Jason Teale
f you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Ulsan, the city is preparing a large-scale year-end and New Year’s sunrise festivalto welcome the first sunrise of 2026. Taking place along the coast in Ulju-gun, this event combines live performances, fireworks, drone shows, and traditional New Year activities into a single overnight celebration.
Ulsan is known as one of the places in Korea where the sun rises first on January 1st, and this festival is designed around that moment — from late-night performances on December 31st through to sunrise celebrations early the next morning.
📍 Location
Ganjeolgot Cape Park
Stages set up all around the park
This coastal area provides open space for large crowds, performances, and clear views of the sunrise over the East Sea. It is also difficult to get to from downtown Ulsan.
📅 Dates & Event Schedule
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – Year-End Events
Start time: 6:00 PM
The festival begins on New Year’s Eve with a mix of traditional and modern performances designed to close out the year.
Highlights include:
- Year-end Jeya ceremony
- Performances by local artists
- Appearance by a popular singer
This portion of the event is ideal for people who want to enjoy live music and performances without staying out all night.
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Sunrise Celebration
Start time: 5:00 AM
The main event begins before dawn, leading into the sunrise.
Highlights include:
- Large-scale drone light show
- Fireworks display welcoming the New Year
- Congratulatory New Year performances
- Special live broadcast and stage events
- Viewing the first sunrise of 2026
For many attendees, watching the sunrise over the ocean is the emotional centerpiece of the festival.
🎨 Programs & Activities
In addition to the main performances, several side events and activities will be available throughout the festival area:
- Night view exhibition titled “Slow”
- Ulju public art project (“Development”)
- Free tteokguk (traditional rice soup) for visitors
- Experience booths including:
- Calligraphy
- Tarot reading
- Keyring-making and hands-on crafts
- Multiple food trucks offering warm meals and snacks
These activities make the event accessible for families, couples, and visitors who prefer a more relaxed festival experience.
🚗 Parking & Transportation
Due to the expected crowds, temporary parking areas will be in operation at multiple locations:
- Onyang Sports Park Parking Lot
- Shinhan Heavy Industries Parking Lot
- Jinha Public Parking Lot
- Jinha Beach Parking Area
- Energy Fusion Industrial Complex
- Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Corporation Headquarters Parking Lot
🚌 Free shuttle buses will run continuously from all parking areas to the festival site, making it unnecessary to drive directly to the event location.
❄️ What to Know Before You Go
- Dress warmly — early January coastal temperatures can be very cold, especially before sunrise
- Expect large crowds, particularly on January 1st
- Arrive early if you want a good viewing spot for the drone show and sunrise
- Use the shuttle buses rather than attempting to park near the venue
🌅 Final Thoughts
The Ulsan New Year’s Sunrise Festival 2026 offers a rare chance to experience the transition from year-end reflection to New Year celebration in one continuous event. Whether you’re interested in live performances, fireworks, art installations, or simply watching the first sunrise of the year over the East Sea, this festival brings it all together in one place.
If you’re in or around Ulsan for New Year’s, this is one of the most memorable ways to welcome 2026. Don’t forget there are other events going on around the city as well. There is a traditional bell-ringing ceremony going on at the east gate of Ulsan Grand Park as well.
