Siheung City, 'From Lake of Death to Sanctuary of Life'... Nine Days of Rest at Sihwa Lake

Siheung City to Hold ‘Sihwa Lake Day Commemoration Week’ from October 3 to 11
Eco-Cultural and Marine Leisure Festival to Take Place at Sihwa Lake and Turtle Island
"Watch the Sunset, Ride a Yacht": Yoga, Walking, Marine Leisure, and More
Mayor Im Byeongtaek: "Sihwa Lake Will Become a Place Where Staying Becomes Everyday"

Once known as a symbol of pollution, Sihwa Lake is being reborn as a healing space where rest and leisure coexist for citizens. On September 19, Siheung City announced that it would host the 'Sihwa Lake Day Commemoration Week' at Sihwa Lake and Turtle Island for nine days, from October 3 to October 11.

Turtle Island and Siwha Lake stand out, along with a scenic bridge approximately 300 meters long and marina facilities. Provided by Siheung City

Sihwa Lake is recognized as a representative success model for ecological restoration in South Korea. Marking the 30th anniversary of the lake’s creation in 2024, Siheung City designated October 10 every year as ‘Sihwa Lake Day.’

This year, the theme of the Commemoration Week is 'Sihwa Lake: Where Staying Becomes Everyday,' and it will feature a wide variety of hands-on programs encompassing ecology, culture, relaxation, and marine leisure.

The events are divided into four concepts: 'Stay On' (Staying Rest), 'Pace On' (Walking Rest), 'Sense On' (Rest by Taste), and 'Play On' (Exhilarating Rest).

Sihwa Lake is a prime example of ecological restoration in the country, having regained its vitality after overcoming pollution and environmental crises. In 2024, Siheung City formed the Sihwa Lake Policy Council and collaborated with related organizations to promote the value of the lake through initiatives marking its 30th anniversary. With October 10 officially designated as ‘Sihwa Lake Day’ that year, the city has held an annual commemorative week in the Turtle Island area.

This year, the number of hands-on programs has been greatly expanded, allowing citizens to stay at Sihwa Lake and enjoy both nature and leisure activities.

Sihwa Lake Sunset & Bean Bag Relaxation Zone (AI-Generated Image). Provided by Siheung City

From October 3 to 11, the ‘Sihwa Lake Sunset & Bean Bag Rest Zone’ will be set up at the Turtle Island Marina. Here, citizens can sit comfortably on bean bags, take in the scenery and sunset over Sihwa Lake, and take a break from daily life. The space has been designed so that visitors can enjoy the blue sea and sky during the day and the sunset in the evening, showcasing the scenic charm of Sihwa Lake to the public.

‘Sunset Yoga’ sessions, allowing participants to find peace of body and mind while overlooking Sihwa Lake, will also be held. Family Yoga will take place on October 3, while Healing Yoga is scheduled for October 10.

There will also be programs for walking and running along the Sihwa Lake coast. On October 3, a slow jogging event allows participants to walk or jog along the lake at their own pace. On October 5, the 12th Siheung National Half Marathon will be held.

Sound Nordic Walking using a map application will be held on October 10 and 11, while the 'Greenway Runner' program for teenagers will take place on October 10.

Yacht onboard tour. Provided by Siheung City

The marine leisure events offer a variety of ways to experience the waterways of Sihwa Lake. A range of water leisure programs are on offer, including the Marine Leisure Academy, marine safety experiences, yachting, and kayaking.

On October 10 and 11, ‘Marina Secret & Yacht Docent Tour’ and yacht onboard tours will take place at the Turtle Island Marina. These programs allow participants to tour the yachts docked at the marina and hear explanations about the vessels. Even those unfamiliar with marine leisure can easily experience marina and yachting culture through these activities.

There are also a wealth of marine leisure programs utilizing the waterfront areas of Sihwa Lake. The Marine Leisure Academy and hands-on marine safety workshops have been prepared. This is an excellent opportunity for visitors to try out various activities such as yachting and kayaking and discover new aspects of Sihwa Lake.

There will also be experiential spaces tailored for families. At the Turtle Island Marina Sports Activity Zone, visitors can enjoy laser shooting, hula hooping, table tennis, flying disc, tee-ball, and more. A large puzzle event for all ages is also scheduled.

Busking Concert on Siwha Lake Day. Provided by Siheung City

Events documenting the past and present of Sihwa Lake from a citizen’s perspective have been arranged as well. From October 9 to 11, 'Sihwa Lake Discovery Exhibition' will be held at the Turtle Island Marina, showcasing the history of the lake and the winning entries from the photo contest. There will also be a photo zone and experiential programs alongside the exhibition, so visitors can see the past and present of Sihwa Lake through the citizens’ eyes.

On October 10 and 11, the '2026 Sihwa Lake National Drawing Contest' will take place, where children and citizens observe the scenery of Sihwa Lake and express their impressions in paintings. Applications for participation will be accepted until October 8.

Additionally, busking performances, traditional arts performances, a stone-skipping movie festival, and a sports activity zone featuring laser shooting and flying disc activities will run throughout the week, welcoming families and visitors alike.

Rest Poster of Sihwa Lake. Provided by Siheung City

Siheung Mayor Im Byeongtaek stated, "Sihwa Lake will be more than a space that overcame pollution. It will become a place where relaxation, culture, ecology, and leisure for citizens coexist. This commemorative week will serve as an opportunity to directly showcase these new possibilities to the public."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.