With the opening of the KTX, access is easy! 5 Popular Tourist Spots in Pohang, a City Famous for Delicious Seafood

In 2015, the KTX (Korea Train Express) opened, and the number of tourists from Seoul and Busan visiting the port city of Pohang has been steadily increasing. Once a small town that thrived mainly on fishing, it has now undergone a major transformation into a steel city with the establishment of POSCO Pohang Steelworks, one of the largest in Asia. Being a former port town, Pohang is abundant in seafood. Among the best are the large snow crabs and cutlassfish caught in nearby waters. Don’t you think it’s the perfect travel destination for people who love seafood? This time, we’ve carefully selected and will introduce five must-visit tourist spots in Pohang.

1. Homigot Sunrise Square

Since long ago, it’s been said that the Korean Peninsula resembles the shape of a tiger. At the part that corresponds to its tail, there’s a cape called "Homigot" (Tiger Tail Cape). Homigot is the second earliest place in Korea where you can see the sunrise. The earliest spot is said to be Ganjeolgot in Ulsan Metropolitan City, with about a one-minute difference (though opinions vary).

The area around Homigot is called "Homigot Sunrise Square," and it’s dotted with interesting spots perfect for sightseeing. The most eye-catching is the "Hands of Harmony" monument, which also appears in films directed by Kim Ki-duk. The sight of a giant hand protruding from the sea is truly mysterious.

This monument was built to welcome the 21st century and symbolizes the wish that in the new century, everyone will join hands and help one another. If you’re going to take commemorative photos at Homigot Sunrise Square, this is highly recommended. By the way, the right hand is the one reaching out from the sea, and the left hand is on land.

2. Guryongpo Modern Culture and History Street

Not many people know this in Japan, but there’s actually a Japanese town within Pohang. It’s called "Guryongpo," located about an hour and a half by bus from downtown Pohang. Around 1910, a group migration of fishermen from Kagawa Prefecture led many Japanese people to settle in Guryongpo, and eventually, a large Japanese town was formed.

Today, the Japanese-style houses that once stood in this town are carefully preserved and managed by Pohang City. They are now open to the public as cultural assets and historical materials to be passed on to future generations. One of the prominent figures of the town, Yoshikichi Hashimoto's residence, has been turned into the "Modern History Museum." It’s a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the history of this Japanese town. What feelings will stir within you as you walk through this old, nostalgic Japanese town in a foreign land?

3. Jukdo Market

For those who want to experience sightseeing unique to the port town of Pohang, "Jukdo Market" is highly recommended. It’s a famous gourmet destination that attracts food lovers from all over Korea. Especially in the market area near the sea, you’ll find fresh seafood caught that very day at the port. You can buy it cheaper here than anywhere else in Pohang.

You can enjoy local dishes like "Mulhoe" (sliced raw fish served in cold broth), hearty abalone porridge packed with thick abalone, and in winter, "Gwamegi" (semi-dried Pacific saury), another specialty of Pohang. There are also plenty of seafood options that tourists tend to love, such as snow crabs and squid.

One of the must-try items at Jukdo Market is the market’s famous "Daegeppang" (Crab Bread). Shaped like a crab, the dough is kneaded with crab extract! The fillings vary, from cream and walnuts to red bean paste and blueberry jam. It’s hard to imagine how these flavors blend with crab-flavored bread, but give it a try—it’s definitely a conversation starter and might even get you hooked!

4. POSCO Museum and POSCO Pohang Steelworks

Just as the term “factory moe” became popular in Japan, more and more people in Korea have recently been enjoying the views and nightscapes of factories and steelworks. For those who love factory aesthetics, the "POSCO Museum" and "POSCO Pohang Steelworks" are must-visit destinations. These are related facilities of POSCO, Korea’s largest steel company.

At the "POSCO Museum," you can learn about how Pohang, once focused on fishing and agriculture, transformed into what is now known as the “Steel City.” The "Rommel House," which served as the command center during the construction of the steelworks, has been preserved in its original form, offering a glimpse into the grand vision of the time.

"POSCO Pohang Steelworks" is open for free tours for anyone from third grade and above. However, reservations are required, and tours are only available for groups of ten or more. For foreign tourists, the guide will be in English, but just watching the factory operations is already fascinating enough. Don’t forget to enjoy the unique factory night views as well!

5. Pohang International Fireworks Festival

Among the beaches in Pohang, "Bukbu Beach" is especially famous for its beautiful sandy shores. Markets and other attractions surround the beach, making it the perfect place to enjoy swimming while in Pohang. From the beach, you can even see the distant silhouette of the steelworks. At night, the collaboration of the factory nightscape and the beach is a sight to behold.

Every summer, the "Pohang International Fireworks Festival" is held here at Bukbu Beach. It’s one of Korea’s three major fireworks festivals and is famous for bringing together top-class pyrotechnicians from all over the world. Around 100,000 fireworks light up the night sky in an awe-inspiring display. Combined with the night view of the nearby POSCO Steelworks, it creates an enchanting atmosphere.
The "Pohang International Fireworks Festival" lasts for four days, with a different program each day. So even if you visit multiple times, you’ll enjoy a unique experience each time. We highly recommend timing your visit to Pohang during this period. After all, it’s only during the festival that you can enjoy both the fireworks and the steelworks night view together.

◎ Summary

For those who feel that the usual tourist destinations like Seoul or Busan are not enough, Pohang is the perfect place to explore. You can stroll through streets that evoke nostalgic memories on Pohang’s history as it transformed from a port town into a steel city, all while enjoying the sea breeze. As your first step towards becoming a Korean travel expert, we recommend sampling Pohang’s local delicacies. Be sure to visit during seasonal events like the international fireworks festival or the first sunrise of the year for a one-of-a-kind experience!

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With the opening of the KTX, access is easy! 5 Popular Tourist Spots in Pohang, a City Famous for Delicious Seafood