LIVE: Seoul rings in the New Year with bell ceremony

Thousands gather at Bosingak Pavilion in central Seoul for the New Year’s countdown ceremony. At midnight, the bronze bell is struck 33 times — a tradition rooted in Buddhist cosmology, symbolizing the 33 heavens. The resonant chimes are believed to dispel misfortune and welcome peace and prosperity for the year ahead. #southkorea #seoul #newyear #2026 #buddhism #BosingakPavilion #live #Reuters #News Keep up with the latest news from around the world: https://www.reuters.com/