A coastal city in South Korea known for its steel industry and POSTECH university. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood near Bukbu Beach and Yeongildae Beach.
Pohang-si sits on South Korea’s eastern coast, where factories and ocean meet. Walk through Jukdo Market to see octopus and squid piled high on tables, or head to Yeongildae Beach for summer fireworks over the water. At Homigot Peninsula, bronze hands rise from the sea, and people gather each January to watch the year’s first sunrise. After dark, the POSCO steel mill’s smokestacks glow with colored lights, turning industrial structures into nighttime landmarks. The city mixes everyday life with relaxed seaside moments, from grilled mackerel meals to the energy of POSTECH university.
Beaches and Homigot Sunrise Views
Yeongildae Beach curves along the coast, lined with cafes where you can sit and watch the water. Summer brings fireworks here, attracting people from other regions. North of the city, Bukbu Beach has shallow waters for swimming, while Songdo Beach draws windsurfers with consistent winds. Chilpo Beach, 10 kilometers north, has smaller waves and pine trees along its edges. Homigot Peninsula, 30 minutes east by car, is known for its sunrise festival and two bronze sculptures—one onshore, one offshore—marking Korea’s eastern edge.
Jukdo Market and Seafood Dishes
Jukdo Market near Pohang Port opens daily, selling mackerel, sea squirt, and octopus caught nearby. Upstairs restaurants will cook your market purchase as sashimi or stew. Gwamegi, mackerel dried in cold sea winds, is grilled or eaten raw; winter’s Gwamegi Festival adds fried fish cakes and warm rice wine to the menu. Nearby eateries serve seafood pancakes and marinated crab, best paired with local beer.
Steel Mills and Nighttime Views
The POSCO steel complex stretches along Pohang’s southern coast, visible from Songdo Beach. After dark, its striped chimneys light up in bright colors, creating an unusual sight against the night sky. Drive the coastal road to see factories and cranes up close, or visit Guryongpo Beach nearby, where snorkelers explore clear waters with steel mills on the horizon.
Hiking and Waterfalls Near the City
Naejangsan Mountain, near Yeongdeok County, has trails leading to waterfalls like Ssangyeon Falls, which drops over two rocky ledges. Paths range from flat walks to steep climbs, with some offering views of Pohang’s factories and the East Sea. In autumn, maple trees turn bright red, attracting hikers with cameras. Wear shoes with grip—rocks near waterfalls get slippery.
Trains, Buses, and Flights
Pohang’s KTX station links to Seoul in under two hours, Daegu in 90 minutes, and Busan in two to three hours. Taxis from the station reach downtown in 10 minutes. Local buses go to beaches, mountains, and Homigot, while Shiwae and Gosok bus terminals connect to smaller towns and cities. Pohang Airport flies daily to Seoul Gimpo and Jeju, though most visitors arrive by train or car.
Festivals and Cultural Spots
Yeongildae Beach hosts the Pohang International Fireworks Festival each July or August, with music and light shows over the water. November’s Steel Art Festival displays metal sculptures in public spaces, reflecting the city’s industrial history. The Pohang Culture & Arts Center stages plays and art exhibits, often highlighting regional creators. For relaxation, try a local jjimjilbang with hot pools and steam rooms.
Nearby Towns and Temples
Drive 40 minutes south to Gyeongju for UNESCO-listed burial mounds and ancient temples like Bulguksa. Closer to Pohang, Oeosa Temple sits at the foot of Mount Unjangsan, known for a wooden hall constructed without nails. The coastal road from Homigot to Guryongpo winds past fishing docks and rocky beaches. In spring, the Hyeongsan River’s cherry blossoms line walking paths filled with food vendors.
