The first sunrise of the New Year is expected to be seen, although in cloudy conditions, on the east coast and in the Gyeongsang provinces.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts cloudy weather over the East Sea on New Year's Day morning, but it says people will be able to observe the rising sun through thick clouds.

Next year's first sunrise will be seen at 7:26 a.m. on the easternmost Dokdo Islets, five minutes later at the Ganjeol Cape in Ulsan and thereafter from the inland areas.

However, the sunrise won't be visible in the central region including capital Seoul and the west coast of Jeolla provinces where there is a forecast for light snow.

The last sunset of 2011 will be amidst clouds in most parts of the country. The sun will set the latest on Soheuksan Island around 5:40 p.m. Saturday.