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Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival (정동진 해맞이 축제) · © KTO · KOGL Type 3
Gangwon
Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival
Many people come to celebrate a fresh start at the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival on the eve of one year and the first day of the New Year at Sandglass Park. The sandglass at the park has a diameter of 8.06 meters, a x_width of 3.2 meters, a weight of 40 tons, and holds 8 tons of sand, making it one of the biggest sandglasses in the world. It takes a whole year for sand to trickle to the bottom and then the sandglass restarts again on New Year’s Day each year at midnight. Festival events include a fireworks display, the turning of the sandglass to start another year, and performances by various artists. Official location: Jeongdongjin2-ri, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do. Plan this visit using the official information above as the baseline. Operating hours, admission conditions, programs, access rules, and parking arrangements can change after this review, so confirm the latest notice on the linked official website before departure. This is especially important when a visit depends on a particular exhibition, guided program, seasonal activity, reservation, or accessibility service. Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival (정동진 해맞이 축제) is presented here as a destination rather than as a commercial listing. The description focuses on the setting and visitor experience documented by the Korea Tourism Organization. Respect residential, religious, ecological, and cultural-property rules where they apply, and use the official contact for questions that affect access or safety.
Why go
Many people come to celebrate a fresh start at the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival on the eve of one year and the first day of the New Year at Sandglass Park. The sandglass at the park has a diameter of 8.06 meters, a x_width of 3.2 meters, a weight of 40 tons, and holds 8 tons of sand, making it one of the biggest sandglasses in the world. It takes a whole year for sand to trickle to the bottom and then the sandglass restarts again on New Year’s Day each year at midnight. Festival events include a fireworks display, the turning of the sandglass to start another year, and performances by various artists. Official location: Jeongdongjin2-ri, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do. Plan this visit using the official information above as the baseline. Operating hours, admission conditions, programs, access rules, and parking arrangements can change after this review, so confirm the latest notice on the linked official website before departure. This is especially important when a visit depends on a particular exhibition, guided program, seasonal activity, reservation, or accessibility service. Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival (정동진 해맞이 축제) is presented here as a destination rather than as a commercial listing. The description focuses on the setting and visitor experience documented by the Korea Tourism Organization. Respect residential, religious, ecological, and cultural-property rules where they apply, and use the official contact for questions that affect access or safety.
Quick highlights
- Witness dramatic sunrise over East Sea from Korea's easternmost point
- Crowds gather on beach before dawn for new year celebration
- Cultural performances and local food stalls throughout the festival grounds
- Popular pilgrimage destination for domestic and international visitors annually
- Festival celebrates seasonal light and natural seaside spectacle
Nearby best pairs
Other places in Gangwon that pair well with this visit.
Gangwon
Ojukheon House & Municipal Museum
Why go: Mountains + east coast — Korea's outdoor heart
Gangwon
Animation Museum & Toy Robot Studio
Why go: Mountains + east coast — Korea's outdoor heart
FAQ
When does Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival take place?
Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival runs December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026 at Jeongdongjin Sandglass Park.
Who hosts Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival?
Hosted by Gangneung-si · +82-33-640-5135, organized by Gangneung-si.
Is Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival free to attend?
Free of charge
Are there age restrictions?
Open to visitors of all ages
Where can I find more information about Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival?
Visit the official website: https://www.gn.go.kr/tour/index.do
Where is Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival located?
Jeongdongjin2-ri, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do











