Haseondae Cliff & Beach

Overview

Haseondae is a dramatic coastal cliff formation near Guryongpo, composed of columnar basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. The rugged headland, sometimes called "Pohang's Jeju," juts into the East Sea with a viewing platform at the edge and a coastal walking trail along the cliff top.

Highlights

• Columnar Basalt: Hexagonal stone columns created by cooling lava, strikingly similar to those on Jeju Island or Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway.
• Cliff-Edge Platform: A cantilevered glass and steel viewing deck extends over the cliff face for vertiginous sea views.
• Sea Erosion Caves: Wave-carved grottoes visible at the base of the cliffs during low tide.

History

The basalt columns at Haseondae are approximately 20 million years old, formed during volcanic activity in the Miocene epoch. The site was designated as Gyeongsangbuk-do Natural Monument No. 261 and a viewing platform was installed in 2019 to accommodate growing visitor numbers.

Visitor Tips

• Windy: The headland is exposed — bring a windbreaker even in summer.
• Combine with Guryongpo: A 5-minute drive from the Japanese-Style Street and beach.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.