By: FUNDAY FRIENDS
Author: Angeline Chrysanta

What do you usually do when the year changes? 

Many people I know would make New Year's resolutions, some would play with fireworks or watch a show, and many would eat 12 grapes under the table. 

Me? I usually just stayed up until 12, sent Happy New Year messages to my family, and slept. 

This New Year's, I was here all by myself, most of my friends went back to their home country. So, just another New Year, I thought. 

However, I got the invitation to spend the new year with Funday, a 2 days 1 night program where we can spend the new year on the train, wake up, enjoy the sunrise in Jangho, and explore. 

It was actually my first time taking a train outside Seoul. Subways, buses, I’ve tried them, but not trains. 

We got in the wrong compartment at first. The moment I got in, I was surprised to see that it was still Christmas-themed! The interior seemed so cozy, they had a reading corner, sofa, and everything that I could ever wish for to exist in a train. 

Unfortunately, that was not our designated seat. It turned out it was a public space, so yes, you can visit it on the way, but I decided to have some rest. 

I was kind of sad because we departed late at night, which meant we could barely see anything through the window, but something unexpected happened. 

The train crew came and held an ice-breaking game all of a sudden. I was not in the mood to play games since it was late at night but then decided to try, and it was pretty fun! They even prepared mini gifts for the winners. 

Suddenly it was 11:59. The countdown started, and we celebrated the new year together. I had some talk with my seatmate before falling asleep. Just as I was dreaming, suddenly we arrived! 

We packed our bags, got out of the train, and transferred to a bus. The bus then took us to the Jangho Harbour. We got off the bus to enjoy the beauty of the first sunrise this year. Never thought I would spend the new year like this, but it was great! I feel like watching the sun rise for the first time this year brings us new hope. 

Anyways, the view was so beautiful that I couldn’t describe it in words. But if I have to, ethereal would be quite right. 

Moving on, breakfast. Here, in Korea, having 떡국 (tteokguk, which means rice cake soup) is a must in the new year. Of course, it was included in the trip! 

After staying up the whole night (almost), we got a delicious nutritious dumpling and rice cake soup in the morning to fill up our energy. Then we got back to the bus again and headed to the Donghae Hot Spring Sauna. The idea of the hot spring itself is still unfamiliar to me, I was too awkward to get in so I decided to go to a coffee shop upstairs. The view was amazing. We can see the beautiful blue sea. Of course, photos are a must there! 

The last agenda was exploring the area around Mukho Fish Market. They have so much fish, indeed. 

As I kept on going, they also have cafes and restaurants in the area. I then went through the stairs to visit the Mural Art Village which was only a few minutes away on foot. Pretty tiring, I would say, but starting the new year with some exercise I guess! The view was pretty too! The photos came out really well on the top! So it was worth the climb. Everything was great, we went home happily and watched the sunset through the train window while having some rest. Special thanks to the Funday Team for the trip!