Fishing Boat Reservations Soar for Nuriho Launch... Best Spots for Direct Viewing?[Reading Science]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] South Korea's first indigenous space launch vehicle, 'Nuriho (KSLV-II)', will resume its second launch on the 21st. It is a rare spectacle and a great opportunity to inspire children with dreams about science and space. Where is the best place to watch it?

The optimal method recommended by 'experts' is to watch from a boat in the sea off the coast of Goheung Peninsula, Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do. You can enjoy sea fishing with family and relatives on a fishing boat from nearby ports such as Naro Port, located on Naro Island where Nuriho is launched, or Yeosu Port from the morning, and then watch the launch around 4 p.m. Since the sea area within a 3 km radius of the launch pad is restricted, close proximity is impossible. However, it is practically difficult to directly witness the moment of liftoff from land due to distance, terrain, and restrictions. Watching from the sea offers an unobstructed view, refreshing sea breeze, and the chance to enjoy the fresh fish caught, making it the best option.

On the originally scheduled first date of the second launch, the 15th-16th, fishing boat reservation tickets at ports near Naro Island sold out quickly but were canceled and refunded due to the launch delay, causing mixed feelings in the fishing boat industry. Some people even watch the Nuriho launch from commercial large yachts at Yeosu Port. However, rain is forecasted on the 21st, so caution is advised.

If you want to watch the Nuriho launch from land, you need to choose a location with a good view of the Goheung Peninsula. First, there is the Goheung Space Launch Observatory located in Yeongnam-myeon, Goheung-gun. Although it is about 17 km away from the launch site, Goheung-gun plans to hold a performance and Taegukgi flag cheering at a special stage in the observatory to wish for a successful launch. However, partial operation is expected between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on the launch day, so please take note. To watch indoors at the observatory, up to 100 people must enter at least 1 hour and 30 minutes before the launch. The Namyeol Sunrise Beach right next to the observatory is open for free viewing. Additionally, Bongnam Lighthouse in Bongyeong-ri, Dongil-myeon, and the summit of Maboksan in Podu-myeon in Goheung-gun are well-known spots for watching Nuriho.

The Yeosu beach area facing the launch site also has many good viewing spots. First, there are island areas such as Sado and Nangdo in Hwajeong-myeon, Sang and Hahwado, Gaedo, Geumo-do in Nam-myeon, Ando, and Yeondo. Baekyado in Hwajeong-myeon, Jangsu-ri area in Hwayang-myeon, and the Yeosu-Goheung connecting bridge are also recommended spots. Furthermore, Bonghwasan in Wonpo, Hwayang-myeon, Baekhosan in Baekyado, Hwajeong-myeon, Daebusan in Geumo-do, and Bonghwasan in Gaedo, Hwajeong-myeon are considered excellent places for hiking and watching the space launch vehicle.

Meanwhile, the second launch of Nuriho was originally scheduled for the 15th but was postponed by a day due to strong winds and then delayed again to the 21st after a sensor failure was found in the oxidizer tank. The Nuriho Launch Management Committee plans to finalize the launch time on the 21st, but it is generally expected to be after 4 p.m. Since there is no rain forecast the day before, there should be no problems with transport, installation, and final checks. However, rain is forecast on the launch day, which could be a variable.