Greet the New Year’s Sunrise at the Inwangsan Mountain Festival in Jongno-gu

🗓️ January 1, 2025

Kick off 2025 with a vibrant celebration at the 24th annual Inwangsan Mountain Sunrise Festival in Jongno-gu! This free event offers a unique blend of traditional Korean performances and sunrise rituals, creating an unforgettable New Year’s experience. Join fellow revelers at Cheongun Park to share hopes and wishes as the first rays of dawn paint the sky.

What Awaits You:

This year’s festival promises an exciting lineup, starting with a lively Pungmulpae parade to set the festive mood. Ascend to Cheongun Park and immerse yourself in the pre-dawn energy:

Part 1: Sunrise Celebration inside Cheongun Park

Energizing Performances: Enjoy the rhythmic beats of Nanta, a dynamic non-verbal percussion performance, followed by captivating vocal music.
Sunrise Ritual: Count down the final seconds of the old year and erupt in a chorus of "Manse!" as the sun crests the horizon.
New Year’s Traditions: Capture the moment at the photo zone, pen your family precepts for the year ahead, and hang your wish notes, sending your aspirations skyward.

Part 2: Continuing the Festivities

Traditional Spectacle: Experience the vibrant energy of the lion mask dance and the resounding power of the Dae-gugak (large drum) performance.

Event Details:

Location: Cheongun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Date: January 1, 2025
Admission: Free
Contact: 02-2148-5002

What is Inwangsan Mountain?

Inwangsan Mountain, located in Seoul, South Korea, is a notable natural landmark reaching an elevation of 338 meters. It offers impressive views of the city, drawing residents and visitors alike. Inwangsan has a historical and cultural significance, hosting ancient rituals and storied sites. The mountain’s terrain reflects traditional Korean beliefs, attracting those interested in its natural and spiritual aspects.

The mountain has long held spiritual importance and is a site for shamanistic practices and cultural heritage. Along its trails is Inwangsa Temple, where traditional Buddhist activities continue in a peacefully secluded environment. Its various rock formations and ecosystems provide an escape from the urban environment, while its trails offer a chance to explore Seoul’s natural landscape.

Inwangsan Mountain offers opportunities for hiking, meditation, and enjoying views such as the sunrise over the city. It stands as a destination where visitors can experience nature interwoven with Korean history and tradition, making it a meaningful backdrop for celebrations like the New Year.