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Discovering Pohang: A Coastal City I Didn’t Expect to Love

When people think about traveling in South Korea, cities like Seoul or Busan usually come to mind first.
Pohang wasn’t on my original list—but thanks to a local friend’s recommendation, I decided to give it a chance.
That decision turned out to be one of the best surprises of my trip.

Yeongildae Beach – My First Impression of Pohang

The first place I visited was Yeongildae Beach, right by the city center.
What immediately stood out was how close everything felt—beach, road, cafés, and restaurants all flowing together.

The sand was clean, the sea was calm, and the water had a surprisingly clear blue color.
As evening approached, the lights around the beach reflected on the water, creating a peaceful and almost cinematic atmosphere.
It felt less like a tourist spot and more like a place locals genuinely enjoy.

Homigot – Watching the Earliest Sunrise in Korea

The next morning, I woke up early to visit Homigot, known as the place where the sun rises first in Korea.

Standing by the sea, I saw the famous giant hand sculpture emerging from the water.
It was much larger and more impressive in real life than in photos.
Everyone was taking pictures of the sunrise resting on the palm of the sculpture—and of course, I did the same.

The ocean breeze was cold, but the sound of the waves and the endless horizon made the early wake-up completely worth it.

Jukdo Market – Where Pohang Feels Most Real

To really understand a city, I believe you have to visit a local market.
For Pohang, that place is Jukdo Market.

The moment I stepped inside, I felt the energy—vendors calling out, fresh seafood everywhere, and the smell of cooked food filling the air.
Even as a foreigner, people were incredibly welcoming, patiently explaining dishes and smiling warmly.

I tried mulhoe, a cold spicy raw fish soup that Pohang is famous for.
Refreshing, bold, and perfect after a long walk—it’s something I still think about.

Space Walk – A Modern View Above the City

My final stop was Space Walk, a massive steel structure that looks like a roller coaster suspended in the sky.

Walking up the curved path was a little scary at first, but once I reached the top, the view was incredible.
From above, I could see the city, the coastline, and the sea all at once.
It felt futuristic, but at the same time, it fit perfectly into Pohang’s landscape.

Final Thoughts on Pohang

Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect from Pohang.
There wasn’t much information available compared to other Korean cities, so this trip felt like a bit of a gamble.

But that’s exactly what made it special.

Pohang isn’t flashy or crowded.
Instead, it’s calm, welcoming, and deeply connected to the sea and everyday life.
It showed me a side of Korea that feels authentic and unfiltered.

If you’re looking for a coastal city that lets you slow down and experience Korea beyond the usual tourist routes,
Pohang is absolutely worth the visit.