2021년, 신축년 새해...67년 만에 멈춘 '제야의 종'<br /><br />2020 has been unforgettable in many ways.<br />Its imprint was felt even as we usher in a new year.<br />Amid the pandemic, annual ceremonies were canceled and tourist spots closed.<br />Bae Eun-ji zooms in on the changes.<br />Another year has passed,... and the sun rose over the ocean to welcome the New Year.<br />In South Korea, one of the most popular things to do on New Year's Day is to catch the first sunrise along the east coast.<br />But this year... the country closed all the popular tourist spots including Jeongdongjin Beach in Gangwon-do Province and Pohang's Homigot Sunrise Square in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.<br />But people were still able to watch the sunrise safely from their homes... on television and local government YouTube channels.<br />The traditional New Year bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Pavilion was also canceled due to the pandemic... an event that usually sees more than 100-thousand people gather around the pavilion every year.<br />This is the first time the event was canceled in 67 years... since it started in 1953.<br />So instead, local media outlets, including Arirang TV... aired an online version of the bell-ringing event, which featured pre-recorded footage of the ceremony.<br />Also, as many other annual celebrations were canceled,... a drone show took place over the Yeongdong-daero in Seoul to greet the New Year.<br />2021 is the year of the 'ox'.<br />The ox, the second animal in the Chinese Zodiac, is a hard working animal... and symbolizes loyalty and being trustworthy.<br />This is because they were the earliest animals to be raised as livestock... and helped farmers grow crops.<br />Many people have made their wishes for the New Year... hoping that the pandemic, which has completely changed our lives... will come to an end this year.<br />Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.<br />
