COVID-19 Impact... Nationwide Sunset Spots Quiet and Calm

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] On the evening of December 31, the last day of this year, various famous sunset viewing spots across the country showed a calm and quiet atmosphere. Festivals that local governments used to hold grandly in competition before the spread of COVID-19 were canceled one after another, and unfavorable weather conditions such as year-end cold waves made it difficult to find crowds.

In the Chungnam West Coast area, including Maryang Port in Seocheon, Yesan Yedang Reservoir, and Taean Ggotji Beach, a chilly atmosphere prevailed. The lively scenes that used to be bustling with tourists trying to meaningfully wrap up the year were nowhere to be found.

The situation was similar in Dangjin Waemok Village, known for its unique terrain where one can enjoy both sunset and sunrise simultaneously. Dangjin City temporarily restricted access to Waemok Village for outsiders to strengthen quarantine measures, making it quieter than usual. The police controlled two entrance roads from 6 p.m. on December 31 to 10 a.m. on January 1, allowing entry and exit only to residents and some pre-registered visitors.

Families and couples heading to Boryeong Daecheon Beach looked at the last sunset of the year, partially obscured by clouds, soothing their regrets.

At the Yedangho Suspension Bridge, visitors took photos in front of LED snowflake lights and the 2022 New Year Tiger photo zone.

The Yesan Tourist Site Management Office stated, "We have deployed eight personnel to encourage temperature checks, mask-wearing, and social distancing," adding, "Disinfection work is also being carried out regularly."

In Incheon Seo-gu, at the 'Western Land End Ferry Terminal' area of the Gyeongin Ara Waterway, where sunset events were held annually on the last day of the year, citizen access was completely restricted this year. Barricades blocking access were installed at the plaza opposite the Sunset Bell, a symbol of Jeongseojin, and nearby bicycle paths.

About 300 people visited Dala Park in Tongyeong, a representative sunset spot in Gyeongnam, to bid farewell to the last sunset of 2021. An official from the East Office of Hallyeohaesang National Park explained, "Compared to before COVID-19, about 30% of that number visited."

The Dadaepo Sunset event in Busan, where people watch the sunset at the end of the Nakdong River, was not held again this year following last year, with only some residents visiting the site, looking forward to next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.