Gyeonggi Ocean Series Episode 4: Hwaseong City - Mecca of the Korean Yacht Industry

If you want to know more about Hwaseong City in South Korea, and its representative marine leisure industry, this is for you.

Jeongok Marina, located in Jeongok Port on the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, is a marine tourism and leisure center as well as the first fishing port pilot area designated in Korea. Various events are held here every year, including the Korea Match Cup World Yacht Competition, the Gyeonggi Hwaseong Marine Festival, and elements of the Korea International Boat Show.

The Hwaseong Boating Festival is held every year at Jeongok Port
ⓒGyeonggi Province

Jeongok Port in Hwaseong City is referred to as the “Sailing Heaven” of the Korean capital region. It opened in 2009 as the first marina in the region amid soaring interest in marine leisure activities. During the annual Hwaseong Boating Festival, diverse watercraft including yachts, boats and the Hwangpo Sailboat are showcased at the port. Unfortunately, however, this year's festival was canceled to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Yachting experiences are available for all visitors. Many come to enjoy the striking scenery of hundreds of luxury yachts. Just over the span of a decade, a small fishing port where old fishing boats congregated has been transformed into a popular marina on the west coast of Korea.

Various marine leisure programs are available for all visitors at the port
ⓒGyeonggi Province

At first glance, one may wonder how such a marina could have been developed along coastal waters the exhibit major tidal differences. However, thanks to the breakwater connecting Seoshin-myeon in Hwaseong City and Daebudo Island in Ansan City, Jeongok Port enjoys consistent water depths.

The scenery of the West Sea that one can see from Jebudo Island, including unique rock formations on the island, is breathtaking. Equally picturesque are the wind turbines at Ansan Port and the sunset views of Nue Island. Such vistas are easily accessible by car from anywhere in the Korean capital region, with such ease of accessibility being a leading advantage of Jeongok Port.

In order to expand the marine leisure industry base, Hwaseong City operates various programs for members of the public, including yachting experiences and marine education courses, though these have been curtailed in light of the global pandemic. When in operation, visitors can compare and register for related programs offered by private companies at the Jeongok Port Travel Station in the marina and at the tourist information center located on the first floor of Jeongok Marina Club House.

Jeongok Port, capable of accommodating a total of 200 ships, features amenties such as a clubhouse, sea and land mooring, cranes and slipways.