1907
1908
South Korea
Unknown.
4th order
Revolving
Active
Fl W 12s
26 metre high tapered octagonal brick tower with balcony and lantern. The whole lighthouse is painted white apart from the balcony which is painted black.
None known.
The lighthouse appears in Chance Brothers of Smethwick near Birmingham's order books as Cape Clonad which was the British name given to the peninsula the light was built on.
It is also known as Cape Homi, Homigot Cape, Hanggigot, Janggi Gab, Janggigot or Changgigot.
The lighthouse was designed by French engineers and built by the Korean empire prior to the Japanese annexation. It was built to protect the east side of the bay of Pohang.
The Lighthouse is located at Homigot Cape which was listed as one of the ten most scenic sites during the Joseon Dynasty which ran from 1392 to 1897.
It was the tallest lighthouse in Korea when it opened on December 20th 1908. Built using red bricks and without any reinforcing rebar in an 18th century renaissance style with gable decorations over the entrance and windows it certainly is an interesting piece of architecture. The lighthouse was also built with a double tube structure that has protected it against earthquakes and strong winds. The ceilings on each floor are sculpted in the shape of plum blossoms, (a symbol of Joseon Royalty) and it has a total of 108 iron stairs in the six story structure, the 108 being reflective of Buddhist culture. I have been unable to find any information saying that the original Chance lens from 1907 has been removed so I have made the assumption it is still in situ.
In 2022 the lighthose was named Heritage lighthouse of the year by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities.
The lighthouse is on the site of the Korean National Lighthouse Museum which includes in it's collection a 4th order Chance lens from the Sorido lighthouse.
South Korean Ministry of Maritime Affairs
Korean National Lighthouse Museum.
From recent photographs on the internet the lighthouse appears to be in excellent condition.
Open
Closed
36.077667° 129.569000°
I have been unable to ascertain if tower visits are possible.
ARLHS SKR-003; Admiralty M4406; NGA 16652.
Online research.