Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Hwataedo Northwest Lighthouse

Fl (9) White 15s🇰🇷Yeosu-si, KROperational

Location & Light Range

About Hwataedo Northwest Lighthouse

This concrete, cylindrical tower stands 14 meters tall, painted yellow with a single black horizontal band. It is situated off the northwestern tip of Hwataedo, near Yeosu-si in South Korea's South Jeolla region. The lighthouse emits a white light, characterized by a single flash every 15 seconds, visible for 10 nautical miles. The operational tower, with a focal height of 9 meters, is inaccessible to the public, though the surrounding site is open for visitors. It is located approximately 8.7 kilometers by sea from the nearest port of Yeosu.

Why it matters: This lighthouse provides essential navigational guidance for vessels transiting the Tolsan-do Approaches, a busy maritime area. Its distinct light signature aids in distinguishing it from other aids, promoting safe passage through the complex island environment.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (9) White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
9 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
9m
Geographic Range
10NM

Location

City
Yeosu-si
Country
🇰🇷South Korea
Region
South Jeolla
Sea Region
off the northwestern tip of Hwataedo, listed as Tolsan-do Approaches
Latitude
34.5911°
Longitude
127.7192°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Yeosu(8.7 km)
Admiralty No.
M4307.25
NGA No.
17153

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
yellow with one black horizontal band
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower, painted yellow with one black horizontal band

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Hwataedo Northwest Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near South Korea, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hwataedo Northwest Lighthouse at night?+
Hwataedo Northwest displays the characteristic Fl (9) White 15s — 9 white flashes every 15 seconds. 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Hwataedo Northwest Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hwataedo Northwest Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Yeosu at 9.3 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Samil (16.8 NM N), Gwangyang (17.6 NM N), Narodo (26.4 NM WSW), Samcheonpo/Sacheon (26.5 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hwataedo Northwest Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hwataedo Northwest 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 Hwataedo Northwest Lighthouse?+
Hwataedo Northwest 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 Hwataedo Northwest Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hwataedo Northwest 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.