In Korea, sunrises have deep cultural and spiritual meanings of renewal, hope, and the passing of time. For centuries, Koreans have celebrated the beauty of the first light, incorporating it with unique Korean traditions, rituals, and aspirations toward the future. From ancient myths to modern-day celebrations, the sunrise is a potent, continuous symbol of Korea's heritage and its collective identity.
This meaning of the sunrise is represented in the mythology and folk tales of Korea. A commonly related tale is that of Dangun Wanggeom, considered to be the mythical founder of Korea, as he came from heaven to establish the first Korean kingdom Gojoseon. The sun repeatedly crops up in most of the tales of Koreans to denote the divine guidance of the sun and eternal strength in their lives. Besides, the sunrise was an essential sign in traditional Korean agricultural society, marking the beginning of a day's work and hope for a good harvest.
The symbolic meaning of the sunrise spreads further, including Korea's national identity: the red circle in the flag of South Korea is called the Taegeuk and shows the balance of opposites in the universe in much the same way that the sunrise can be said to express harmony between day and night. The imagery of a rising sun has been taken up in various South Korean government campaigns and national events to emphasize progress, unity, and optimism.
Even in contemporary Korea, the sunrise continues to act as a catalyst for various artistic and cultural expressions. Over many centuries, the dreamy beauty of the morning has been captured in the works of numerous Korean poets and painters as a metaphor for resilience and renewal. It can be seen time and time again in both music, film, and literature to form the backdrop to the characters’ introspections or even their transformations.
The most famous tradition related to the sunrise in Korea is the yearly New Year's Day celebration of completing a trek to the coast or mountain peaks. Families and friends join together to watch the first dawn of the year, in search of hope and the promise of new beginnings. Places like Jeongdongjin, on the eastern coast, which has the railway station closest to the sea, and Seongsan Ilchulbong, the volcanic crater on Jeju Island, are thronged with thousands of visitors. Many Koreans close their eyes and make a wish as the sun rises, believing the first sunrise has the magic to bring them prosperity and happiness throughout the year. Additionally, an equally common event could be the Haemaji Festival, which translates into a "sunrise festival." It is held annually on the East Coast, as communities join together in unified enjoyment of the morning as they ponder over their coming years.
The sun reminds Koreans that with each sunrise, a better day is soon to come. Whether viewed from the peak of a mountain, a coastline along the East Sea, or even the rooftop house in busy Seoul, the sun rising over Korea is not just a simple natural moment but a living symbol of the spirit, resilience, and futuristic aspirations of the nation.