A Day in Pohang: Where past and present meet by the sea
Date Oct 02, 2024
The charming Space Walk (Photos courtesy of Kim Byeong-gu, hongcomm.)
Pohang is widely known as a steel city. Since the establishment of Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO) in 1968, it has grown to become the largest city in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, driven by the country’s thriving steel industry. But a closer look reveals that Pohang is about much more than just steel. From the famous Homigot Sunrise Square to various filming locations for popular Korean dramas and emerging landmarks, Pohang offers a diverse array of attractions. As you explore the city, you’ll discover a uniquely harmonious blend of the past, present and even the future.
Homigot, the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula and site of the iconic “Hands of Harmony” sculpture (Photo courtesy of Kim Ji-ho, Korea Tourism Organization)
Located at the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula, Homigot literally means “tiger’s tail.” The name dates back to Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) times, when the 16th-century geomancer Nam Sa-go likened the Korean Peninsula to a Baekdusan Mountain tiger, with its right front paw scratching what is now Primorsky Krai in the Russian Far East and the left scratching Manchuria in China. In this analogy, represents part of the tiger’s tail. As the first place on the Korean mainland to greet the sunrise, Homigot attracts many visitors eager to take in this daily spectacle.
As you walk through the sprawling sunrise plaza toward the beach, you’ll encounter the “Hands of Harmony,” Homigot’s iconic symbol. This sculpture depicts two giant hands – one on land and the other emerging from the sea. Unveiled on January 1, 2000, to celebrate the start of the new millennium, this gigantic installation symbolizes hope that humanity will move beyond centuries of conflict to embrace reconciliation and unity.
The anchor-shaped observatory points toward Dokdo Island. (Photo courtesy of Kim Byeong-gu, hongcomm.)
Igari Beach (Photos courtesy of Kim Byeong-gu, hongcomm.)
For those seeking a deeper connection with nature and the sea, Igari Beach is a must-visit destination. This picturesque spot offers a perfect blend of pine forest and crystal-clear blue water. A unique feature of the beach is its anchor-shaped observatory facing Dokdo, a symbol of Korea’s commitment to protecting the islets. From the top of the observatory, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view of the open sea. The shallow, clean waters make Igari Beach ideal for snorkeling, while its spacious grounds accommodate both car and traditional camping, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Igari Beach gained popularity after it was featured in the Korean drama “Run On.” Pohang abounds in places that became tourist hotspots after appearing in TV dramas. Another prime example is Cheongha Gongjin Market. Before serving as a location for the hit series “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha,” Gongjin was just a modest local market with about 25 shops that opened on a traditional 5-day market schedule (on days ending in 1 and 6). Its old buildings and nostalgic atmosphere were typical of rural Korea. However, after the success of the drama, the market became a popular tourist attraction, drawing crowds of visitors eager to experience its charm firsthand.
Gongjin Market has preserved some TV drama filming sets. Drama fans can leave their signatures in a guestbook at its information booth. (Photos courtesy of Kim Byeong-gu, hongcomm.)
Exploring the filming locations in Cheongha Gongjin Market is a breeze, thanks to the preserved set pieces from the drama. You’ll find familiar sights like Gongjin Chinese Restaurant, Bora Supermarket, Cheongho Hardware Store and Coffee by Day, Beer by Night all clustered within the market area. For fans of the show, every corner of the market becomes a photo opportunity, and visiting after watching the drama enhances the experience significantly. Don’t miss the chance to try your hand at making dalgona at Bora Supermarket – it’s a fun, hands-on activity that connects you directly to a scene from the show.
You can experience making dalgona (Korean honeycomb toffee) at Bora Supermarket. (Photos courtesy of Kim Byeong-gu, hongcomm.)
Another noteworthy spot is Guryongpo Modern Culture and History Street, famous for its appearance in the drama “When the Camellia Blooms.” What makes this drama set special is that it’s an actual historical site. The street is lined with many Japanese-style houses, a legacy of the 1883 treaty of commerce between Korea and Japan, which allowed Japanese citizens to establish residences in the area. Today, these former Japanese-owned houses, along with Japanese-style teahouses, bars and restaurants, create an atmosphere that feels like a step back in time. This juxtaposition of Korean drama settings and Japanese colonial architecture offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region.
After exploring Pohang’s historical sites, it’s time to step into the present with a visit to “Space Walk,” the city’s most modern landmark. This massive experiential sculpture, donated by POSCO in November 2021, is Korea’s largest interactive art installation. Designed by renowned German artists Heike Mutter and Ulrich Genth, Space Walk is a 333-meter-long engineering marvel constructed from 317 tons of stainless steel. Built to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 6.5 and to accommodate 250 visitors at a time, Space Walk offers a unique experience. As you traverse its twisting structure, you’ll feel like you’re floating above the city. The elevated walkway offers breathtaking panoramic views of Pohang Steel Mill, Yeongilman Bay and Yeongildae Beach. For safety, an automatic system restricts access when full capacity is reached. While the walkway closes at sunset, the structure transforms into a stunning light installation at night. The illuminated version of Space Walk is a mesmerizing interplay of light and steel, offering a different but equally captivating experience.
Pohang truly offers visitors a journey through time thanks to its rich history and cutting-edge present. Why not create your own memories in this diverse city today? With its wide range of attractions, from traditional markets to futuristic sculptures, you’ll find yourself lost in exploration as the hours pass unnoticed.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "Korea Here & Now" work can be used under the condition of "Public Nuri Type 1 (Source Indication)."