Things To Do
in Pohang
Pohang is a coastal city in South Korea's North Gyeongsang Province known for its strong steel industry and vibrant fishing port. It blends modern infrastructure with rugged East Sea scenery, offering a handy base for exploring both industrial heritage and seascapes. The city features beaches such as Songdo and the Homigot peninsula, providing dramatic sunrises and seaside promenades.
Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, cultural sites, and easy access to nearby nature reserves along the East Sea coastline.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a serene walk along Homigot Sunrise Square, where you can witness one of the earliest sunrises on the Korean peninsula. The iconic Hand of Harmony sculpture provides a perfect photo opportunity as the golden light reflects on the sea. After soaking in the scenery, head to Jukdo Market to experience a bustling traditional marketplace filled with fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Spend your afternoon tasting Pohang’s renowned grilled fish and fresh sashimi at one of the market’s many eateries. Wander through vibrant alleys filled with vendors selling dried fish, Korean spices, and handcrafted souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere while chatting with friendly locals and learning about Pohang’s fishing heritage.
As the sun sets, visit the nearby Bukbu Beach to enjoy a peaceful stroll along the shore with the sound of waves calming your senses. Delight in a seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant, savoring dishes such as haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) and spicy seafood stew. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the illuminated promenade, watching fishing boats return with their nightly catch.
Start your day by exploring the Pohang Steelworks area, an impressive symbol of South Korea’s industrial growth. Visit the POSCO Museum to learn about the history of steel production and its impact on the city’s development. Interactive exhibits and real steel samples offer a fascinating insight into the technological advancements behind Pohang’s success.
Take a guided tour of the POSCO steel plant, where massive furnaces and machinery showcase the scale of modern steel manufacturing. Observe the meticulous processes involved in transforming raw materials into steel, and hear stories from workers about the plant’s daily operations. Afterwards, relax at a nearby park designed for workers and locals, reflecting on the harmony between industry and community.
Head to the city center for dinner at a restaurant specializing in hearty Korean barbecue, pairing marinated meats with fresh vegetables and traditional side dishes. Explore the vibrant downtown area filled with cafes and street performers, enjoying the lively yet welcoming atmosphere. Consider ending your night with a visit to a local bar serving unique Pohang brews and spirits.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🚎One-way public transit | $1-2 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich seafood cuisine and fresh market experiences
- Beautiful coastline and accessible day trips
- Efficient transport connections to Busan and Daegu
- Safe and welcoming environment for travelers
- Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
- Language barrier can be challenging outside tourist areas
- Sea-facing conditions can be windy and chilly in shoulder seasons
- Industrial areas can dominate city scenery in some districts
- "안녕하세요" - Hello
- "감사합니다" - Thank you
- "저기요" - Excuse me / Hey there
- "영어를 말하나요?" - Do you speak English?
- "화장실이 어디에 있나요?" - Where is the restroom?
- "이거 얼마예요?" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Pohang
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic sculpture of two hands reaching from the sea, a prime spot for sunrise photography and dramatic coastal shots.
Long sandy beach with a modern skywalk and ocean backdrops—great for wide-angle coastal photos and sunset scenes.
Rugged coastline, lighthouse silhouettes, and cliffside viewpoints ideal for seascapes and quiet landscape photos.
Food in Pohang
Pohang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sashimi-style raw fish served with dipping sauces; best enjoyed at coastal markets and seafood restaurants in Jukdo and Songdo districts.
Must-Try!
Seasoned grilled mackerel often paired with rice, kimchi, and garlicky sauces at casual seaside eateries.
A hearty, spicy fish stew featuring assorted seafood and vegetables, common in local diners and seafood restaurants.
Crispy pancake loaded with seafood and scallions, a popular order for sharing after a day by the water.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling seafood market where you can watch live fish auctions, taste sashimi, and buy fresh catches to cook at your accommodation.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite bow or hello in Korean (annyeonghaseyo). Use titles and surnames when addressing others; avoid loud conversations in public spaces.
Remove shoes when entering homes or certain traditional spaces; accept shared dishes with both hands and show appreciation to hosts.
Queue patiently, speak softly on public transport, and show gratitude with a nod or brief thank you.
Safety
Tipping in Pohang
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Korea; most service charges are included or not expected. Rounding up in taxis is optional but appreciated for small amounts.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming coastal flora; pleasant for outdoor strolls and early morning shoots by the sea.
Hot and humid with strong sunshine; expect occasional rain and summer storms. Beach days are ideal, but sun protection is essential.
Clear skies and comfortable temperatures; excellent visibility for photography and hiking with less humidity.
Cold and windy along the coast; chilly but often clear days for photography and seafood-centric dining experiences.
Pohang at Night
Hiking in Pohang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic coastal path around the Homigot peninsula with sea views, cliffs, and photography opportunities.
City-accessible elevation offering panoramic views of the coastline and Pohang skyline.
Airports
How to reach Pohang by plane.
Domestic flights to major cities; convenient for a quick gateway into the city with short transfer times.
Domestic flights and regional access; good alternative for travelers heading to the southern part of the East Sea region.
Major international airport with broad flight options; provides rail and road connections to Pohang via Busan and Daegu.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with a growing number of students and professionals linked to POSCO and local universities.
A small international community supported by Pohang University and regional industry presence.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular spectator and participation sport across schools and local clubs.
A common leisure and competitive sport in parks and community leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pohang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Pohang is seafood-centric, so vegetarian options exist mainly as vegetable banchan, rice bowls, and noodle dishes in larger restaurants. Look for places that can prepare veggie kimchi, tofu dishes, and vegetable jeon; communicate clearly about stock in soups and sauces.