Best places for New Year wishmaking

Ringing in the new year never seemed so mixed in emotion. While it is a relief to end a troubled year filled with economic and political whirlwinds, it seems next year is also likely to bring vast changes and hiccups with the unwinding of the financial crisis.

Nevertheless, the end of one year and the start of another is the perfect opportunity to reflect and restore hope.

To this end, the Korea Tourism Organization has selected four lesser known spots across the nation worth a visit to watch the first sunrise of 2009 and make new year`s resolutions.

Under the theme, "places that will make your dreams come true," the KTO has chose Samcheok of Gangwon Province, Uljin of North Gyeongsang Province, Anyang of Gyeonggi Province and Goheung of South Jeolla Province.

Here are a few details of what you can find there.



Samcheok, Gangwon Province



Samcheok boasts one of the country`s best views of the sunrise. Drive through the 4 km Saecheonnyeon road along the east coast. The "tower of wish" located next to the Saecheonnyeon road is a popular rest stop for couples and families to write up their new year`s resolutions on the rocks that make up the tower.

Also in Samcheok is Yonmun rock situated inside the Jukseoru tower, which is said to be overseen by the spirit of King Munmu of the Silla Dynasty.

Haeshindang temple in Sinnam village is also a famous praying spot for couples wishing to have children. Other travel destinations in Samcheok include Jangho Port, Hwanseon cave, dating back some 500 million years, and a tour along Daegeum cave.

A good dish to have during the trip is Samcheok`s famous moray soup. For information on Samcheok, call the city`s tourism division on (033) 570-3545/3846.

<**1>

<**2>

Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province



In the southern beach of Uljin, there is a pavilion named Weolsongjeong.

Go through a thick forest and reach the beach, where you will see the two-story arbor.

The east side of the pavilion affords excellent views of the sea and the sunrise, where travelers can stopover to make a wish. The pavilion was reportedly frequented by artists of the Silla Dynasty.

Other recommended stops in Uljin include the ports of Hupo and Jukbyeon where one can enjoy king-crabs. Spa services are also available at hot springs of Deokgu and Baekam.

For children there is a museum for fresh-water fish and the Seongryu cave.

For information, call Uljin county office at (054) 789-6903.



Anyang, Gyeonggi Province



Closer to Seoul is Anyang City. Just 4 km from Anyang`s downtown is the Catholic holy place of Mount Suri, where the grave of Saint Choi Gyeong-hwan (1805-1839), father of Korea`s second priest Choi Yang-up, is located. The house of Choi is preserved and is also used as a church.

The area is quiet and surrounded by mountains, making it a good spot to take a walk and meditate.

Other destinations in the region include the Dolsuk Museum of Ceramic Wares, and the Anyang Art Park where the works of renowned Korean and foreign artists are on display.

Hiking up Mount Gwanak also gives spectacular views of the city.

For more information, call the Catholic Holy Place (031) 449-2842, or Anyang City Hall (031) 892-2064.



Goheung, South Jeolla Province



Namyeol beach in Goheung, Jeolla Province, offers a breathtaking view of the archipelago of the Southern Sea. Standing on the white-sand beach and watching the sunrise, one will feel encouraged to change in the new year.

After watching the sunrise, a visit to Mount Palyeong, and the thousand-year-old temple of Neunggasa is recommended. The town is also home to Naro Space Center, where Korea`s first satellite was launched. For information, contact Guncheong country office (061) 830-5305.

By Lee Joo-hee



(angiely@heraldm.com)