the majestic view. The sight of lovers watching the glowing sunset as they lean on the railing of the fishing pier is like a scene straight from a movie. You can also purchase fresh winter season produce at the fisherman’s market at Gungpyeong Port, such as shellfish and yellow tails.
 

Golden Sunset on the Reed Field in Siheung Gaetgol (Tidal Channel)
 
Walk along the wooden deck on the endless reed field past the old salt storage. The wind caresses the reeds, which brush against each other to create a wave of crackling sounds. When it is time for sunset, the sky turns into a golden shade in harmony with the golden field, with the meandering waterway disappearing into the horizon. It is truly a scene to behold.
 
Gaetgol, more formally known as gaetgorang, is a Korean word that refers to the passage formed by the tidal movement. Gaetgol Ecologic Park is very close to Seoul and is a great place to watch a sunset. Remember to be dressed for the icy winds. Note that there are no stores within the vicinity, so be sure to bring your own snacks.◇ The sunset as seen over the walls of Namhansanseong Fortress near the southern entrance is magnificent. ⓒ G-News Plus, provided by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization
 
Watch the year’s final sunset at Namhansanseong Fortress
 
Namhansanseong Fortress is a great place to visit on the last day of the year. The historic walls have witnessed the nation’s most devastating battles, making the location all the more special. The sunset as seen from the west gate is fantastic. The magical moment does not last long, but it is enough to leave the beholder in awe.◇ Sunset from Manghaeam Hermitage ⓒ G-News Plus, provided by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization
 
Sunset at Manghaeam, the Hermitage That Misses the Sea

There is a large hermitage named Manghaeam, meaning “the hermitage that misses the sea.” It faces the west, becoming part of beautiful scenery drenched in warm colors at sunset. Anyang citizens consider it the best among the eight scenic locations in Anyang. The hermitage is only a short walk away from the nearest parking lot skillfully perched on the peak of a cliff, complete with a wide garden on the opposite side.
 
A small office and the sleeping quarters can be found at the very entrance, which is connected to the stone railings. Follow it around the corner, and you will be pleasantly surprised by a full view of downtown Anyang. Go behind the ancient trees and pass the neatly placed pots to get a good view of Manghaeam’s sunset.
 
The observatory overlooks downtown Anyang. On clear days, the visibility extends all the way to the Yellow Sea. It is a destination for those looking for a great spot to watch the sunset and take beautiful pictures. The lights from Anyang, overlapped with layers of the mountain, also create a spectacular view at night. The uphill course from Daelim University to Manghaeam Hermitage is popular among mountain climbing and hiking clubs.

Sunrise in Gyeonggi Province◇ The sunrise from the Simhaksan Mountain summit boasts of nonpareil scenic beauty. ⓒ G-News Plus, provided by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization
 
Dream Big at the Summit of a Small Mountain! Simhaksan Mountain, Paju
 
Simhaksan Mountain stands a mere 194 meters above sea level. It is more a hill than a mountain. Getting to the top takes twenty minutes. Once you get there, however, you will surely be left speechless by the scenery, which is comparable to that from larger mountains such as Bukhansan or Gwanaksan Mountain. Never underestimate Simhaksan for its miniscule size. The scenery is as dynamic as that of much larger mountains.
 
The wide river mouth is where Han River and Imjingang River meet. The spectacular landscape is made more interesting with migrant birds flying in and out of the area. Perhaps this is why it is the most popular hiking course in Northwestern Gyeonggi.
 
The sunrise as seen from the pavilion on the summit resembles a masterful watercolor painting. The relentless winter wind is but a minor discomfort amid the grandeur of the sunrise. Near Simhaksan Mountain, you will find Paju Book City filled with interesting buildings, Paju English Village, and Heyri Art Village.◇ The sun rising behind the foggy valley is reminiscent of a beautiful Korean ink painting scroll. ⓒ G-News Plus, provided by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization
 
Hope and Dreams with Dumulmeori Sunrise
 
If you are looking for a place to share a special experience with close family and friends, go to Dumulmeori, Yangpyeong. You will be treated to the “2013 Year of the Snake Sunrise Event.”
 
Organized and prepared by the Yangseo-myeon citizens’ self-governing committee, the event will start on January 1, 2013 at 06:30. The New Year’s event will kick off with an ancestral ceremony followed by celebratory poem reading, Nanta (beat and rhythm performance), samulnori (Korean traditional music), and Dumulmeori Choir singing. A total of 5,000 bowls of hot tteokguk (sliced rice cake soup) will be served to guests who come to see the sunrise.
 
The New Year’s sun slowly reveals itself amid the misty fog in a scene that resembles a traditional ink painting. What better place to wish for peace and prosperity in 2013 than the river mouth where two great lakes join?◇ Sunrise on the summit of the mountain, where the sky feels so close you can almost touch it. ⓒ G-News Plus, provided by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization
 
Cheonmasan Mountain — Where You Can Touch the Sky
 
As a mountain that touches the sky, Cheonmasan Mountain stands 812.4m above sea level and offers a view of one of the most unforgettable sunrises. The first light of day reveals the beautiful mountain range from Cheonmasan Mountain to Chungnyeongsan Mountain. Layers and layers of the mountain transform into a winter wonderland when it snows. The thirty something minutes of the sun rising in the morning is so beautiful it can move one to tears.◇ Scenery from Geomdansan Mountain summit first thing in the morning. The warm sun rays will warm your heart. ⓒ G-News Plus, provided by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization
 
The World at Your Feet on Geomdansan Mountain!
 
Geomdansan Mountain on the east of Hanam City stands close to Han River; it is probably the most popular New Year’s Day destination for watching the first sunrise. With Paldang Dam at its foot, Geomdansan Mountain is one of the best places to watch the sunrise. The view from up on the summit is majestic and mystical.
 
The climb is a breeze. Once you reach the wide flat summit, you can see Yebongsan Mountain and Ungilsan Mountain to the north and get a glimpse of Chungnyeongsan Mountain and Gyegwansan Mountain further beyond. You will also see Dobongsan Mountain and Bukhansan Mountain, some of the more popular mountains surrounding Seoul. Paldang Dam and Dumulmeori are on the northeast, where Yumyeongsan Mountain and Yongmunsan Mountain stand.
 
The scenery southeast of the summit features Jeongamsan Mountain and Haehyeopsan Mountain and Yangjasan Mountain further off in the distance. Geomdansan Mountain’s view is the kind that makes you feel as if you own the whole world. Greet the year’s first morning on top of the mountain surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
 ◇ The sun comes out from the Far East from a bed of clouds as it dyes the sky red. ⓒ G-News Plus, provided by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization
 
New Year’s Day on Suambong Summit
 
Surisan Mountain was designated as Gyeonggi Province’s third national park. The borders encompass Gunpo, Anyang, and Ansan located southwest of the province. It is well known for its mountain ridge that seemingly jumps out of the flatlands. The mountain resembles a crouching eagle from Sanbon and Gunpo, which is why it is also known as Surisan Mountain (suri means eagle in Korean).
 
Suambong is a peak that is only 395 meters high, offering an intermediate hiking course that passes through interesting valleys and ridges. It is frequented by mountain lovers all-year round. You can see Incheon, Suwon, and Yellow Sea from the summit, which is why it will make a great place for watching the first sunrise. You will see the blinking yellow highway lights dim as the sun rises from afar.
 
ⓒ G-News Plus News | Chun Gyeong-nam chun0403@kg21.net

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