The hourglass uses sand that takes exactly 365 days to flow from the top bulb to the bottom, symbolizing the completion of one full year.
The park was specifically constructed to celebrate the turn of the millennium and the significance of the year 2000.
The sand used in the hourglass was sourced from the local East Sea beach, creating a symbolic connection to the surrounding landscape.
A dedicated train museum is housed inside a converted locomotive and passenger carriages on the park premises.
The park is situated at the precise location where the 129 degrees longitude line passes, making it a symbolic reference point for Korean time.
Jeongdongjin translates to 'the ferry terminal due east of Gwanghwamun Gate' in Seoul, establishing its historical geographic significance.
Sandglass Park is defined by its massive, permanent hourglass that rotates once every year to mark the passage of time. Located directly on the coast of Jeongdongjin, the park serves as the site for a significant annual New Year's sunrise festival. The hourglass itself stands 8.2 meters tall and weighs 40 tons, containing 8 tons of sand. It is situated adjacent to the Jeongdongjin train station, which holds the record as the closest station to the sea in the world. The park grounds feature a collection of old, decommissioned train cars repurposed as a rail museum and café. It is part of the larger Jeongdongjin tourist area, which gained national prominence following the success of the 1995 Korean drama 'Sandglass'. The park offers direct access to the beach for walking along the East Sea shoreline.
In front of the main hourglass with the beach and East Sea visible in the background.
Visit during the early morning hours to witness the sunrise over the East Sea.
Explore the interior of the converted train carriages for unique historical photography.
Wear comfortable footwear as the park spans both grassy areas and sandy beach transitions.
Do not attempt to touch or climb the glass structure of the main hourglass, as it is a protected monument.
