People in South Korea watched the sun rise in Seoul on 1/1.

Welcoming the first sunrise of the new year holds deep cultural significance in South Korea, symbolizing hope, positivity, and a promising start to the new year during gatherings with family and friends. Hundreds of thousands of people often gather along coastlines or on mountains on 1/1 to watch the sunrise.

New Year's celebrations took place in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, featuring fireworks, singing and collective dancing, and taekwondo performances, with the presence of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

In his New Year's Eve speech, leader Kim Jong-un praised the North Korean people for their efforts, which brought about breakthroughs and changes in 2025. He called for increased unity ahead of the Workers' Party congress, an event that will shape the country's future direction.

He also sent a New Year's message to North Korean military personnel serving in Russia, calling them "the greatest strength and pride, a firm pillar of the country", expressing hope to see them return home soon.

Vibrant New Year's activities took place at Juyong Pass, part of the Great Wall, on the outskirts of Beijing, with drum performances and a festive atmosphere.

Participants wore stylized hats and held up signs with "2026" printed on them, along with a horse symbol. Next February will mark the beginning of the Binh Ngo year (Year of the Fire Horse) according to the lunar calendar in China.

The first rays of the new year 2026 at Van Xuan Pavilion, Jingshan Park, Beijing.

Monks at Zojoji temple in Tokyo, Japan, rang the first bell of the new year 2026.

This ritual is called "Joya no kane". Monks strike the temple bell 108 times to purify worldly desires.

The first rays of the new year 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

Prayers for a peaceful new year at Wat Pathum Wanaram temple in Bangkok, Thailand.

This activity took place from the night of 31/12/2025 to the early morning of 1/1/2026 at seven temples in the city, with the aim of purifying the soul and praying for health, peace, luck, and prosperity.

People in India released balloons to celebrate the new year on CG Road in Ahmedabad, Gujarat state.

People received blessings during New Year's celebrations at a church in Tehran, the capital of Iran.

A couple took commemorative photos to welcome the new year in Red Square in Moscow, the capital of Russia.

People set off fireworks to celebrate the new year in front of the Bulgarian National Bank headquarters, marking the day the country began using the euro. Bulgaria is the 21st country to use the euro. This is a significant milestone, occurring almost 20 years after the nation joined the European Union.

Fireworks lit up the sky over London, England, as the Big Ben clock chimed in the new day.

Hong Hanh (Photos: Reuters, AFP, AP)