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.