Pohang Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Pohang with our comprehensive guide. Discover the cultural and natural attractions, the best things to do, where to stay, what to buy, local customs, and more.


Located in the North Gyeongsang province of South Korea, Pohang is a fascinating coastal city that offers a perfect blend of modernisation and natural beauty. It is considered as one of the booming economic centres in the region and an essential industrial hub with excellent transport links. However, it is also a perfect destination to learn more about Korean history and culture, explore picturesque natural scenery and amazing outdoor activities. In this travel guide, we will explore the city’s attractions, itinerary ideas, where to stay, what to buy, local customs and much more to help you plan your trip.

Introduction to Pohang

Pohang is often referred to as “The Steel City” due to its key role in the steel industry. It is also home to the Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), one of the most prestigious universities in the country. Despite its modern infrastructure and booming economy, the city has not lost its charm, and visitors can immerse themselves in Korean culture and sample some of the best traditional dishes in the country. Pohang is well connected via road, air, and water, making it an easy destination to reach for international and domestic tourists alike.

List of Places to Visit in Pohang

Exploring Pohang is a treat for travellers who love to explore new cultures, experience natural beauty, and learn about the local history. The following are the top attractions worth visiting:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Pohang Museum of Steel Art (POSA): The museum is dedicated to steel art, and visitors can marvel at the vast collection of steel sculptures created by local and international artists.

  • The House of Wolpo Culture: A historic house dating back to 1920 and now turned into an exhibition centre depicting the life of Wolpo Kim-Sung, a renowned poet and independence activist.

  • Jukdo Market: A bustling traditional market in Pohang where shoppers can get a great deal on fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, and other local products.

Natural Attractions of Pohang: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Homigot Sunrise Square: A must-visit spot for nature lovers who enjoy picturesque views, stunning sunsets and excellent photo opportunities. Located at the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula.

  • Yeonhwa Mountain: A popular hiking spot among locals and tourists. The hike leads to a scenic view of the entire city and natural beauty.

  • Oryukdo Skywalk: A stunning glass walkway that extends over the ocean, providing breath-taking views of the landscape and is located in nearby Busan.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pohang

Pohang has several hiking and biking routes that offer an excellent opportunity for the active traveller. For hiking enthusiasts, Yeonhwa Mountain and Juwangsan National Park are favourite trails. For bikers, riding the East Coastline Road is a must-try adventure, offering fantastic views of the local seaside towns and the nearby East Sea.

Best Things to Do in Pohang: Activities and Tours

There are lots of activities to do in Pohang, from exploring the local cuisine to soaking in the hot springs, visiting local markets or taking a trip out to see the nearby attractions. One of the top activities includes visiting the POSCO Steelworks factory, where visitors can learn about the entire steel-making process. For adventurers, the East Sea offers a range of water activities, including diving, fishing, and sailing. A visit to Homigot Sunrise Square is also a must-do activity, where visitors can watch the first sunrise in Korea of the day.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pohang

To help plan a visit, we have put together a week-long itinerary, with suggestions on what to explore in Pohang and nearby attractions:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Pohang, explore the city centre, visit Pohang Museum of Steel Art
2 Hike to Yeonhwa Mountain
3 Explore local markets, sample traditional dishes and experience Korean culture
4 Visit the neighbouring city of Gyeongju, known as the “museum without walls”
5 Spend a half-day at Homigot Sunrise Square and enjoy the ocean views
6 Take a trip to Busan to visit Oryukdo Skywalk and other nearby attractions
7 Relax at one of the city’s many hot springs and departure from Pohang

Food and Drink Scene of Pohang

When it comes to food, Pohang is known for its fresh seafood and unique variety of seafood dishes. The following are some of the must-try dishes while visiting Pohang:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pohang Hoe: Fresh raw fish sliced thinly and served with a chilli sauce.

  • Gwamegi: Dried mackerel that has been boiled and often served thinly sliced

  • Sundae: Korean blood sausage with a filling made from pig’s intestines, noodles, and seasoning

Local Beverages

  • Makgeolli: A traditional Korean rice wine known for its cloudy appearance and mild sweetness

  • Soju: A clear and colourless distilled spirit that is often called Korea’s national liquor.

Where to Stay in Pohang: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Pohang has an extensive range of accommodation options for travellers, from luxurious hotels to affordable guest houses. Some of the most popular hotels include the Pohang Arisu Hotel and the Swiss-Rest Resort. Budget travellers can find several hostels and guesthouses, including the Moodeungsan Guesthouse and K7080 Hostel.

What to Buy in Pohang: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Travellers can buy unique gifts and souvenirs from local markets in Pohang, including the popular Jukdo Market. Some of the local products to buy while in Pohang include dried seafood, seaweed snacks, and jewellery made from seashells.

Local Culture and Customs of Pohang

Travellers visiting Pohang should make an effort to learn about the local customs and culture. It is customary to remove shoes before entering a traditional Korean home, and visitors should dress conservatively while visiting religious places. Moreover, it is customary to greet older people by using bows, and it is considered respectful to accept a gift with both hands.

Best Time to Visit Pohang

The best season to visit Pohang is during the spring when the weather is mild and the city is decorated with colourful cherry blossoms. Autumn is also an excellent season to visit as the weather is clear and crisp, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pohang

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and sample fresh seafood dishes.

  • Respects local customs and culture.

  • Practice responsible tourism and conduct activities without harming the environment.

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes inside traditional Korean houses or religious places.

  • Disrespect elderly people or local customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pohang

Pohang is a relatively safe city, and visitors can typically walk around at night without any concerns. However, it is always better to take necessary precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and being cautious while out at night.

Health in Pohang

Pohang has several hospitals and clinics that provide quality medical services. Tourists are advised to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Travellers with underlying medical conditions should carry their medications and medical records.

Getting to Pohang: Transportation Options and Logistics

Pohang is well connected via road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Pohang airport, which connects the city to domestic destinations like Jeju and Seoul, as well as Osaka, Japan. The city is also well connected via a regional bus network that operates from the major cities.

Airports Near Pohang

  • Pohang airport

  • Daegu airport

  • Gimhae International Airport, Busan

Bus Stations Near Pohang

  • Pohang Bus Terminal

  • Gyeongju Bus Terminal

  • Busan Bus Terminal

Other Options

Pohang is also connected via train lines to the major cities with frequent departures throughout the day.

How to Get Around in Pohang

Pohang has a comprehensive public transportation system that consists of buses and taxis. However, the most practical way to get around the city is by using private transport, like renting a car or a scooter. Biking is also a popular way to explore the city and its surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Pohang: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Pohang has several nearby destinations and excursions to explore after spending a few days in the city. Some of the popular destinations are:

  • Gyeongju: Home to numerous well-preserved historical and cultural sites and often referred to as the “Museum without walls”. Gyeongju is a UNESCO world heritage site.

  • Busan: A bustling metropolitan city located only a few hours away from Pohang that offers beautiful beaches, towering mountains, and vibrant nightlife for visitors.

Conclusion

Pohang is an excellent destination for travellers to experience Korean culture, cuisine, history, and nature. With the comprehensive travel guide article, visitors can plan their trip to the city with ease and discover the must-sees and nearby destinations. Start planning your journey to Pohang and explore the Steel City’s most exciting attractions and beautiful surroundings.

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