The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on March 22 said Homigot Lighthouse in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, has been named the 2022 Heritage Lighthouse of the Year by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).
Built in 1908, Homigot is the nation's highest watchtower (26.4 m). Built with red bricks but no rebar, the lighthouse features Renaissance architecture from the mid-18th century with an octagonal shape and circumference of 24 m at the bottom and 17 m at the top. The six-story structure also has 108 iron stairs.
With the same height as a nine-story apartment building, the lighthouse is well preserved thanks to a double-tube structure that protects against damage from earthquakes and sea winds. The tower is also considered highly artistic thanks to its sophisticated gable roof (that appears like an upside-down book) similar to one an ancient Greek temple and an Oyat (white plum) flower decoration on the ceiling.
To preserve lighthouses with high historical value and highlight their importance and role as a beacon at ports, IALA has given the annual award since 2019. The three previous winners were Cordouan Lighthouse in France, Barra Lighthouse in Brazil and Cape Byron Lighthouse in Australia.
The global association in June will officially announce Homigot as this year's winner at its 75th board meeting in Denmark.
Cheong Tae-song, director-general of the ministry's Maritime Affairs and Safety Policy Bureau, said, "With Homigot Lighthouse's selection as World Lighthouse Heritage, we will actively promote the beauty and value of our lighthouses at home and abroad and strive to utilize them as a resource for marine culture tourism."
