Oido Red Lighthouse — A 21 m red landmark linking the Sihwa Industrial Complex and Songdo
Oido Red Lighthouse is a 21 m-high lighthouse built in 2005 as part of the former Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries’ fishing village experience tourism development project. It stands at the end of the breakwater in Siheung’s Oido Marine Complex. From the observatory, visitors can take in panoramic views of the Sihwa Industrial Complex, Baegot New Town, and Incheon Songdo. The first floor also houses the Lighthouse Workshop and Siheung Dream Store, where visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences and purchase souvenirs.
Oido: The Island Formed by the Union of Okgu-do and Okgwi-do, Before Becoming Part of the Mainland
The widely known explanation for the name Oido is that it literally means “an island shaped like a crow’s ear” in Chinese characters. However, the more credible theory is that the name was formed by combining the names of two nearby islands, Okgu-do (玉鉤島) and Okgwi-do (鈺貴島). Early Joseon-period documents recorded the island under the name “Ojilae (吾叱哀),” after which it was called “Ojilido (吾叱耳島)” before being shortened to the present “Oi” during the reign of King Jeongjo of Joseon.
Oido was originally a fully isolated island located about 4 km from the mainland. In 1922, however, Japan built salt fields in the area, and a seawall was constructed between the island and the Ansan side, connecting it to the mainland. The former salt-field site was later developed into the Sihwa National Industrial Complex, making Oido completely part of the mainland even on maps. The shell-midden remains scattered across the island are considered the largest of their kind on the west coast and have been designated National Historic Site No. 441.
Why Red? — A Product of the 2005 Fishing Village Experiential Tourism Development Project
The Oido Red Lighthouse is not a navigation aid used to guide actual vessels. It is tourism infrastructure built in 2005 as part of the former Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries’ “Fishing Village Experiential Tourism Village Development Project.” The main aim was to help the Oido fishing village cooperative generate additional income by attracting tourists, as it was difficult to increase earnings through fishing alone.
Standing 21 m high and measuring 8.3 m in diameter, the structure was painted a vivid red and became a landmark visible from anywhere along the seawall. Local travel articles frequently list the lighthouse as a popular dating course for couples and a prime photography spot.
A View Reached by Climbing Three to Four Floors of Narrow Spiral Stairs — From the Sihwa Industrial Complex to Songdo
Upon entering the lighthouse, visitors immediately encounter a winding, narrow spiral staircase. According to visitor accounts, it is necessary to carefully climb the equivalent of three to four floors while holding the railing to reach the observation deck, and no mention of an elevator has been confirmed.
From the observation deck, visitors can see the Sihwa Industrial Complex, Baegot New Town, and Incheon Songdo New Town at a glance. On clear days, the view also includes mudflats with flocks of flying seagulls and scenes of the fishing village where residents mend their nets. Locally, the lighthouse is regarded as one of Oido’s landmarks, and it is also said to have been used as a filming location for a television drama.
First-Floor Exhibition Hall, Oido Lighthouse Workshop, and Siheung Dream Store
The first-floor exhibition hall displays materials introducing Siheung’s culture, tourism, and history. At the adjacent Oido Lighthouse Workshop, visitors can purchase activity kits and make sea-themed DIY items such as soap and sun catchers. When limited-time programs were available, a 5,000-won activity bundle could be purchased from the vending machine in front of the Red Lighthouse. It contained a film camera, Oido sea soap, a shell photo holder, a mother-of-pearl sun catcher, and materials for a shell mood lamp, with workshop use reserved in advance through the Naver reservation platform.
At the Siheung Dream Store, which connects to the lighthouse’s first floor, visitors can purchase souvenirs from the Siheung area, including Oido, making it a convenient stop after visiting the observation deck. Information about the lighthouse exhibition hall and workshop is also posted on Siheung’s local culture and tourism information website (nculture.org), which releases a new cultural desktop wallpaper image every month.
Hours, Fees, and Inquiries — Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30–17:30; Closed Mondays
The Oido Red Lighthouse is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and is closed every Monday. Admission is free. For inquiries, contact the Siheung City Hall Tourism Division at 031-310-2901~4. Official information is available on the Siheung Culture and Tourism website (https://www.siheung.go.kr/cultour).
Details such as whether pets are allowed may change depending on local circumstances, so inquiries before visiting are recommended. According to barrier-free travel information, a ramp is installed up to the lighthouse entrance, and accessible parking spaces and an accessible restroom are available.
