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Hwaambudu Lighthouse

Fl Yellow 4s🇰🇷Ulsan, KROperational

Location & Light Range

About Hwaambudu Lighthouse

Also known as: Hwaambudu (Hwaamchu Breakwater)

This yellow, cylindrical concrete tower stands 11 meters tall and has a focal height of 17 meters. It is located at the end of a short breakwater extending from a peninsula below the Hwaamchu tower. The lighthouse emits a single yellow flash every 4 seconds, with a geographic range of 12.4 nautical miles. The structure is painted yellow, and though its exact construction date is not recorded, it remains an active aid to navigation. Visitors can access the site, but the tower itself is closed to the public. The nearest port is Ulsan, located 2.5 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The yellow flash characteristic distinguishes Hwaambudu Lighthouse, serving as a visual reference for vessels navigating coastal waters near the Hwaamchu tower and at the end of the breakwater.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Yellow 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Yellow
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl Y 4s
Focal Height
17m
Geographic Range
12.4NM

Location

City
Ulsan
Country
🇰🇷South Korea
Sea Region
Located at the end of a short breakwater at the tip of the peninsula below the Hwaamchu tower.
Latitude
35.4714°
Longitude
129.4050°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ulsan(2.5 km)
Admiralty No.
M4381.38
NGA No.
16691.5

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
yellow
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower, painted yellow; Kim Cheol Bong has a 2014 photo

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hwaambudu Lighthouse at night?+
Hwaambudu displays the characteristic Fl Yellow 4s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The yellow color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Hwaambudu Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hwaambudu Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ulsan at 2.6 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Onsan/Ulsan (2.9 NM SW), Mipo/Ulsan (3.1 NM NNE), Busanjin-Gu (26 NM SW), South Busan (26.4 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hwaambudu Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hwaambudu Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Hwaambudu Lighthouse?+
Hwaambudu Lighthouse is located within the Japan / Korea shipping lane — a busy shipping corridor linking the major ports of Japan and South Korea. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Hwaambudu Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hwaambudu Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.