🌏 1. Location and Geographical Features of Homigot
Homigot (虎尾串) is located in Homigot-myeon, Nam-gu, Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and is recognized as the easternmost tip of the Korean peninsula.
- It directly faces the East Sea (Donghae) and is known as the place where the first sunrise in Korea can be seen.
- The land is low and flat, with a gently curving coastline forming a natural cape.
- Its geographical position gives it symbolic importance both spiritually and astronomically.
🐯 2. Origin of the Name “Homigot”
- "Homigot" literally means "tiger’s tail cape."
- This name originates from the traditional belief that the Korean peninsula resembles a crouching tiger:
- Baekdu Mountain is the head,
- Geumgang Mountain is the back,
- and Homigot is the tail.
- The great Confucian scholar Jeong Yak-yong (Dasan) even referred to Homigot as "the tip of the tiger’s tail" in his writings, emphasizing its symbolic importance.
☀️ 3. Astronomical and Geographical Significance
- Homigot is one of the first places in Korea to see the sunrise, making it a beloved spot for New Year’s sunrise events.
- It is located at 129°33′E longitude and 36°04′N latitude, slightly west of Korea’s official standard meridian (135°E), yet due to its eastern position, it receives the first sunlight of the year.
- This makes Homigot a symbol of new beginnings and national unity.
🧭 4. Historical Background
- In the Joseon Dynasty, Homigot was known as Janggi-got, named after the local administrative region, Janggi-hyeon.
- In the early 20th century, due to its geographical importance, a lighthouse was built, and the area was regarded as a strategic military location.
- In the 2000s, the South Korean government and Pohang city began developing Homigot into a major cultural and tourist destination, with modern facilities and symbolic landmarks.
🏛️ 5. Main Attractions
① Hands of Harmony (Sangsaeng-ui Son, 상생의 손)
- This is the most iconic structure of Homigot: a massive sculpture of a hand rising from the sea.
- It symbolizes “sangsaeng (상생),” meaning coexistence or mutual prosperity, representing:
- harmony between people and nature,
- the past and the future,
- and South and North Korea.
- A right hand is placed in the sea, while the left hand is on land, facing each other as a symbol of balance and unity.
② Homigot Sunrise Plaza
- This large plaza is the center of New Year’s sunrise celebrations.
- It includes cultural performance spaces, exhibition halls, cafés, and public art installations.
③ Homigot Lighthouse
- Built in 1908, this is one of the oldest modern lighthouses in Korea.
- Standing at 26.4 meters, it is designated as Registered Cultural Heritage No. 276.
- The lighthouse now functions as a museum, showcasing the history of Korean maritime navigation.
🎉 6. Cultural Events: Sunrise Festival
- Every January 1st, thousands gather at Homigot for the Homigot Sunrise Festival.
- Major activities include:
- Watching the first sunrise of the year
- Fireworks
- Releasing wish balloons
- Traditional performances and cultural experiences
- The event is widely covered by national media and is one of Korea’s most iconic New Year celebrations.
📈 7. Modern Significance and Value
- Today, Homigot represents more than a tourist site—it serves as a national symbol of peace, unity, and renewal.
- The Hands of Harmony sculpture is often used as a metaphor for inter-Korean cooperation and coexistence.
- Homigot is also recognized as a model for sustainable and eco-friendly tourism development, balancing preservation with accessibility.
📌 Summary Table
Category Description
Location | Homigot-myeon, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do |
Symbolism | Tail of the tiger-shaped Korean peninsula |
Landmarks | Hands of Harmony, Homigot Lighthouse, Sunrise Plaza |
Significance | Easternmost tip, first sunrise of the year |
Cultural Event | Annual New Year's Sunrise Festival |
Modern Value | Peace symbol, eco-tourism site |
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