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Imagine a unique place where the endless blue of the sea meets the power of an industrial landscape: this is Songdo Beach. Located in the dynamic city of Pohang, situated in South Korea, this shore is a true symbol of urban renewal.

Songdo Beach. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

One of the main features of this spot is its unusual location in Yeongilman Bay. On one side, you see calm azure waves, while on the opposite shore, the lights of a giant steel plant turn the horizon into a futuristic canvas after dark. The shoreline, stretching about 1,700 meters, is surrounded by shady pine groves, creating a cozy atmosphere for relaxation.

Thanks to its gentle slope into the water and shallow depths, the beach is perfect for family strolls. After a major reconstruction, it has transformed into a modern tourist zone with a marine park and a picturesque canal. This place attracts those who appreciate comfortable urban infrastructure combined with the natural charm of the seaside.

For the latest information on coastal events or visiting rules, you can contact the city information service. Below are the main contact details to help you navigate and plan your visit to the coast.

The main activity on the coast is leisurely walks along the sandy shore. During the day, you can enjoy the seascape, and in the evening, watch the industrial giant's illumination light up on the other side of the bay. Be sure to visit the Songdo Waterpoly and Hyeongsangang Waterpoly observation decks. These unusual lightbulb-shaped structures become a center of attraction in the evening, hosting impressive light and music shows synchronized with the plant's lighting.

For those who enjoy active leisure, convenient paths for cycling or jogging run along the promenade. In the promenade square, you can find interesting trick art zones—a great opportunity to take fun 3D photos. If you are traveling with children, the calm water and shallow depths make this place safe for playing at the water's edge.

After a walk, it's worth stopping by one of the many coastal coffee shops or seafood restaurants. Enjoying fresh sushi or aromatic coffee while admiring the sunset over the bay is a must for every visitor. Additionally, the marine park often hosts festivals and live music performances, filling the atmosphere with a festive mood.

Reaching this picturesque coast is easy, as it is located very close to the city center. If you are near the popular Jukdo Market, a car or taxi ride will take only about 4 minutes. The beach is located in the Nam-gu district, making it easily accessible for most tourists.

From the main railway station or the intercity bus terminal, the ride takes about 10–15 minutes. You can use city buses that regularly run along coastal routes and stop within walking distance of the promenade. For more precise route planning, it is recommended to use local navigation apps.

For active travelers, a walk or a bike ride is a great option. Due to its proximity to urban neighborhoods (just 5–10 km from the center), the path along the canal and the coastal zone itself turns into a pleasant excursion with a view of Yeongilman Bay.

The beach has a long and storied history: it was once considered one of the best holiday spots in Gyeongsangbuk-do province. It was called “Myeongsa-sipri” (the sandy mile) for its magnificent silver sand and the thick pine forests that surrounded the shore. During its heyday in the 1960s and 70s, it welcomed more than 100,000 guests annually, and in 1983, it officially received the status of a national tourist destination.

However, nature made its own adjustments: in that same year, 1983, a powerful typhoon destroyed a significant part of the coastline. In the following decades, industrial development and soil erosion led to the deterioration of the beach's condition, resulting in its complete closure in 2007. For a long time, the area lay neglected, waiting for its chance at a rebirth.

Large-scale restoration work began in 2012. The project included not only the regeneration of the sandy surface but also the creation of a modern marine park connecting the coast with the canal. Special emphasis was placed on preserving cultural heritage: the "Woman of Peace" sculpture, originally created in 1968, was restored.

In 2025, the long-awaited official reopening of the site took place after 18 years of closure. Today, the revitalized shore symbolizes a new chapter in the city's life, harmoniously combining historical memory with modern art objects like trick art zones and light installations.

To simply walk along the promenade and enjoy the sea breeze, 1–2 hours is usually enough. This time is sufficient to see the main art objects and take commemorative photos against the backdrop of the bay.

If you plan an evening visit, it's worth setting aside 2–3 hours. This will allow you not only to take a promenade but also to wait for the start of the light show at the waterfalls and visit one of the local coffee shops to admire the lights of the steel plant over a cup of coffee.

For families with children, a visit might last half a day, especially if you include a visit to the adjacent marine park and relaxation in the shallow water area during the warmer months.

Access to the shoreline and walking paths is open 24/7, allowing you to enjoy the sea views at any time. However, the light installations have their own schedule: the Hyeongsangang Waterpoly waterfalls usually operate from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM and from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

The musical light shows traditionally start at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM and last about 20 minutes. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the official tourism website before your trip, as show times may change depending on the season or weather conditions.

Exploring the surroundings of the coast will allow you to fully experience the atmosphere of this port city. Very close to the beach, you'll find interesting theme parks and specialized aquariums that will be especially interesting for families with children.

Many of these locations are within a short drive or even a walk, allowing you to create a full-day itinerary.