Korean Dictionary
How to say "New Year Sunrise Viewing" in Korean
“New Year Sunrise Viewing” in Korean is 해돋이 (pronounced "haedoji").
해돋이
haedoji
Usage & Context
해돋이 is the tradition of watching the first sunrise of the new year in Korea especially at famous locations like Dongdae Mountain and Jeongdongjin beach. Thousands of Koreans travel to coastal and mountain spots to witness the 해돋이 and make wishes for the new year. The first sunrise is considered a powerful moment for prayers and intentions.
Example Sentence
새해 첫날 해돋이를 보러 정동진에 갔어요.
I went to Jeongdongjin on the first day of the New Year to watch the sunrise.
How to use 해돋이 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “New Year Sunrise Viewing” is 해돋이, romanized as haedoji.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 해돋이.
Pronunciation Guide
"Hae" sounds like "heh" (as in "hello" without the 'l'). "Do" is like "doe" (a female deer). "Ji" is like "jee" (as in "jeep"). The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on "hae".
More Example Sentences
Planning a trip to a famous sunrise spot.
강릉에서 해돋이를 보려고 새벽부터 출발했어요.
We left early in the morning to see the sunrise in Gangneung.
Discussing popular travel destinations.
해돋이 명소는 보통 동해안에 많아요.
Famous sunrise spots are usually found on the east coast.
Participating in the New Year's tradition.
새해 해돋이를 보며 소원을 빌었어요.
I made a wish while watching the New Year's sunrise.
Cultural Context
해돋이 is a deeply cherished New Year's tradition in Korea. On January 1st, many Koreans travel to coastal areas like Jeongdongjin, Ganjeolgot, or mountain peaks to witness the first sunrise of the year. It's a time for reflection, making wishes, and setting intentions for the coming year, often accompanied by family or loved ones. The atmosphere is usually festive and hopeful.
Editorial note
We review entries like 해돋이 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
해돋이 보러 가다
to go see the sunrise
새해 해돋이
New Year's sunrise
해돋이 명소
famous sunrise spot
Related Expressions
해맞이
haemaji
New Year's sunrise viewing (synonym, often used interchangeably)
일출
ilchul
sunrise (general term for sunrise)
일몰
ilmol
sunset (antonym)
소원 빌기
sowon bilgi
making a wish (related activity)
More Holidays & Festivals Words
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