The first sun of the year rises over the summit of Gamak mountain in Geochang county, South Gyeongsang Province on Thursday. (Geochang county, Yonhap)
As the new year began, people across the nation on Thursday headed out to watch the first sunrise of the year, wishing for new hope.
Despite a cold wave and biting winds, their resolve to greet the first sunrise remained undeterred. This year marks the Year of the Byeongo, also known as the Year of the red horse.
Below are scenes of people and soldiers gathering at sunrise spots nationwide to mark the new year and make new year's resolutions.
Citizens watch the first sunrise at Haengjusanseong Fortress in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. (Goyang City Hall, Yonhap)
The first sun rises over the Soyang river in Gangwon Province. (Yonhap)
Citizens wait for the sunrise atop Inwang mountain in Seoul. (Yonhap)
People watch the first sunrise of 2026 from the sunrise observatory at Songju mountain in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province. (Boryeong city, Yonhap)
Sunrise visitors watch the first sun of the year, rising over the sea off Tomb of King Munmu in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. (Yonhap)
Soldiers of the Imjin River Battalion under the 9th Infantry Division vow to strengthen military readiness while watching the New Year’s sunrise at Odusan Unification Observatory in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. (The 9th Infantry Division, Yonhap)
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