Pohang is my hometown.
While most travelers think of Busan or Jeju first, Pohang is a hidden gem where you can enjoy stunning beaches, mountains, industry tours, K-drama filming locations, delicious seafood, thrilling activities, and even live K-League soccer matches.
Best of all, it’s super easy to reach – just 2 hours 15 minutes from Seoul by KTX high-speed train, making it perfect for a weekend trip or even a day trip.
Recently, many brand-new, clean hotels and guesthouses have opened, so you can travel comfortably without worrying about accommodation.
🏖 Pohang’s Beautiful Beaches
Pohang stretches along the East Sea coastline, offering both lively beaches and quiet seaside escapes.
- Yeongildae Beach
The most popular urban beach! Soft sand, calm waves, perfect for swimming. At night, the illuminated Yeongildae Pavilion creates a gorgeous night view. - Chilpo Beach
Family-friendly with shallow water and even camping spots. - Guryongpo Beach
Famous for the K-drama When the Camellia Blooms. After swimming, take a walk around the nearby Japanese House Street. - Dogu & Hwajin Beaches
Less crowded and perfect for surfing, kayaking, or a private seaside picnic.
🏞 Things to Do in Pohang
- Space Walk Skybridge(link)
A skywalk with breathtaking views of the sea and the city.
Tip: It feels higher and more thrilling than it looks! The gentle sway in the wind can be a bit scary but exciting. At night, the LED lights make it magical. - Homigot Sunrise Plaza(homepage)
The first place in Korea to see the sunrise, with the iconic “Hands of Harmony” sculpture. - POSCO Tour – 1538 Park (Reservation Required) (link) (reservation)
Tour one of the world’s largest steel plants.
Start at the POSCO 1538 Park, learn about the history of steel, and take a guided bus tour inside the plant.
👉 Must book online in advance – no walk-ins. - Pohang Canal Cruise(link)(homepage)
Surprisingly family-friendly and budget-friendly.
Easier than a yacht rental, this short cruise takes you around the city canal and the nearby sea – perfect for families and kids. - Gonryun Mountain Paragliding Site(link)(homepage)
Not at the beach, but from Gonryun Mountain launch site (173m above sea level).- Stunning panoramic views of Yeongil Bay
- Tandem flights with professional pilots
- A popular Instagram hotspot for unforgettable photos
- Pohang Steel Yard – Watch a Soccer Match(link)(homepage)
If you love sports, don’t miss a K-League 1 match of the Pohang Steelers at Korea’s first soccer-specific stadium.
It offers an intense atmosphere and super close view of the pitch.
Tickets can be reserved online in advance.
🏨 New & Clean Accommodation
Forget the old stereotype of limited lodging in Pohang!
- Brand-new seaside hotels near Yeongildae Beach – amazing ocean views & spotless rooms
- Stylish pensions & pool villas near Guryongpo & Chilpo Beaches – perfect for couples or families
- Budget-friendly guesthouses & city residences – great for solo travelers
The new accommodations have clean bathrooms, fresh linens, and fantastic views, comparable to Busan or Jeju.
🍲 Must-Try Pohang Food
- Mulhoe at Hwan-yeo Hoetjip(location)
Pohang’s signature mulhoe (cold raw fish soup). Eat the sashimi & noodles first, then finish with rice and spicy stew. - Steamed Crabs at Jukdo Market(location)
Pohang’s largest seafood market.
Buy a box of medium-sized crabs, have them steamed on-site (takes 15–20 minutes).
Mix rice with crab roe, pair with spicy stew – the true taste of Pohang!
🎬 K-Drama & Movie Filming Locations
Pohang is a K-drama filming hotspot, especially for Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha!
- Cheongha Gongjin Market
Gongjin Market from the drama – Bora Supermarket, Gongjin Restaurant, etc. - Sabang Memorial Park
The famous hill with the red boat scene. - Wolpo Beach
Where the main characters first met. - Cheongjin Harbor Fishermen’s Hall
Yoon Hye-jin’s dental clinic in the drama. - Seokbyeong Red Lighthouse Breakwater
A key emotional scene spot. - Guryongpo Japanese House Street
When the Camellia Blooms filming location and a unique historic street.
Other films shot here: Run On, Steel Rain, Innocent Witness
🏟 Live Soccer at Steel Yard Stadium
Pohang is also home to Pohang Steelers, a top K-League 1 team.
- Steel Yard Stadium is Korea’s first soccer-only stadium.
- Capacity: around 17,000 seats, with an intimate and close-up viewing experience.
- Check match schedules & book tickets online (Ticketlink, SeatPick).
- The local fan atmosphere is electric – a unique cultural experience for sports lovers!
🗓 2-Day Pohang Itinerary
Day 1 – Sea, K-drama Tour & Soccer
- Morning: Take the KTX from Seoul → Pohang (2h15m)
- Late Morning: Visit Cheongha Gongjin Market & Sabang Memorial Park (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha filming spots)
- Lunch: Steamed crabs at Jukdo Market
- Afternoon: Paragliding from Gonryun Mountain – fly over the East Sea!
- Evening: Watch Pohang Steelers soccer match at Steel Yard Stadium (reserve in advance)
- Night: Guryongpo Japanese House Street & check-in at a cozy pension
Day 2 – Sunrise & Industry Tour
- Dawn: Sunrise at Homigot Plaza
- Morning: POSCO 153 Steel Atrium tour (must book) → Pohang Canal Cruise
- Lunch: Mulhoe at Hwan-yeo Hoetjip
- Afternoon: Naeyeonsan Bogyeongsa Temple waterfalls → Oeo Temple forest walk
✅ Why You Should Visit Pohang
✔ Only 2h15m from Seoul by KTX – easy day trip or weekend getaway
✔ Beautiful East Sea beaches for swimming & relaxation
✔ Unique activities: paragliding, canal cruise, space walk skywalk
✔ Family-friendly attractions and easy logistics
✔ New, clean hotels with ocean views
✔ Authentic seafood – mulhoe, steamed crabs, gwamegi (half-dried fish)
✔ K-drama heaven (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha filming locations!)
✔ Watch a live K-League soccer match at Steel Yard Stadium
✔ Industrial tourism – POSCO steel plant tour (reservation required)
💡 Travel Tips
- Book POSCO tours, paragliding, and soccer tickets in advance
- Visit Space Walk with comfy shoes (it feels higher & scarier than it looks!)
- Be respectful at K-drama filming locations – they’re still residential areas
- At Jukdo Market, cash or bank transfer is often cheaper
- Morning is best for parking at popular beaches