North Gyeongsang tourism body highlights 7 lighthouses along the East Sea in July travel guide

The North Gyeongsang Culture and Tourism Corporation has published the July issue of its travel magazine "Gyeongbuk Travel MVTI," themed "Following the Light, Where Summer Rests," spotlighting seven scenic lighthouses along the North Gyeongsang coast that carry both maritime history and summer appeal.

The July issue centers on the province's most storied lighthouses and a lighthouse museum, weaving together the stories of people who have lived alongside the East Sea — watching over departures and waiting for ships to return.

The Homigot Lighthouse in Pohang first lit up in 1908 and stands 26.4 meters tall, built entirely of red brick without steel reinforcement. It retains a Renaissance architectural style dating to the 18th century.

Designated a World Lighthouse Heritage site in 2022, the structure has illuminated the East Sea for more than a century. The nearby National Lighthouse Museum allows visitors to explore the history of lighthouses, navigational aids and the lives of lighthouse keepers.

In Gyeongju, two unusual landmarks draw visitors: Songdaemal Lighthouse, the only hanok-style lighthouse in the country, and the north breakwater lighthouse at Cheoksa Port, designed with the Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok — known as the Emille Bell — as its motif.

Jukbyeon Lighthouse in Uljin, first lit in 1910, is a registered modern cultural heritage site that has long guided vessels traveling between Ulleungdo and Dokdo. The unmanned Wangdolcho Lighthouse warns mariners of a massive submerged reef invisible from the surface and serves as a vital guide for safe navigation on the East Sea.

The Ulleungdo Lighthouse, the first staffed lighthouse in Ulleung-gun, is a scenic destination where visitors can take in sweeping views alongside Daepungam, Hyangmok Observatory and Elephant Rock. At the easternmost point of South Korea, the Dokdo Lighthouse stands watch over the country's territorial waters from the farthest reaches of the East Sea.

Yangpo Lighthouse in Janggi-myeon, Pohang, is also featured as a representative East Sea coastal lighthouse and is expected to draw summer travelers with its picturesque surroundings.

The July issue of Gyeongbuk Travel MVTI is available to the public through the North Gyeongsang Culture and Tourism Corporation's website, the Gyeongbuk Nadri portal, and the corporation's official social media channels and blog.

Kim Nam-il, president of the North Gyeongsang Culture and Tourism Corporation, described the July issue as "a journey that follows the warm narrative of light — light that has watched over people's departures and homecomings." He added, "We hope you will walk alongside the lighthouses that have guided the sea and savor a peaceful summer moment of rest."