The count down to the new year is celebrated by most countries around the world, but how they celebrate differs from place to place.
In Korea, more than 100-thousand people gathered in central Seoul to take part in the annual Bosingak bell ringing ceremony.
At the strike of midnight, the bell was rung 33 times, representing the 33 heavens of Buddhism and signaling the coming of the New Year.
So how did the rest of the world celebrate the coming of 2013 Moving over to the City of Light, Paris, where the iconic Eiffel Tower sparkled at the stroke of midnight.
As so many couples do throughout the world, Parisians welcomed in the new year with a kiss.

And in New York's Time Square, the mother of all New Year's celebrations went down as it does each and every year.
Millions of people came out to watch the descent of the huge crystal ball at the stroke of midnight.


[Interview : ] "This is the center of the world and whatever happens here everybody is paying attention to. It's an unforgettable experience."
[Interview : ] "It's been pretty cold, my toes are sore from standing. The excitement keeps us going."

The ways of celebrating may differ, but everyone ringing in the new year shares one thing in common, the wish for a prosperous 2013.
Kim Hyun-bin Arirang News

Reporter : hyunbin@arirang.co.kr