The 2023 Year of the Rabbit New Year is Mostly 'Clear'... Where to Watch the Sunrise?

Influence of High-Pressure System... Clear Weather Continues Until January 3
Fine Dust Levels Rise and Clouds in the West

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] After three years since the outbreak of COVID-19, the new year without social distancing is approaching, and various places nationwide are busy preparing for sunset and sunrise festivals. On January 1, 2023, the weather is expected to be mostly clear, making it easy to enjoy the sunrise.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecasted that the entire country will be under the influence of high pressure until January 3, resulting in mostly clear skies. On the 29th, meteorologist Park Jung-hwan said in a regular forecast briefing, "From today until January 3, the country will be under the broad high-pressure system from China, leading to clear weather."

However, there are some variables. In some western regions, clouds at low altitudes may cause the sun to appear through the clouds, and fine dust may cause visibility issues.

On January 1, fine dust concentrations are expected to rise in the metropolitan area, Gangwon, Chungcheong, Honam, Daegu, Gyeongbuk, and Jeju. Meteorologist Park said, "In western areas where clouds mix with fine dust and fog, there may be difficulties in observing the sunset and sunrise. If you watch the sunrise in urban areas, it might be obstructed."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Temperatures will gradually rise from the 29th and are expected to return to average levels from the 31st. However, between the night of the 29th and early morning of the 30th, about 1 cm of snow will fall in southern Gyeonggi and northern Chungcheong regions. Light snow less than 0.1 cm will fall in the metropolitan area, central and southern Gangwon Yeongseo, southern Chungnam west coast, and western inland Gyeongbuk.

The KMA stated, "Due to the influence of a pressure trough in the early morning of January 1, strong winds will blow, and significant waves close to 3 meters may occur mainly in the central East Sea offshore area, so caution is required."

New Year Without Social Distancing... Sunset and Sunrise Festivals Nationwide

According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the first sunrise of 2023 will begin earliest at 7:26 AM on Dokdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Following that, the times are ▲Haeundae, Busan at 7:32 AM ▲Homigot, Pohang, Gyeongbuk at 7:32 AM ▲Seongsan Ilchulbong, Jeju at 7:36 AM ▲Marado, Seogwipo, Jeju at 7:38 AM ▲Chuam, Donghae, Gangwon at 7:38 AM ▲Jeongdongjin, Gangneung, Gangwon at 7:39 AM ▲Gyeongpodae, Gangneung, Gangwon at 7:40 AM ▲Seoul at 7:47 AM.

Sunrise events will be held at famous sunrise spots nationwide. In Seoul, sunrise events will take place at 16 mountains and parks. These include four outer mountains surrounding Seoul (▲Dobongsan ▲Bongsan ▲Gaehwasan ▲Maebongsan), seven mountains within the city (▲Inwangsan ▲Eungbongsan ▲Baebongsan ▲Bonghwasan ▲Gaewoonsan ▲Ansan ▲Yongwangsan), and five flatland parks (▲Buk Seoul Dream Forest ▲World Cup Park ▲Sayuksin Park ▲Samsung Sunrise Park ▲Olympic Park).

From December 31 to January 1, the Countdown Busan event will be held in Suyeong-gu, Busan. In Jeollanam-do, Haenam-gun will host the Ttangkkeut Sunset and Sunrise Festival, and Yeosu will hold the Yeosu Hyangilam Sunrise Festival. In Chungnam, Seocheon will hold the Maryangjin Port Sunset and Sunrise Festival. In Jeju, the 30th Seongsan Sunrise Festival will be held from December 30 to January 1 at the famous sunrise spot Seongsan Ilchulbong.

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