Pohang, located on Korea’s southeastern coast, offers a perfect blend of industrial heritage, natural beauty, and coastal charm that makes it one of Korea’s most underrated travel destinations.
This vibrant port city combines stunning sunrise views, fresh seafood, and beautiful beaches with rich cultural experiences that attract both domestic and international visitors.
What is Pohang Famous For?
Pohang has earned its reputation as Korea’s steel capital, being home to POSCO, one of the world’s largest steel manufacturing companies. However, beyond its industrial significance, the city is renowned for Homigot, Korea’s easternmost point where visitors gather to witness spectacular sunrises over the East Sea.
The coastal location provides an abundance of fresh seafood, particularly the famous snow crab that draws food lovers from across the country. Combined with pristine beaches like Yeongildae and natural hot springs, Pohang offers diverse experiences that cater to every type of traveler.
Best Places to Visit in Pohang
1. Homigot (호미곶)
Why visit: Korea’s easternmost point with iconic hand sculptures
- Famous Hand of Harmony sculptures rising from the sea
- Best sunrise viewing spot in Korea
- Homigot Lighthouse with panoramic ocean views
- New Year’s sunrise festival attracts thousands
2. Yeongildae Beach (영일대해수욕장)
- Long sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing
- Yeongildae Park with walking trails
- Beach festivals during summer months
- Sunset views over the East Sea
3. Bogyeongsa Temple (보경사)
- Historic Buddhist temple founded in 602 AD
- 12 waterfalls within the temple grounds
- Beautiful mountain scenery especially in autumn
- Peaceful hiking trails through temple grounds
4. Pohang Space Walk (포항 스페이스워크)
- Unique curved bridge extending into the sea
- Instagram-worthy photos with ocean backdrop
- Night illumination creates magical atmosphere
- Easy walk suitable for all ages
5. Guryongpo Japanese House Street (구룡포 일본가옥거리)
- Preserved Japanese colonial architecture
- Historical significance from early 1900s
- Cultural museums and exhibitions
- Traditional Japanese-style buildings
Here you can explore Gwangalli Beach, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple & famous Busan Gwangan Bridge.
Pohang Famous Food
Pohang’s coastal location makes it a seafood lover’s paradise, with the city’s culinary scene heavily influenced by the fresh catches from the East Sea. The local food culture centers around seasonal seafood, with winter being particularly special for snow crab season.
Snow Crab (대게) is undoubtedly Pohang’s most famous delicacy, best enjoyed from November to May when the crabs are at their peak freshness. These crabs, caught in the cold waters off Pohang’s coast, are typically served steamed to preserve their natural sweetness, though some restaurants also offer them grilled for a slightly smokier flavor.
Guamegi (과메기), a unique winter delicacy of dried herring, represents Pohang’s traditional food preservation methods. This local specialty is eaten with fresh garlic, onions, and lettuce, creating a perfect balance of flavors that locals have enjoyed for generations.
Other must-try dishes include:
- Pohang Steamed Rice (포항찜밥) – rice cooked with local seafood and vegetables
- Fresh sashimi (회) featuring flounder, sea bream, and tuna
- Jeonbok Porridge (전복죽) – nutritious abalone porridge perfect for cold days
How to Get to Pohang from Seoul
Getting to Pohang from Seoul requires a combination of transportation methods, as there’s no direct high-speed rail connection. The most popular and efficient route involves taking the KTX to Singyeongju, then transferring to a regular train for the final leg to Pohang.
By KTX and Train (Recommended): The journey begins with a comfortable KTX ride from Seoul Station to Singyeongju Station, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. From Singyeongju, you’ll transfer to a regular train that takes another hour to reach Pohang, bringing the total travel time to 3.5-4 hours. Tickets cost between 35,000-45,000 KRW for the complete journey.
By Express Bus: For budget-conscious travelers, direct express buses run from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Pohang, taking 4-4.5 hours with tickets priced at 25,000-30,000 KRW. Buses depart every 30-60 minutes throughout the day.
By Car: The 370-kilometer drive via the Gyeongbu Expressway takes 4-4.5 hours, offering flexibility to stop at attractions along the way.
How to Go to Pohang from Busan
By Train
Most convenient option:
- Direct trains from Busan to Pohang
- Travel time: 1.5-2 hours
- Cost: 12,000-18,000 KRW
- Frequency: Every 1-2 hours
By Express Bus
- Direct buses from Busan Seobu Bus Terminal
- Travel time: 1.5-2 hours
- Cost: 8,000-12,000 KRW
- More frequent departures than trains
By Car
- Distance: 120 km
- Driving time: 1.5-2 hours
- Scenic coastal route available
Best Place to Stay in Pohang
Choosing the right accommodation in Pohang depends on your priorities, whether you prefer luxury resort amenities, convenient transportation access, or budget-friendly options. The city offers various accommodation types across different neighborhoods, each with distinct advantages.
For travelers seeking luxury and resort-style amenities, Pohang Kensington Resort near Yeongildae Beach provides comprehensive facilities including spa services, recreational activities, and direct beach access. The Commodore Hotel Pohang offers a more business-oriented experience in the downtown area, with easy access to local restaurants and shopping areas.
Budget-conscious visitors will find comfortable options like local guesthouses and motels near Pohang Station, which offer basic but clean accommodations with the added convenience of easy transportation access to major attractions.
Recommended Areas:
- Near Pohang Station: Ideal for easy access to transportation and exploring multiple destinations
- Yeongildae Beach area: Perfect for beach lovers and seafood enthusiasts
- Downtown Pohang: Best for experiencing local nightlife and dining scene
Getting Around Pohang
Public Transportation:
- Local buses connect major attractions
- Taxis readily available
- Rental cars recommended for visiting multiple beaches
Popular Day Trip Routes:
- Morning: Homigot sunrise → Guryongpo → Lunch
- Afternoon: Yeongildae Beach → Pohang Space Walk → Dinner