Table of Contents
- Reasons to Prepare for the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival
- 2026 Sunrise Schedule at a Glance
- Jeongdongjin Sand Clock Park Hotspot and Major Programs
- Key Points for Parking and Traffic Control at Jeongdongjin Sunrise
- Sunrise Time, Parking Tips, and Preparations
- Conclusion: Parking Strategy Determines the Quality of Viewing at Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Reasons to Prepare for the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival
The Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival has become a meaningful event to welcome the first sunrise of the new year. In 2026, the Byeong-O Year will be celebrated on a large scale in Gyeongpo Beach and Jeongdongjin, capturing the energy of the red horse. This special festival will be an opportunity for many to signal a new beginning.
The year-end and new year schedule in Jeongdongjin includes a midnight countdown, dazzling fireworks, and a rotating sand clock, which is enough to captivate travelers. However, on the day of the sunrise, traffic control and parking congestion may occur, so it is essential to plan your parking with the sunrise time in mind.
2026 Sunrise Schedule at a Glance
The sunrise event for the Byeong-O Year in 2026 will take place from the evening of December 31, 2025, to the early hours of January 1, 2026.
This special event will be held at the central square of Gyeongpo Beach and Jeongdongjin Sand Clock Park, accessible to everyone for free.
The event will start at 8 PM on December 31, 2025, and major programs will continue until 12:30 AM on January 1, 2026. For inquiries, you can call 033-640-5130.
As midnight approaches, various performances will be held on the special stages set up in both areas, accompanied by a countdown to the new year and magnificent fireworks. The management headquarters in Gyeongpo and Jeongdongjin will operate to manage crowds and ensure safety.
Jeongdongjin Sand Clock Park Hotspot and Major Programs
The new year’s celebration at Jeongdongjin centers around the Sand Clock Park. Every year at midnight, the large sand clock turning has become an iconic moment for the area. This sand clock is designed to take a year for all the sand to fall, symbolically expressing the beginning of the new year.
There are diverse programs prepared for the event. Performances will start at 8 PM on the special stages in Gyeongpo and Jeongdongjin, with fireworks lasting about 5 minutes at midnight during the new year countdown. Following that, the Jeongdongjin sand clock will turn, and the Lim Youngdae bell ringing ceremony will take place in front of Gangneung City Hall with public participation.
Additionally, there will be a wish tree and a wishing zone, along with traditional play experience zones, providing various activities for family visitors. There will also be a photo zone symbolizing the red horse, making it a great opportunity to create special memories.
Key Points for Parking and Traffic Control at Jeongdongjin Sunrise
The most important considerations on the day of the sunrise event are parking and traffic control. Vehicle access to the Jeongdongjin and Gyeongpo areas will be restricted due to the nature of the event.
Traffic control will be enforced from 6 PM on December 31, 2025, to 10 AM on January 1, 2026. During this time, major roads near Jeongdongjin Station, Beach Road, and the way to Shimgong Port will be restricted; only residents, emergency vehicles, and shuttle buses may pass.
There are various parking options, including the public parking lot near Gyeongpo Beach central square (Anhyun-dong area), the temporary parking lot at Gyeongpo (Anhyun-dong 859), and the free parking lot at Jeongdongjin Sand Clock Park (567 Jeongdongjin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si).
The parking lot at the Sand Clock Park is easily accessible, but it may be full or controlled during the event hours, so planning ahead is crucial.
Sunrise Time, Parking Tips, and Preparations
On January 1, 2026, the sunrise at Jeongdongjin is expected around 7:40 AM. To secure a good spot, it is advisable to arrive on site about 2 hours before sunrise.
Here are some useful tips for watching the sunrise at Jeongdongjin: Arriving around midnight will provide various parking and shuttle options. Especially, the Sand Clock Park fills up quickly in the early hours, so it’s a good idea to arrive early. Due to the nature of the winter sea, preparing warm clothing is essential. Packing hot packs, gloves, scarves, and a thick coat is advisable.
Since you might be waiting for a long time in cold weather, preparing warm beverages will help maintain your body temperature. While moving on site, it is safest to follow the guidance of the staff and the control signs.
Conclusion: Parking Strategy Determines the Quality of Viewing at Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival
In the Byeong-O Year of 2026, the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival will be a large-scale year-end and New Year event combining various performances, fireworks, and the sand clock turning.
To enjoy the first sunrise of the new year, it is important to arrive in time for the sunrise. Additionally, planning to use temporary parking lots and shuttle buses is essential.
If you plan your route ahead and prepare warm clothing, the New Year morning at Jeongdongjin and Gyeongpo will be a memorable and special experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. When and where will the 2026 Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival be held?
It will be held from 8 PM on December 31, 2025, to the early hours of January 1, 2026, at Gyeongpo Beach and Jeongdongjin Sand Clock Park.
The 2026 Byeong-O Year Sunrise Festival will begin at 8 PM on December 31, 2025, and continue until after midnight on January 1, 2026. The main stages are at the central square of Gyeongpo Beach and Jeongdongjin Sand Clock Park, and entry is free for all. Various performances, fireworks, and a large-scale event will be held to meaningfully welcome the new year.
Q. What are the main programs of the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival?
The main programs include countdown performances, fireworks, sand clock rotation, Lim Youngdae bell ringing ceremonies, and traditional play experiences.
On New Year’s Eve, various performances will be conducted on the special stages in Gyeongpo and Jeongdongjin, and dazzling fireworks will occur for about 5 minutes at midnight. The moment when the Jeongdongjin sand clock turns will be the highlight of this symbolic day. The Lim Youngdae bell ringing ceremony in front of Gangneung City Hall will be held with public participation, along with a wish tree, wishing zones, and traditional play experience zones for family visitors.
Q. How will parking and traffic control be managed on the day of the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival?
From 6 PM on December 31 to 10 AM on January 1, major roads will be closed, and designated parking lots and shuttle usage are essential.
On the day of the event, access to major roads going to Jeongdongjin Station, Beach Road, and Shimgong Port will be restricted. Only residents, emergency vehicles, and shuttle buses may pass, limiting entry for regular vehicle drivers. The parking options include public parking near the central square of Gyeongpo Beach, a temporary parking lot, and the Sand Clock Park parking lot, which is easily accessible but can fill up quickly, so planning ahead is crucial.
Q. What are the best spots and tips for watching the sunrise at Jeongdongjin?
Arrive by 5:40 AM, which is 2 hours before the sunrise, to secure a good spot and prepare warm clothing and supplies.
The sunrise time at Jeongdongjin on January 1, 2026, is estimated to be around 7:40 AM. To secure a good viewing spot on this holiday, it's best to arrive on site by 5:40 AM, which is 2 hours prior. As the winter sea weather can be very cold, bring hot packs, gloves, scarves, and thick coats for warmth, as well as warm beverages to maintain body temperature. Following the instructions of staff members while moving around the event is also important for safety.
Q. What preparations and precautions are needed to enjoy the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival?
Warm clothing, hot packs, warm beverages, and planning for traffic control and parking are necessary.
Considering the winter sunrise event, it is essential to wear warm clothing because the wind chill can be quite low. Preparing warm beverages for maintaining body heat is advisable along with hot packs and gloves. Additionally, during the event, strict traffic control will be in place, so it is important to plan your use of temporary parking lots or shuttles in advance to minimize congestion and inconvenience. Following the signs and instructions from staff is crucial for safety during the event.