Yangyang, which means “the place where the sun rises” has long been noted for its beautiful sunrises. Since 1260 (Goryeo period), Koreans have honored the East Sea god at Naksan on the East coast of Yangyang, where they conduct a prayer ritual for an abundant catch and a bountiful harvest.

Legend has it that if you make a wish on New Year's Day during the sunrise at Naksan, near Yangyang, your dreams will come true. For this reason, tourists flock to the area to see the sunrise on the first day of the New Year.