The Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant generates approximately 552 GWh of electricity annually, enough to power a city of 500,000 residents.
The project was part of a major land reclamation scheme aimed at expanding industrial space in the Gyeonggi province.
The seawall significantly altered local tidal patterns, leading to the creation of extensive mudflats that attract migratory birds.
The name 'Sihwa' is a portmanteau derived from the names of the two original project cities, Siheung and Hwaseong.
During the late 1990s, the project gained international notoriety due to massive water quality degradation, leading to the controversial opening of the sluice gates.
The Sihwa Seawall is an 11.2-kilometer embankment connecting Oido in Siheung to Daebu Island in Ansan, representing one of the world's longest artificial sea barriers. It was originally constructed to create a massive freshwater lake, known as Lake Sihwa, for agricultural and industrial use. Following severe water pollution issues in the 1990s, the lake's purpose shifted toward environmental restoration and renewable energy generation. The seawall now houses the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant, the largest of its kind globally by installed capacity. The barrier features a multi-level observation tower, known as the Sihwa Narae Rest Area, which offers panoramic views of the Yellow Sea and the facility's complex sluice gates. The top of the seawall serves as a dual-purpose thoroughfare for motorists and cyclists traversing the reclaimed coastline. It functions as a critical junction for accessing the recreational amenities of Daebu Island. The area remains a popular destination for local maritime industry observation and regional coastal sightseeing.
The observation deck of the Sihwa Narae Lighthouse.
Bring wind-resistant clothing, as the exposed location on the sea barrier experiences constant, strong coastal winds.
Utilize the dedicated cycling paths that run parallel to the road for a better view of the tidal mudflats.
Check the tide charts before visiting, as the visual impact of the tidal power plant's operation is most dramatic during peak tidal flows.
Do not attempt to walk along the outer barrier slopes, as the concrete surfaces are slippery and restricted for safety reasons.
