🌅 Pohang & Homigot Sunrise — Where Korea’s Morning Begins
At the edge of Korea’s East Sea, Pohang greets the nation’s very first sunrise. This coastal city blends industrial strength with natural beauty — a place where steel, sea, and sunlight coexist. From the glowing Space Walk sculpture to the Homigot Sunrise Festival, Pohang offers a unique mix of art, culture, and coastal peace that captures both the power and calm of modern Korea. Let’s follow the light from dawn to dusk.
1️⃣ Homigot Sunrise Plaza — The First Sun of the New Year
“Where the sun rises earliest in Korea.” Homigot Village sits at the easternmost point of the peninsula, shaped like a tiger’s tail. Every dawn, travelers gather at Homigot Sunrise Plaza to watch the sun emerge between waves behind the iconic Hand of Harmony statue — a massive bronze hand rising from the sea. Each New Year, thousands attend the Homigot Sunrise Festival, with fireworks, lanterns, and traditional drumming to welcome fresh beginnings. Even outside festival season, mornings here feel sacred — the quiet waves, soft wind, and slow reveal of light.
- 📍 Location: Homigot Village, 30 min east of Pohang city center
- 🌅 Best Time: Before 6 AM (Spring–Autumn) / Before 7 AM (Winter)
- 💡 Tip: Bring a blanket & tripod for early morning photos
2️⃣ Space Walk — Walking in the Sky
The Space Walk is Pohang’s most futuristic landmark — a steel sculpture resembling a roller coaster suspended over the city. Opened in 2021, this walkway curves 140 meters into the sky offering 360° views of the coast, POSCO plant, and night lights. At sunset, the structure glows gold as the city turns amber below. It’s not just an artwork but a symbol of hope and rebirth — steel transformed into sky. The Space Walk is especially popular for photographers and couples seeking a romantic panorama over Pohang’s harbor.
| Entry Fee | Opening Hours | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Free Admission | 10 AM – 10 PM | Sunset (5 PM – 6 PM) |
| Closed for Wind Over 15 m/s | Safety Check Required | Evening view recommended |
- 📸 Photo Spot: Top curve facing POSCO lights
- 💡 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — the incline is steep but safe
3️⃣ POSCO Industrial Tour — Steel & Innovation by the Sea
Pohang is home to POSCO, one of the world’s largest steel plants and a symbol of Korea’s postwar growth. Visitors can book guided tours of the industrial complex to see blast furnaces, robotic loading systems, and eco energy projects. The tour ends with a visit to the POSCO History Museum, showcasing the company’s role in turning a small port town into a global engineering hub. It’s a rare chance to see how industry and environment coexist on Korea’s coast.
- 🏭 Booking: Online at POSCO Tour Center
- 🕓 Tour Time: 2 hours (English guides available)
- 💡 Tip: Bring ID for entry; closed-toe shoes required
4️⃣ Pohang Canal & Coastal Drive
The city’s heart follows the Pohang Canal, lined with bike paths, art installations, and cafés. Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk to the harbor, where street musicians play soft guitar against the sea breeze. For a scenic drive, follow Route 7 along the East Sea — passing sand dunes, wind turbines, and fishing villages. It’s a lesser-known but beautiful stretch of Korea’s coastline, especially during autumn when the light turns honey-gold.
- 🚗 Route: Pohang → Yeongdeok → Uljin (2 hrs)
- 🚴 Bike Path: Pohang Canal → Songdo Beach (5 km)
- 💡 Tip: Stop at Yeongildae Beach for a bridge walk over the water
5️⃣ Seafood Markets & Local Cuisine
At the Pohang Jukdo Market, you can taste the freshest flavors of the East Sea. Rows of vendors sell live octopus, sea urchins, and prawns still moving in water tanks. Try the city’s signature dish, Pohang Mulhoe (cold raw fish soup with spicy broth and ice), perfect for summer days by the coast. Local restaurants also serve grilled mackerel, sea squirt bibimbap, and shellfish pancakes that pair perfectly with Makgeolli. Every meal here tastes like salt air and tradition.
| Dish | Specialty | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mulhoe (Cold Seafood Soup) | Spicy, refreshing raw fish dish | ₩12,000 – ₩18,000 |
| Grilled Mackerel | Local favorite with crispy skin | ₩10,000 – ₩13,000 |
| Sea Squirt Bibimbap | Unique marine flavor blend | ₩12,000 – ₩15,000 |
6️⃣ Maritime Culture Trail — Art & Community
Pohang’s fishing villages have transformed into living art spaces. The Cheongnim Maritime Trail connects museums, murals, and community markets by the shore. Locals organize art workshops using discarded nets and shells, turning waste into beauty. Visitors can join painting sessions or fishery experiences with local families. It’s a gentle reminder that Pohang’s identity isn’t only industry — it’s people and the sea living in harmony.
- 🎨 Activity: Eco art class (₩15,000 per session)
- 📍 Trail Start: Pohang Canal Cultural Center
- 💡 Tip: Best in spring and autumn for outdoor walks
7️⃣ Festivals & Night Views
Pohang comes alive after sunset. The annual Pohang International Fireworks Festival in July draws crowds to Yeongildae Beach for one of Asia’s largest shows over the sea. Nearby cafés stay open late serving beer and street seafood under the glow of the Space Walk. For a quieter evening, visit the coastal boardwalk by the Pohang Canal — where music, laughter, and the sound of waves merge into a perfect night memory.
- 🎆 Main Event: Pohang Fireworks Festival (July)
- 🌃 Night Spot: Yeongildae Bridge & Space Walk Lights
- 💡 Tip: Arrive early — the best view spots fill by 6 PM
