Pohang is the city with the largest population in the Northern Gyeongsang Province of South Korea. It is well known as the main port in the region and attracts crowds for its fresh seafood. With the limitation of overseas travel due to the global pandemic, the locals began looking for new and fresh locations of travel within the country.
Pohang is roughly 4 hours by express bus from Seoul from the Express Bus Terminal. Transportation here might be different from Seoul due to the lack of underground metro, but the buses here still make it convenient to get around. Most of the population here travel by car so it would still be good to rent a car if you can.
How to go to Pohang from Seoul:
- Head to the Express Bus Terminal Station (Gyeongbu Yeongdongseon)
- Purchase a ticket and board the express bus headed toward Pohang Express Terminal
In recent months, these places were some of the hot locations that locals frequent, even today. Here are some of these places that you definitely have to check out in Pohang if you’re in Korea!
1. Cheongsong Ice Valley (청송얼음골)
An hour-drive away from Pohang City, South Korea, the Cheongsong Ice Valley is a work of art. This place is considered to be inaccessible by public transport. To come here, you will have to either rent a car or a small bus with a group of people should you wish to lower costs. The road up here is a winding path through the mountains so expect a lovely and serene view upwards to the destination.
It’s like a scene straight out of the film “Frozen”. Hundreds and thousands of frozen icicles from the top to the bottom, surrounded by nature, its picturesque view was grand and full of awe. Definitely one of the places worth visiting in the winter!
Name: Cheongsong Ice Valley (청송얼음골)
Address: 228 Palgaksan-ro, Juwangsan-myeon, Cheongsong-gun, Gyengsangbuk-do
Operating Hours: None, but go in the day
Entry Cost: Free
2. Space Walk (스페이스워크)
A psychedelic structure brought out straight from a topsy-turvy world, the Space Walk is an attraction that is a snaking staircase fashioned in the shape of a rollercoaster track. Complete with a 360-degree spin (in which is impossible to walk), this has brought people far and wide to the city of Pohang, just for this.
During the day, it is open for people to enter, climb, and take photos, and in the night, though restricted, is lit up against the dark night sky for all to see. It is also situated at the peak of the park, and is visible from the nearby beach.
Definitely an interesting location for a photo of a lifetime.
Name: Space Walk (스페이스워크) located in Hwanho Park (환호공원)
Address: Duho-dong, Buk-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Operating Hours: 10am – 4pm (Mon-Fri), 10am – 5pm (Sat, Sun, PH)
Entry Cost: Free
3. Yeongil Bridge (영일교)
Situated right towards the end of the beach, this bridge has a beautiful traditional Korean structure perched where the view is magnificent. Head there during the sunset hours to see the lovely colors of the sky stretching across the horizon.
Follow the shoreline for a lovely walk on the beach till you arrive at the bridge. Cross it and head up to the second floor for a sterling view of the ocean as well as the beach. Many people go for a stroll along the beach before heading for dinner nearby.
Name: Yeongil Bridge (영일교)
Address: Duho-dong, Buk-gu, Pohang, Gyengsangbuk-do
Operating Hours: None
Entry Cost: Free
4. Homigot AKA The Hand (호미곶)
Homigot is known as the best place to see the sunrise in Korea, with massive crowds flocking to this place during the first day of the new year. Other than the sunrise, the main attraction of this area is the hand sculpture in the sea.
There are actually 2 hands, one in the sea and the other on land, symbolising coexistence as well as harmony. The usual photo that people take is the bright orange ball situated perfectly in the middle of the palm during sunrise. However, in recent times the trendier photo would be one where they hide their hand in sleeves and replace it with the sculpture.
Name: Homigot (호미곶)
Address: 47-7 Guman-ri, Homigot-myeon, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyengsangbuk-do
Operating Hours: None
Entry Cost: Free
5. Igari Anchor Observatory (이가리닻 전망대)
The Igari Anchor Observatory appeared in the Korean drama ‘Run On’, and ever since, has become a place where many stop by when passing through or visiting Pohang. The reason why it’s called the Anchor Observatory is that it’s built in the shape of an anchor, which can only be seen from up above.
Situated along the coastal walk of Pohang, you can actually walk to it while on the walking trail but do take note that it is extremely long and would take hours. A car would be your best bet for this, or you could take the Mugunghwa Railway to Wolpo Station and take a 10-minute walk over.
Situated along the coastal walk of Pohang, you can actually walk to it while on the walking trail but do take note that it is extremely long and would take hours. A car would be your best bet for this, or you could take the Mugunghwa Railway to Wolpo Station and take a 10-minute walk over.
It is beautiful at night too, with the handrails of the structure being lit up. Do take note that this place closes at 6pm daily except for summertime from June to August.
Name: Igari Anchor Observatory (이가리닻 전망대)
Address: 67-3 Haean-ro, Iga-ri, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Operating Hours: 9am – 6pm (9am – 8pm from June to August)
Entry Cost: Free
