Gyeonggi Ocean Series Episode 3: Ansan Converts Natural Resources for Environmentally Friendly Energy

Gyeonggi strives for sustainable and beautiful future of ocean. Today, it's Ansan city.

Ansan City – in partnership with Siheung City, Hwaseong City, and the Korea Water Resources Corporation – plans to develop Sihwa Lake as a prime marine leisure destination on the west coast of Korea. To this end, the local governments will first cooperate on the installation of transmission lines that run underground, replacing lines that currently run across the surface of Sihwa Lake. Their plan also includes the development of marine festivals and ecotourism contents that can substantially benefit residents of the Sihwa Lake area.

Sihwa Lake tidal power station in Ansan
ⓒGyeonggi Province

Sihwa Lake is an artificial lake that was formed by the construction of the 12.7-kilometer-long Sihwa seawall. It was originally planned as a freshwater lake that would supply water to farms and industrial complexes, but this plan was discarded as the lake became infamous for water pollution due to the inflow of wastewater from surrounding industrial complexes and urban areas. Thankfully, water quality has since improved significantly through the efforts of the local governments, and the lake has now become one of the most popular sites for migratory birds in Korea. It is also popular as a tourist destination for such features as Ansan Reed Wetland and Daebudo Island.

Marina facilities are being constructed on Daebudo Island and other areas, and Sihwa Lake ferry restoration projects are also underway. In addition, artificial surfing sites are being promoted on Turtle Island in Siheung City. For its part, Hwaseong City is also carrying out projects to create geological parks and theme parks on Ueumdo Island.

Moon Observatory at Sihwa Narae Tidal Power Culture Pavilion
ⓒGyeonggi Province

Sihwa Narae Rest Area Moon Observatory

Driving along the Sihwa seawall between Oido Island of Siheung City and Daebudo Island of Ansan City, visitors can see the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant, Moon Observatory, and the Sihwa Tidal Culture Center of the Sihwa Narae Rest Area. At the observatory, which is located on Gari Island, visitors can see the actual ocean, ocean-like Sihwa Lake, and tidal currents when seawater enters the lake through the seawall gates. It is the second longest seawall in the world as well as the first in Korea, and it features the largest tidal power plant in the world.

Bang-a-muri Beach

When crossing the Sihwa seawall from Oido Island, visitors will reach Bang-a-mrui Beach on Daebu Island, Ansan City, which is a popular summer vacation spot. The pine forest is beautiful and there are plenty of things to eat, such as raw fish and grilled clams. At Ban-g-amuri Beach, one can also enjoy the nine peaks of Gubongdo Island.

Gubongdo Isand

Gubong means “nine peaks” in Korean. Among these, the two tallest are called Grandpa Rock and Grandma Rock. The sunset between these rocks is considered one of the most captivating in the country.

Gubongdo Island in Ansan
ⓒGyeonggi Province

Gubongdo Island was connected with Daebudo Island with the construction of the Gubong Salt Pond. Haesol-gil on Daebudo Island has two branches: a mountain road and an ocean road. At high tide, visitors cannot use the ocean road to access the sunset observatory.

Gubong-dong's special attraction, Ant Waist Arch Bridge, was built at a site deemed to be as small as “the waist of ants,” so visitors can go to the Nakjo Observatory without worrying about high tide, and they can also use the ocean path when the tide goes out.

When visitors walk through the Nakjo Observatory, they can enjoy a collection of beautiful sculptures under the title of “Putting the Sunset in Your Heart.” This harmonizes beautifully with the sunset and is deemed to be one of the best photo spots on Daebudo Island.

Tando Port Silkworm Island

Silkworm Island, named for its resemblance to the insect, is situated 1 kilometer away from Tando Island. Twice a day, during the “Moses' Miracle,” visitors can walk to the island along an ocean road that opens during the ebb of the tide. There is a lighthouse on Silkworm Island that leads to a safe trail. This trail is well organized, enabling visitors to walk around the island with ease. If one climbs up to the observatory, they can enjoy a panoramic ocean view. There is also an exhibition hall in the lighthouse observatory that provides more information about the natural environment of Silkworm Island.

Sunset in Tando Port, Ansan
ⓒGyeonggi Province

Located at the entrance of Silkworm Island, the Ansan Fishing Village Folk Museum is a cultural complex where visitors can enjoy traditional folklore, salt fields, and fishing culture.