A couple sits alone and watches the waves at Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung, Gangwon Province. (Photo: Yonhap News)
The city of Gangneung in Gangwon Province has decided to downsize popular New Year's Day sunrise festivals it hosts due to the serious coronavirus situation nationwide.
Events were scheduled to held at Gyeongpo Beach and Jeongdongjin Hourglass Park on January 1.
City officials said concerts and hands-on experience programs will be canceled, however, there will still be heated tents set up for visitors.
The city government said it plans to livestream the first sunrise of 2021 on YouTube for those who are unable to visit the sites or want to watch it from the safety of their homes, away from the crowds.
Neighboring Sokcho canceled its annual sunrise festival as part of efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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