Pohang, South Korea

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Pohang, South Korea

Region: North Gyeongsang Province


Geographic Coordinates: 36.032200, 129.365000
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 35.0°C (14°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal climate and weather patterns in Pohang, South Korea are not specified.
Population: 520305
Language: Korean

Pohang is a stunning coastal city situated in the southeastern part of South Korea. It is the third-largest city in North Gyeongsang province and has a population of over 500, 000 people. The city is famous for its breathtaking beaches, Rich history, And vibrant culture. One of the most popular attractions in Pohang is its beautiful beaches. Homigot Beach is the most well-known beach in the city, Offering fantastic views of the East Sea. The beach also provides exciting water sports activities such as surfing, Kayaking, And jet skiing.

Jukdo Beach is another famous beach that boasts crystal clear waters and white sand. Apart from its stunning beaches, Pohang also houses several historical sites worth visiting. Oeosa Temple was built during Silla Dynasty (57 BC – AD 935) and features an impressive collection of Buddhist art including statues and paintings. Bukbu Fortification Wall dates back to AD 757 and offers an excellent insight into Pohang’s rich history. Pohang also has a thriving food scene with plenty of delicious dishes to try out.

One must-try dish when visiting this city is jokbal (pig’s feet), Which can be found at many local restaurants around town. Other popular dishes include seafood soup made with fresh fish caught from nearby waters and bibimbap (mixed rice bowl) served with various vegetables. Besides its natural beauty and rich history, Pohang also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year that celebrate Korean culture. One such festival held annually during July-August period celebrates Korean traditional music called ‘Percussion Market’. Additionally, There are other festivals like International Fireworks Festival held every October featuring spectacular fireworks displays along Homigot Beach.

POSCO steel mill – one of South Korea’s largest steel mills employing over 20k people – cannot be overlooked when talking about Pohang as it symbolizes economic growth & development of the city over the years. Pohang is a beautiful coastal city with plenty to offer for tourists. From its stunning beaches to its rich history and vibrant culture, There is something for everyone in this South Korean gem.



Important Landmarks

  1. Homigot Sunrise Square
  2. Pohang Steel Yard
  3. Jukdo Market
  4. Oeosa Temple
  5. Yeongildae Beach
  6. Wolpo Beach
  7. Songdo Beach
  8. Guryongpo Beach
  9. Bukbu Beach
  10. Gyeongsangbuk-do Arboretum

Primary Industries

  1. Steel: POSCO, one of the world’s largest steel manufacturers, has its headquarters situated in Pohang.
  2. Petrochemicals: LG Chem’s Pohang Plant is among several petrochemical plants present in the city.
  3. Electronics: Samsung Electronics operates a production facility that manufactures semiconductors and LCD panels.
  4. Shipbuilding: Hyundai Heavy Industries owns a shipyard located in nearby Ulsan, providing employment opportunities for many workers from Pohang.
  5. Automotive parts manufacturing: Mando Corporation and Hyundai Mobis are among several automotive parts manufacturers with facilities based in Pohang.
  6. Fishing industry: As a coastal city, fishing is also an essential industry for Pohang with its port being one of the busiest fishing ports within South Korea.
  7. Tourism: The local economy of Pohang benefits significantly from tourism due to its stunning beaches, scenic mountains, temples, and historic sites such as Gyeongju situated nearby.

Noteable History

  1. The Battle of Pohang in 1592 during the Imjin War between Japan and Korea.
  2. The establishment of a steel mill in Pohang by POSCO (Pohang Iron and Steel Company) in 1968, which transformed the city into a major industrial hub.
  3. The development of Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in 1986, which has become one of the top universities in South Korea.
  4. The election of Park Geun-hye as president of South Korea in 2013, who was born and raised in Pohang.
  5. The opening ceremony for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics held at Pohang Airport on February 9th, 2018.

Notable people from or associated with Pohang include:

  1. Park Geun-hye – former President of South Korea
  2. Lee Byung-chul – founder of Samsung Group
  3. Kim Tae-hee – actress
  4. Yoon Sang-hyun – actor
  5. Lee Seung-woo – professional footballer

Museums and Things To See

  1. Pohang Museum of Steel Art showcases the history and development of the steel industry in Pohang, with a focus on art and design.
  2. Homigot Sunrise Square is located at the easternmost point of South Korea and offers stunning views of the sunrise over the sea.
  3. Jukdo Market is known for its fresh seafood, including octopus, squid, and crab.
  4. Yeongildae Beach offers clean sand and clear water for swimming and sunbathing.
  5. POSCO E&C Green Building Exhibition Hall showcases sustainable building practices and technologies used in modern construction.
  6. Pohang Municipal Museum features exhibits on local history, culture, art, and archaeology.
  7. Guryongpo Fortress was built during the Goryeo Dynasty to protect against invading Japanese forces.
  8. Wolpo Beach Park features a long sandy beach with calm waters perfect for swimming or relaxing in the sun.
  9. Daewonsa Temple is one of Korea’s oldest temples dating back to 863 AD that has been rebuilt several times over its long history but still retains much of its original charm today.
  10. Pohang International Fireworks Festival is a large-scale fireworks festival held annually in July that attracts thousands of visitors from all over Korea.


