Busan, South Korea – Busan City is set to celebrate the arrival of 2025 with its cherished New Year’s bell-ringing ceremony, a tradition that will take place at Yongdusan Park as the clock strikes midnight on January 1. The event, which ushers in the Year of the Blue Snake, combines cultural reverence with modern community spirit, drawing thousands to participate in this iconic celebration.
The ceremony, rooted in Korean tradition, holds deep symbolic meaning. For decades, the ringing of the bell has represented hope, new beginnings, and the collective aspirations of a community. This year, the event embraces the theme of the “Three Blessings”—health, love, and prosperity—a message that resonates universally as people reflect on the year past and look toward the future.
Festivities at Yongdusan Park are set to begin early in the evening, creating a vibrant atmosphere leading up to the midnight ceremony. From 7 PM, attendees can engage in interactive activities inspired by traditional Korean customs, such as a target-throwing game and a “wish capsule” booth where visitors can write their hopes for the New Year. These pre-event attractions are designed to foster a sense of togetherness while celebrating Busan’s cultural heritage. To ensure comfort during the chilly winter night, service booths will distribute warm beverages and hand warmers.
As the night progresses, a year-end music concert will take center stage. Featuring local artists, the performance promises to create a reflective yet celebratory ambiance, setting the tone for the main event. At 11:55 PM, a communal countdown will build excitement, culminating in the resonant sound of the bell ringing at midnight. Twenty-two individuals, carefully selected to represent the spirit of Busan, will take part in the ceremonial act, striking the bell 33 times to symbolize hope, love, and peace. Among them are community leaders, cultural contributors, and unsung heroes whose achievements have left a lasting impact on the city.
The bell-ringers include an inspiring mix of participants: a para-athlete who has competed internationally, a volunteer who has dedicated over 10,000 hours to community service, and a young musician who has contributed to the city’s cultural initiatives. They are joined by members of the “Busan Liberation Expedition,” a youth delegation commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s independence, adding a sense of historical significance to this year’s event.
Safety remains a top priority for city organizers. With attendance capped at 8,000, measures have been implemented to manage crowds and ensure a safe environment for all. Designated entry points will be monitored, and additional lighting and pathways have been established to guide attendees. Safety personnel and trained volunteers will be stationed throughout the park to oversee crowd movement and provide immediate assistance if necessary. In the event of overcrowding, access to certain areas of the park may be temporarily restricted to maintain safety.
To accommodate the influx of visitors, public transportation services will operate extended hours. Subway lines will run past midnight, with the last trains departing between 1:30 AM and 2:05 AM, while key bus routes serving the Nampo-dong area will also run until approximately 1 AM. The city strongly encourages attendees to use public transportation due to limited parking near the venue.
For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be live-streamed on Busan’s official YouTube channel, ensuring that the spirit of the event reaches residents and visitors far and wide. The city has also emphasized accessibility, with designated service areas at the venue to assist elderly attendees and individuals with disabilities.
Mayor Park Heong-joon expressed his hopes for the event, describing it as “a celebration of Busan’s vibrant community spirit and a hopeful start to 2025.” He added, “It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past year and set positive intentions for the future.” Event organizer Kwon Young-jung echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the city’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive celebration.
As the Year of the Blue Snake approaches, Busan’s bell-ringing ceremony promises to be a heartfelt celebration of tradition, unity, and renewal. Residents and visitors alike are invited to join in this meaningful start to the New Year, either in person at Yongdusan Park or through the live broadcast online.
