On Palmi lighthouse
By Choe Chong-dae
Since ancient times, lighthouses have played a pivotal role in guiding those undertaking expeditionary voyages as they navigate dark and turbulent waters.
It is known that the oldest lighthouse in the world is the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos of Alexandria) in Egypt, built about 250 B.C., which is designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. As ancient civilizations developed engineering skills, a great number of lighthouses were established that could guide sailors into harbors.
In the wake of improvements of navigational skill, modern lighthouses introduced in Europe and North America as well other countries in the 19th century emitted electric light to aid sailors. Accordingly, the advanced navigation technology spread throughout the entire world, including to Asian countries.
In Korea, our ancestors utilized navigational aids ranging from torches, signal fires, drums and flags in coastal towns to ensure the safe voyage of ships. Since Korea opened its doors to the outside world in 1876, many foreign merchant vessels and battleships entered its waters, resulting in the need for port facilities and navigational aids. As a result, modern lighthouses were installed on islands and harbors in Korea.
I recently visited Palmi Island in Incheon where Korea's first modern lighthouse was built in 1903. The island consists of two connected small inhabited islands in the form of the Chinese character eight. The islands were thus named after it, with the “pal” in “Palmi” meaning “eight.”
Apart from its fascinating scenery, the Palmi lighthouse is a special place because it played a significant role in the Incheon Landing Operation during the Korean War on Sept. 15, 1950. It served as a major guide for the U.N. allied fleet during the Korean War to provide a bridgehead at the route to Incheon Port for the successful amphibious operation with its light on the ocean. The operation brought about a strategic reversal in favor of the United Nations Command.
In recognition of its historical background, the Palmi lighthouse that is still standing as it did back then has been designated as a national cultural asset recently.
To preserve navigational aids and equipment and cultivate the significance of maritime traffic safety, the National Lighthouse Museum of Korea was established in Homigot Cape beside the Homigok lighthouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in 1985 and reopened to the public in 2002 with a larger exhibit collection. Nestled at the easternmost end of the Korean Peninsula, in what would be considered to be the tail if we think of the Korean Peninsula as a tiger, Homigot lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Korea and still active, initially established in 1908.
The museum provides us with an opportunity to experience maritime culture and access information relating to the history of lighthouses.
Approximately 120 years have passed since the Palmi Island and Homigot lighthouses first shined a ray of light across the dark sea as a marker for passing ships. Over the past century, navigational aids have improved by leaps and bounds.
When l watched a glimmering light atop a lighthouse in the distance while on board a vessel during my last trip to a coastal town, I felt as if it was a metaphor of hope, safety, comfort and challenges.
I am confident that lighthouses have paved the way for Korean maritime power with their navigational technology.
Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and director of the Korean-Swedish Association.