There Is an “Oido Station,” but No Sea in Front of Oido — Take a Bus from the Line 4 Terminus
Oido Station, the nearest subway station, is the western terminus and starting point of Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 4, and since 2012 it has also offered transfers to the Suin–Bundang Line. However, Oido Station is actually about 5 km from the Oido Marine Complex, where the lighthouse is located, in a straight line and nearly 6 km away by actual travel distance, making it effectively impossible to walk there.
For this reason, the usual method is to transfer to a bus at the Oido Station Transfer Center. Bus 30-2 has long operated between Oido Station and the Oido Marine Complex, while buses 99-3 and 11-C have also served this route since the opening of 11-C in November 2015. It is worth knowing that many visitors are surprised after assuming they could simply walk there based on the station name.
Parking and Walking Route — 2.2 km and One Hour from Hwangsaebawi-gil to the Lighthouse
If traveling by car, visitors can use the Oido Marine Complex public parking lot. For stays of up to two hours, the fee is 500 won for the first 30 minutes, followed by 200 won for every additional 10 minutes. Once the stay exceeds two hours, the rate increases to 300 won per 10 minutes. For those who enjoy walking, an approximately 2.2-km, one-hour route is available from Hwangsaebawi-gil via the Tree of Life, the Red Lighthouse, the Sunset Song Observatory, and the Shipboard Observatory.
Near the lighthouse are Oido Prehistoric Park, created around Neolithic remains; Oido Oasis, a cultural and arts space made by remodeling a retired patrol vessel; and the Oido Port Fish Market street, famous for grilled shellfish and cheese-grilled shellfish. All are within walking distance and can be conveniently combined into one visit.
Why Sunset Hours Are So Popular and When to Visit
The Oido Red Lighthouse is introduced as a sunset attraction on numerous travel information websites. These sites cite the opportunity to enjoy beautiful sunsets and night views together with an unobstructed ocean view from the observation deck as the reason the lighthouse is known as a sunset destination.
Travel reviews report that the walking paths around the lighthouse, nearby cafés, and public parking lot tend to become crowded around sunset. Those who want to enjoy the view quietly may wish to visit earlier in the afternoon, while visitors hoping to capture both photographs and the sunset should plan their visit for sunset time.
What Visitors with a Fear of Heights and Stroller Users Should Know in Advance
Ramps are installed up to the first-floor exhibition hall, workshop, and souvenir shop, making access relatively easy. However, the only route to the rooftop observation deck is a narrow spiral staircase, requiring visitors to keep circling upward to a height equivalent to three or four floors. As a result, the observation deck may be difficult to access for people with a fear of heights, people with knee problems, and visitors using strollers or wheelchairs.
On the other hand, visitors can enjoy ample seaside scenery simply by exploring the first-floor exhibition hall and lighthouse workshop, using the Siheung Dream Store, and walking along the seawall paths around the lighthouse. If using the stairs is difficult, one option is to plan an itinerary focused on the first floor and the outdoor walking paths.
Before You Go
- Address
- 170 Oido-ro, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Hours
- Tuesday–Sunday, 10:30–17:30 (closed every Monday)
- Closed
- Every Monday
- Admission
- Free
- Phone
- 031-310-2901~4 (Siheung City Hall Tourism Division)
- Official site
- https://www.siheung.go.kr/cultour
- Transport
- Take Subway Line 4 or the Suin–Bundang Line to Oido Station, then transfer to a bus (including Nos. 30-2, 99-3, and 11-C) → Get off at the Oido Marine Complex stop. The actual distance from Oido Station to the lighthouse is approximately 6 km, making it effectively impossible to walk.
- Parking
- The Oido Marine Complex public parking lot is available (paid). For up to two hours: 500 won for the first 30 minutes, then 200 won every 10 minutes; after two hours, 300 won every 10 minutes
- Accessibility
- A ramp is installed up to the lighthouse entrance, and accessible parking and an accessible restroom are available. However, only a narrow spiral staircase leads to the rooftop observation deck, so wheelchair and stroller access may be difficult.
The information above is accurate as of the time of writing. Check the official guidance again before visiting.
Places
Nearby Attractions 4
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1
Oido Prehistoric ParkA park where visitors can explore a prehistoric experience village and shell mound remains. -
2
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3
Oido Ship Observation DeckA viewing and cultural space housed in a decommissioned patrol vessel. -
4
Baegot Hanul ParkA park where you can enjoy a seaside promenade along the west coast and views of the sea.
Food & Dining 1
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5
Osipido Kalguksu Oido Main BranchA place to enjoy seafood kalguksu made with seasonal seafood.
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