On the afternoon of December 31, a white light illuminating the top of Lotte World Tower, as seen from Namhansanseong in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, pays tribute to the victims of the Jeju Air disaster.
Across the Nation, South Korea, Dec. 31 (Korea Bizwire) — On what would typically be a festive December 31, South Koreans spent the last day of 2024 in an unusually subdued atmosphere.
The proclamation of martial law, the impeachment of the president, and the recent Jeju Air disaster, which claimed 179 lives, cast a shadow over year-end celebrations, leading to the cancellation or scaling back of many traditional events.
On the afternoon of December 31, the final day of 2024, a tribute light display honoring the victims of the Jeju Air disaster in Muan is projected onto the exterior wall of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Nationwide Cancellations of Year-End Events
Dozens of New Year’s Eve celebrations, including fireworks, countdowns, and cultural performances, were canceled across the country.
Cities such as Jeonju, Busan, and Incheon called off iconic events like the Jeonju Bell-Ringing Festival and the Haeundae Beach Countdown.
In Jeju, the popular Seongsan Sunrise Festival, scheduled for December 31 and January 1, was also canceled.
On December 31, the restaurant district in Jongno-gu, Seoul, appeared unusually quiet. Following the December 3 martial law declaration, which led to widespread cancellations of year-end gatherings, the Jeju Air disaster at Muan International Airport on December 29 further dampened local business activity. With the government designating a national mourning period until January 4, corporate year-end parties and other gatherings have been postponed or canceled, leaving the small business sector in a deep freeze.
Even scaled-back events reflected the nation’s somber mood. In Gyeongsangnam-do’s Namhae County, the annual Sangsugeum Beach Festival eliminated performances and countdowns, opting instead for simple food-sharing activities.
Similarly, many cities limited celebrations to low-key gatherings.
On the afternoon of December 31, the final sunset of the year is seen near the site of the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport in Muan County, Jeollanam-do.
Streets and Markets Reflect Quiet Sentiment
Streets that usually buzz with energy on New Year’s Eve were eerily quiet. In Suwon’s Paldal District, a typically lively area, foot traffic was sparse.
“It doesn’t feel like the end of the year,” said a local office worker. In Ulsan, bustling commercial areas near city hall were similarly empty, with residents choosing to stay home.
Amid nationwide cancellations of year-end and New Year’s sunrise events following the Jeju Air disaster, tourists at Anmyeondo’s Kkotji Beach in Taean, Chungcheongnam-do, watched the sunset on December 31 and made wishes for the new year.
Markets also felt the impact of the subdued atmosphere. In Cheongju’s Yukgeori Market, vendors reported a decline in customers. “Business has been tough with everything going on,” said Yu Hyun-mo, the local merchants’ association leader. “I hope things improve in the new year.”
On December 31, workers were seen dismantling stage equipment for a New Year’s event at Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung, Gangwon Province. Gangneung City canceled its planned sunrise events at Gyeongpo Beach and Sandglass Park in Jeongdongjin to participate in the national mourning period following the Jeju Air disaster.
A Nation Looks to 2025 with Hope
Despite the somber mood, South Koreans expressed a collective wish for stability and optimism in 2025. Many citizens reflected on the year’s challenges and shared hopes for peace and renewal in the coming year.
“We’ve had such a turbulent year,” said a resident of Uijeongbu, reflecting on the political upheaval and the air disaster. “I just want 2025 to be calm and peaceful.”
On the afternoon of December 30, as local governments across the country canceled or scaled back year-end and New Year’s sunrise events to mourn the Jeju Air disaster, staff in Dong-gu, Daegu, were seen removing banners for a planned sunrise event.
At sunset in Daegu, families gathered at Apsan Observatory, watching the sun dip below the horizon. “We came to close out the year together as a family,” said Kim Soo-jun, a mother of two. “I hope only good things come our way in the new year.”
From the quiet shores of Jeju to the urban streets of Seoul, South Korea bade farewell to a difficult 2024 with solemn reflection and cautious hope for a brighter future.
On the afternoon of December 31, a white light illuminating the top of Lotte World Tower, as seen from Namhansanseong in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, pays tribute to the victims of the Jeju Air disaster.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
