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, itβs super easy to reach β 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.
π Pohangβs 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.
π 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 βHands of Harmonyβ sculpture.
POSCO Tour β 1538 Park (Reservation Required) (link) (reservation) Tour one of the worldβs largest steel plants. Start at the POSCO 1538 Park, learn about the history of steel, and take a guided bus tour inside the plant. π Must book online in advance β 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 β 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 β Watch a Soccer Match(link)(homepage) If you love sports, donβt miss a K-League 1 match of the Pohang Steelers at Koreaβs first soccer-specific stadium. It offers an intense atmosphere and super close view of the pitch. Tickets can be reserved online in advance.
π¨ New & Clean Accommodation
Forget the old stereotype of limited lodging in Pohang!
Stylish pensions & pool villas near Guryongpo & Chilpo Beaches β perfect for couples or families
Budget-friendly guesthouses & city residences β great for solo travelers
The new accommodations have clean bathrooms, fresh linens, and fantastic views, comparable to Busan or Jeju.
π² Must-Try Pohang Food
Mulhoe at Hwan-yeo Hoetjip(location) Pohangβs signature mulhoe (cold raw fish soup). Eat the sashimi & noodles first, then finish with rice and spicy stew.
Steamed Crabs at Jukdo Market(location) Pohangβs largest seafood market. Buy a box of medium-sized crabs, have them steamed on-site (takes 15β20 minutes). Mix rice with crab roe, pair with spicy stew β the true taste of Pohang!
π¬ 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 β 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 Fishermenβs Hall Yoon Hye-jinβs 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
π Live Soccer at Steel Yard Stadium
Pohang is also home to Pohang Steelers, a top K-League 1 team.
Steel Yard Stadium is Koreaβs 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 β a unique cultural experience for sports lovers!
π 2-Day Pohang Itinerary
Day 1 β Sea, K-drama Tour & Soccer
Morning: Take the KTX from Seoul β 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 β 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
Afternoon: Naeyeonsan Bogyeongsa Temple waterfalls β Oeo Temple forest walk
β Why You Should Visit Pohang
β Only 2h15m from Seoul by KTX β easy day trip or weekend getaway β Beautiful East Sea beaches for swimming & relaxation β Unique activities: paragliding, canal cruise, space walk skywalk β Family-friendly attractions and easy logistics β New, clean hotels with ocean views β Authentic seafood β mulhoe, steamed crabs, gwamegi (half-dried fish) β K-drama heaven (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha filming locations!) β Watch a live K-League soccer match at Steel Yard Stadium β Industrial tourism β POSCO steel plant tour (reservation required)
π‘ 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 β theyβre still residential areas
At Jukdo Market, cash or bank transfer is often cheaper