Pohang Songdo Beach Reopens After 18 Years... Opening Ceremony and Bada City Hall Completion Held

Mayor Kangdeok Lee Draws Attention with Jet Ski Performance Symbolizing Marine Leisure Tourism Revitalization
Eight Designated Beaches Open on July 12... Operate for 44 Days Until August 24

Songdo Beach in Pohang has reopened to the public after 18 years.

On July 12, Pohang City held the completion ceremony for Songdo Bada City Hall and the opening ceremony for Songdo Beach.

Songdo Bada City Hall Completion Plaque Unveiling Ceremony. Photo by Pohang City

More than 100 people attended the event, including Mayor Kangdeok Lee, City Council Chairman Ilman Kim, National Assembly members Jeongjae Kim and Sanghui Lee, local city and provincial council members, officials from the East Sea Area Headquarters of North Gyeongsang Province, and local residents, to celebrate the new beginning of Songdo Beach, which has been reborn as an urban marine tourism destination.

The event featured a variety of programs, starting with a congratulatory performance by a fusion Korean traditional music group, followed by the presentation of appreciation plaques to contributors, the unveiling ceremony of the Bada City Hall plaque, a water cannon salute, and a line tour.

In particular, to commemorate the reopening of Songdo Beach, Mayor Kangdeok Lee personally participated in a jet ski performance symbolizing the revitalization of marine leisure tourism, heightening the excitement at the scene.

Mayor Kangdeok Lee of Pohang, who personally participated in a jet ski performance symbolizing the revitalization of marine leisure tourism to commemorate the reopening of Songdo Beach.

On this day, Mayor Lee rode a jet ski in front of the citizens, expressing his anticipation for the revitalization of marine leisure. He stated, "I hope the new wave of marine tourism starting here in Songdo will invigorate the entire city of Pohang."

Songdo Beach, which had been closed since 2006, has finally reopened this year after an 18-year hiatus.

Pohang City completed the restoration of the sandy beach and environmental improvements, transforming Songdo into a new urban seaside resort.

With the reopening of Songdo Beach, the total number of designated beaches in Pohang has increased to eight. As an urban beach with excellent accessibility and convenience, Songdo is expected to become a beloved destination for both citizens and tourists in the future.

Pohang City plans to continue expanding marine leisure content, including at Songdo, so that citizens can enjoy the sea in their daily lives through various ongoing efforts.

Myeonghyeon Lee, president of the Songdo Beach Prosperity Association, said, "It feels like we've reclaimed our lost sea," and pledged, "With the Prosperity Association at the center, the local community will unite to ensure that Songdo never closes again. We will thoroughly manage safety, order, and cleanliness so that both citizens and tourists will want to return to this beach."

Mayor Kangdeok Lee emphasized, "This year marks the meaningful 30th anniversary of the merger between Pohang City and Yeongil County, and the reopening of Songdo Beach symbolizes Pohang's determination to move forward into the future beyond its past. We will make every effort to ensure that Songdo becomes the new center of marine tourism in Pohang, with thorough preparations for safety and convenience."

On this day, all eight designated beaches in Pohang held opening ceremonies and conducted events such as the Sushinje and Eoryongje rituals. The designated beaches will operate for a total of 44 days, until August 24.