On the morning of the 2026 Year of the Red Horse (Byeong-o-nyeon), Jumunjin Beach in Gangneung—a flagship beach on the East Coast—was filled with hopeful cheers alongside the first sunrise of the year. The "Jumunjin Sunrise Festival," hosted by the Jumunjin Prosperity Association, was held on its grandest scale in 26 years, overcoming past interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and unexpected safety incidents.
◇ 'Sunrise of Hope' Restarts the Stopped Clock
In the early hours of January 1st, an estimated 6,000 people gathered at Jumunjin Beach. Despite sub-zero temperatures, tourists and local residents dressed in thick coats waited for the year’s first sunrise. This event holds significant meaning as it marks a full recovery from years of cancellations and downsizing due to the aftermath of the Muan Airport accident and the spread of infectious diseases.
Around 7:40 AM, as the sun began to peek over the horizon, cheers erupted from the crowd. A local resident, identified as "A," who visited with family, shared, "Watching the first sunrise of the year together makes the emotion feel even more powerful."
◇ A Harmony of 'Safety' and 'Sharing' Created by the Community
The success of this event was underpinned by organic cooperation among local organizations. Key groups, including the Jumunjin-eup Office, the Saemaul Women's Association, the Resident Safety Life Development Council, the Volunteer Fire Brigade, and the Voluntary Neighborhood Watch, were fully mobilized to assist with traffic control and maintaining order. To manage the large crowds, the Prosperity Association guided visitors along pre-planned routes. They also maintained safety by promptly reorganizing lines and utilizing real-time communication channels in response to unexpected situations, concluding the event without a single accident.
Sharing events utilizing local specialties were particularly well-received. The Prosperity Association prepared and distributed 2,000 servings of Gangneung’s representative food, Chodang soft tofu, for free. The food service, which began before dawn, was so popular that it sold out early, providing warmth to tourists braving the cold.
◇ Activating the Local Economy and Presenting a Sustainable Festival Model
Various side events, such as Samulnori (traditional percussion) performances, the lighting of the wish tower, and winter food booths, added to the festive atmosphere. Experts analyzed that this event went beyond a simple one-time occurrence, acting as a catalyst to enhance Jumunjin's regional brand value and revitalize the stagnant local economy.
Kang Bo-won, chairman of the Prosperity Association, stated, "We prioritized safety and order above all else, which allowed us to complete all programs smoothly. We will continue to establish a festival culture where residents and local businesses can thrive together."
Based on the success of this year’s event, the Jumunjin Prosperity Association plans to review additional measures to alleviate traffic congestion and strengthen safety management when planning for next year. They also outlined a strategy to attract more tourists by expanding cooperation programs with local commercial districts and strengthening social media promotion. Having transformed a 26-year wait into hope, the Jumunjin Sunrise Festival is now establishing itself as a representative and sustainable winter festival of the East Coast.
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