Hot Packs, Crampons, Gloves, Hats... Prepare Your 'Sunrise Essentials' in Advance

Clear Weather Expected Nationwide in the New Year
Prepare Winter Gear and Ijens
Beware of Safety Accidents on Hiking Trails

On the morning of the 29th, three days before the Year of the Black Rabbit (Gyemo Year) 2023, the sun is rising at the seaside in front of the Munmu Daewang Tomb in Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Photo by Yonhap News

As the first New Year without social distancing in three years approaches, citizens' expectations are growing. It is because they can face the sunrise on the first day of the Gyemyo Year (癸卯年) in person and pledge a new beginning. Clear weather is expected on the last day of this year and the first day of the new year, and various sunrise events will be held, making sunrise spots across the country crowded with people. Since people will be waiting outdoors for a long time to see the sunrise, special preparations are necessary to cope with the cold weather.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 29th, clear weather is expected to continue under the influence of high pressure until the 3rd of next month. The whole country will be mostly clear, so there will be little hindrance to watching the sunset and sunrise in most areas. Especially, clear skies will be maintained mainly in the eastern regions, allowing people to see the sunrise over the East Sea. In the western regions, low clouds will move in, so depending on the area, the sunrise may need to be viewed through gaps in the clouds.

According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the sun is expected to rise in Seoul at 7:47 a.m. on the 1st. Additionally, the sunrise times are △Gangneung 7:40 a.m. △Daejeon 7:42 a.m. △Daegu 7:36 a.m. △Jeonju 7:41 a.m. △Gwangju 7:31 a.m. △Busan 7:32 a.m. △Jeju 7:38 a.m.

With clear days continuing, no cold wave is expected until January 2nd next year, but since it is currently the coldest time of the four seasons after the winter solstice, travelers who will wait outdoors for a long time to see the sunrise should make thorough preparations against the cold before setting out.

On the 30th of last month, when a cold wave warning was issued across various parts of the country and the minimum morning temperature in Seoul dropped to minus 7 degrees, a citizen was seen walking to work on the streets of Gwanghwamun, Seoul, holding a hand warmer. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Cold Protection Is Essential... Hot Packs, Gloves, Hats, Scarves

In situations where you have to endure the cold outdoors for a long time, a thick coat that can withstand strong winds and cold is essential. To prevent hypothermia or frostbite, wrap your body in appropriate cold-weather clothing such as a long padded jacket, and prepare hot packs, gloves, hats, scarves, and knee blankets in advance to keep warm.

Capture the 'Click' Moment

It is also good to bring a camera to capture the moment of the sunrise. If you bring a camera with better resolution and image quality than a typical smartphone camera, the Gyemyo New Year will be remembered even more specially. Since there is a lack of light, photos may be blurry or out of focus, so it is recommended to fix the camera in place or use image stabilization features.

Safety Precautions During Hiking... Crampons Are a Must on Icy Paths

Many people go to mountain summits to watch the sunrise, so attention is needed to prevent accidents during hiking. Choose hiking boots with thick soles to protect your feet from gravel and cold, and be sure to bring crampons to prepare for frozen snow or icy paths. When ascending, start walking slowly to avoid straining muscles and joints, and since the body can cool down quickly if you stop walking, it is better to keep walking without resting as much as possible.

Be More Careful When Descending... Take Narrow Steps

The risk of injury is greater when descending than when ascending. Tighten your hiking boot laces firmly to prevent your instep from sliding downward, and avoid walking heavily as the spine and joints may receive more impact. Since muscles are tired and the load on joints increases, it is better to descend with narrow steps.

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