Sports Teams

  1. Pohang Steelers FC is a professional football club located in Pohang, South Korea.
    • The club was established in 1973.
    • They have won the K League championship five times.
    • Their most recent win was in 2013.
    • They have secured the AFC Champions League title three times.
  2. Pohang Atoms were a professional basketball team also based in Pohang, South Korea.
    • They were founded in 1997.
    • They participated in the Korean Basketball League until it disbanded three years later.
  3. Pohang Dolphins were a professional baseball team that played their home games at the Pusan National University Baseball Stadium.
    • They only existed for one season due to financial issues after being founded back in 1991.
  4. Pohang Icebreakers are an ice hockey team established more recently than the other teams mentioned above – they began playing competitively in 2015 and play their home games at Gyeongbuk Provincial Ice Rink.


Cultural Events

  1. The Pohang International Fireworks Festival is a must-see event that happens in July every year. It’s a breathtaking display of fireworks over the sea that attracts visitors from all over.
  2. The Pohang Steel Art Festival is an annual celebration of large-scale steel sculptures created by both local and international artists. It’s a unique event that showcases the creativity and talent of these artists.
  3. The Pohang Black Crab Festival is held in November and celebrates the local delicacy of black crabs with food stalls, cooking competitions, and cultural performances. It’s a great opportunity to try some delicious seafood while enjoying the festivities.
  4. The Pohang Fish Market Festival takes place every October to promote the city’s bustling fish market. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live music performances during this fun-filled event.
  5. The Pohang International Film Festival is an exciting showcase of independent films from around the world. Attendees can participate in workshops, screenings, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers during this popular festival.
  6. Guryongpo Beach Cherry Blossom Festival happens during springtime (usually April) when visitors can take scenic walks along Guryongpo Beach lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom while participating in various cultural activities such as kite flying or traditional Korean games like tuho (arrow throwing).
  7. The Cheonghakdong Cultural Art Village Festival takes place every autumn (usually October) to highlight traditional Korean culture through art exhibitions, folk music performances & workshops on hanbok-making or calligraphy writing lessons for visitors from all over South Korea who come to learn about their heritage firsthand!

Cuisine

  • Pohang Jokbal: This dish is made of pig’s feet that are boiled with soy sauce, ginger, garlic and other spices. One of the best places to try this dish is at Jokbal Street in downtown Pohang.
  • Saejae Sikdang: This restaurant serves traditional Korean dishes like galbi (grilled beef ribs), bulgogi (marinated beef) and kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew). It is located near the beach area of Guryongpo.
  • Jinhae Sundae: Sundae is a type of Korean sausage made with pig’s intestines stuffed with noodles and vegetables. Jinhae Sundae serves some of the best sundae in Pohang.
  • Yeongdeok Snow Crab: Yeongdeok Snow Crab is a famous seafood delicacy from the nearby town of Yeongdeok. Many restaurants in Pohang serve this dish during crab season from November to March.
  • Bada Sikdang: This restaurant specializes in grilled fish dishes using fresh seafood caught locally off the coast of Pohang.
  • Hwanggeum Hanwoo Galbi: This restaurant serves high-quality hanwoo (Korean beef) that has been aged for several weeks for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Hyeopjae Sikdang: This restaurant offers a variety of Korean dishes including bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and haemul pajeon (seafood pancake).

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Homigot Sunrise Square is a well-known park situated at the easternmost point of the Korean peninsula, providing awe-inspiring views of the sunrise and sea.
    2. Jukdo Park is a picturesque park located on an island off the coast of Pohang, which boasts hiking trails, a lighthouse, and a beach.
    3. Bukbu Beach is an exquisite sandy beach with crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
    4. Pohang Steel Art Museum is an outdoor museum that showcases steel sculptures created by local artists.
    5. Oeosa Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Pohang with stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings.
    6. Yeongildae Beach is another renowned beach in Pohang with soft sand and clear water that’s ideal for swimming and surfing.
    7. Guryongpo Beach offers some of the most breathtaking views of Korea’s coastline and surrounding mountains, making it one of the country’s most picturesque beaches.
    8. Palgongsan Natural Park features scenic mountain trails, campsites, and panoramic views from its peak – making it an ideal spot for hiking enthusiasts or anyone looking to connect with nature.
    9. Wolpo Hang Port Fishing Village provides visitors with charming scenery where they can enjoy fresh seafood while watching fishermen at work on their boats – truly immersing themselves in local culture!
    10. The Daewonsa Temple Stay Program offers visitors an immersive cultural experience where they can stay overnight at a traditional Buddhist temple to learn about Korean Buddhism through meditation practices, tea ceremonies, communal meals with monks etc., all contributing to experiencing authentic Korean culture!

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