North Gyeongsang Province

The 102-Meter Anchor Observatory Pointing Toward Dokdo

The Igari Anchor Observatory, built along the coast of Cheongha-myeon in Pohang, is an anchor-shaped deck measuring 10 meters high and 102 meters long. It is free and open year-round, but visitors should check the operating hours, access restrictions during severe weather alerts, and the uncertainty of on-site parking and public transportation in advance.

By the KOTourLive Editorial Team Updated: Sep 2, 2026 15 min 195

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10 m high and 102 m long: Why is it shaped like an anchor?

Igari Anchor Observatory is a coastal observation deck in Igari, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Pohang City’s tourism page describes the facility as an observatory modeled after an anchor used to moor ships, and states that it is 10 m high and 102 m long.

Viewed from above, the entire deck looks like a giant anchor. This attraction reflects Pohang’s image as a maritime city in its design, with a deck extending toward the coast so visitors can take in Pohang’s sea at a glance. The arrow at the tip of the anchor points toward Dokdo, approximately 251 km away.

바다 쪽으로 뻗은 이가리 닻 전망대의 닻 모양 데크입니다. — The anchor-shaped deck of Igari Anchor Observatory extends toward the sea. — Photo source: pohang.go.kr

Cheongha-myeon coast, not directly connected from Pohang Station

The address is San 67-3, Igari, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and the Korea Tourism Organization’s data lists postal code 37518. Pohang City’s official tourism page provides a KakaoMap directions link, but does not provide the station name, exit number, bus route, stop, or walking time.

Therefore, for travelers visiting Korea for the first time, it is more practical to enter the address as the destination and plan to travel by car or taxi from Pohang Station or Pohang IC. Igari Small Beach is introduced as being close to Pohang IC, and Wolpo Beach is also nearby, making it easy to include both in a driving itinerary.

이가리 닻 전망대와 해안선이 함께 보이는 포항 청하면 풍경입니다. — A view of Cheongha-myeon, Pohang, showing Igari Anchor Observatory and the coastline. — Photo source: pohang.go.kr

Admission from 09:00 to 18:00, until 20:00 from June to August

The regular operating hours are 09:00–18:00, extended to 09:00–20:00 from June through August. It is listed as open year-round, so there is no need to account for a specific Monday closure. Admission is free.

Visitors cannot enter the observatory outside operating hours. However, the Korea Tourism Organization’s travel information explains that visitors can descend toward Igari Small Beach via nearby stairs. Access to the observatory deck should be distinguished from use of the surrounding area toward the beach, and entry is prohibited when weather advisories for strong winds, rough seas, or storm surges are in effect.

이가리 닻 전망대 데크에서 바라본 푸른 포항 앞바다입니다. — The blue waters off Pohang viewed from the deck of Igari Anchor Observatory. — Photo source: pohang.go.kr

There is parking, but the location and fee cannot be confirmed

The Korea Tourism Organization’s data lists parking as available, and a travel article states that there is a parking lot directly in front of the black pine trees. On the other hand, one visitor review says there is no formal parking lot and that cars can be parked along the roadside, so the parking arrangement and exact location vary by source.

The available information does not confirm the number of parking spaces or parking fees. Some reviews say visitors can park near Igari Small Beach and walk to the observatory, so it is safer to allow extra time to walk from the beach area in case the lot is full or roadside parking is required.

A 10-minute round trip and slippery rocks below the beach

One review estimates that viewing the observatory takes about 10 minutes round trip. Another description says the route is relatively gentle, but official information about wheelchair or stroller accessibility, slopes, and stairs could not be confirmed.

Rocks are present on the beach below the observatory, and visitor reviews warn that they may be slippery and advise caution with footwear. If you plan to go close to the sea, wear shoes with good slip resistance rather than sandals or shoes with worn soles. Exercise caution around waves and wet rocks, distinguishing this area from the observatory deck.

해송과 이가리 닻 전망대 데크가 만나는 해안 풍경입니다. — A coastal view where the black pine trees meet the deck of Igari Anchor Observatory. — Photo source: pohang.go.kr

Shallow waters to enjoy together with Igari Small Beach

The observatory is near the green black pine trees and Igari Small Beach, where a pine forest meets the sea along the coastline. The surrounding waters are described as an area where rocks and white waves can be seen, allowing visitors to compare the view from the 102 m deck with the scenery close to the beach during one itinerary.

Igari Small Beach is small in scale but is described as having shallow, clean water. It is said to attract visitors who enjoy activities such as snorkeling in summer, so the preparations needed for a short observatory visit differ from those for an itinerary that includes time at the beach. Wolpo Beach is another nearby attraction.

이가리 간이해변과 맑은 동해 바다가 펼쳐진 모습입니다. — Igari Small Beach and the clear waters of the East Sea spread out before you. — Photo source: visitkorea.or.kr

Sunrise and sunset, plus a sign marking a drama filming location

The area around Igari Anchor Observatory is introduced as a sunrise viewing spot, while other tourism information describes it as an anchor-shaped observatory where visitors can see both sunrise and sunset scenery. Since sunrise may occur before the observatory’s operating hours, distinguish the deck’s opening time of 09:00 from actual access to the surrounding beach area.

The site is also introduced as a major filming location for the JTBC drama ‘Run On.’ Photo spots such as seagull sculptures, a lighthouse model, and a ship’s wheel model are reportedly installed throughout the deck, but whether photography is prohibited and whether English information or an audio guide is available could not be confirmed. When taking photos, avoid blocking other visitors’ passage.

이가리 닻 전망대의 포토존과 바다 조망을 담은 장면입니다. — A scene featuring a photo spot and sea view at Igari Anchor Observatory. — Photo source: visitkorea.or.kr

Preparing for a visit when two phone numbers are listed

The inquiry phone numbers are listed differently depending on the source: 054-270-8282 and 054-270-3204. Operating hours are generally 09:00–18:00, and 09:00–20:00 from June through August; admission is free and the site is open year-round. Since entry is prohibited during weather advisories, you can try both numbers when checking the weather and operating status by phone before departure.

Official tourism information is available on Pohang City’s tourism page, and the address is San 67-3, Igari, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Since information about public transportation station names, bus numbers, stops, walking times, parking fees, and wheelchair or stroller accessibility is not provided, foreign travelers should save the address in a map app and first consider traveling by vehicle from Pohang Station or Pohang IC.

Before You Go

Address: San 67-3, Igari, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Hours: 09:00–18:00 / Summer season (June–August) 09:00–20:00
Closed: Open year-round
Admission: Free
Phone: Sources list different numbers: 054-270-8282 / 054-270-3204
Official site: https://pohang.go.kr/phtour/wmap/tourInformation/view.do?tour_info_idx=740
Transport: Pohang City’s official tourism page provides a KakaoMap directions link, but the station name, bus route, stop, and walking time could not be confirmed
Parking: Listed as available, but the parking fee could not be confirmed
Time needed: About 10 minutes round trip, according to reviews

The information above is current as of the time of writing. Check the official information again before visiting.

Igari Anchor Observatory Pohang tourism direction of Dokdo coastal observatory Igari Simple Beach filming location for Run On

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