포항 청진 인공어초 포인트(십자어초/사각어초)

Pohang Cheongjin Artificial Reef Point (포항 청진 인공어초 포인트) is an advanced deep dive site located off the coast of Pohang in South Korea's Gyeongsang Province. Reaching an impressive 45 metres, this site features a large-scale artificial reef deployment in the East Sea, where cross-shaped and square reef structures have been placed to restore marine habitat. The artificial reef complex at this site is one of the more ambitious deployments on South Korea's eastern coast, with multiple structure types placed at depth to create a diverse habitat matrix. Cross-shaped structures (십자어초) and square structures (사각어초) sit on the sandy seabed, their geometric forms now softened by years of marine colonisation. The different structure designs create varied microhabitats, from sheltered interiors to exposed surfaces, supporting distinct communities of organisms. At 45 metres, this site pushes the limits of recreational diving and is frequented by technical divers equipped for extended depth excursions. The cold bottom temperatures, often below 12 degrees Celsius even in summer, demand drysuit use and careful thermal management. Narcosis management at this depth is an additional consideration, making this site suitable only for well-trained and experienced divers. The depth and artificial structures attract impressive marine life. Large schools of rockfish swirl around and through the structures, their numbers far exceeding what would be found on the surrounding featureless seabed. Octopuses and conger eels inhabit the structure interiors, while flatfish and rays rest on the sandy bottom between reef units. The site has gained a reputation for occasional encounters with larger pelagic species drawn to the concentrated food source. Visibility at depth is often better than in the shallower waters above, with the clearer deep water offering 10 to 15 metres of visibility even when surface layers are turbid. The site is accessed by boat from Pohang harbour, with the journey taking approximately 20 minutes. This site showcases South Korea's commitment to marine habitat restoration while providing advanced divers with a unique deep diving experience.