Pohang – Space Walks and Waterfalls
Pohang is a city on the east coast of Korea, with the Sea of Japan to the east. It is close to Gyeongju, another city popular with tourists. Although relatively small, Pohang has a lot of charm and is worth visiting on a trip to South Korea.
Things to do in pohang
Pohang Space Walk
The Pohang Space Walk is located in Hwanho Park, by the sea. This is a walkable sculpture which resembles a rollercoaster. Walking on it is a bizarre experience as it appears like an optical illusion, and when there are many people walking on it, it shakes. It is one of the most recognisable sites in Pohang and with free entry it’s not to be missed!
Yeongildae beach and Observatory
Yeongildae Beach is the largest beach on Korea’s east coast and is one of the most popular beaches in Pohang. It’s a great beach to walk along, and you can take part in watersports. Partway along the beach you will find the Yeongildae Observatory. This is pavilion at the end of a walkway extending into the sea. It’s a good spot to get some photos.
When I was visiting Pohang in early October, the beach was hosting the cities Steel Art Festival. There were many sculptures installed along the length of the beach, as well as food stalls and live performers. Pohang is home to POSCO, a steel manufacturer who constructed the Space Walk, so the Steel Art Festival celebrates this industrial output.
Jukdo Market
Jukdo Market is a famous fish market in Pohang. You can buy all manner of fish and seafood here and have it prepared for you in one of the many restaurants around the area. Many of the restaurants here specialise in hoe (sliced raw fish). If you love seafood, then this is the place to eat at in Pohang.
Naeyeonsan
To the north of Pohang is Naeyeonsan, a mountain famous for its 12 waterfalls hike. You can catch a bus from Pohang to Bogyeongsa Temple at the beginning of the trail. The journey takes around one hour. Check the return bus times when you arrive so you don’t get stuck out there.
When you arrive at the Beogyeongsa Temple bus stop you will see a single street ahead. This street has many restaurants and cafes serving all the hikers, and is a good spot to get food after your hike. Walk straight up this street and you’ll arrive at the temple. Take some time to enjoy the temple before beginning the hike.
The path begins relatively flat and is well maintained. It gradually rises taking you further into the park, where you will pass some beautiful waterfalls. Some of these you are allowed to swim in, but check signage and only swim where the locals are swimming for safety.
Also in the park there is a suspension bridge where you can get a better view of some of the falls, and there are viewing platforms where you can look east and see the sea.
Unfortunately, when I was at Naeyeonsan the weather wasn’t great. I wasn’t able to see all 12 waterfalls, but with around three hours in the park I was still able to see a lot. I went during a local holiday in October, so the park was very busy which slowed me down. If you can visit outside of a holiday period, you will be able to walk much further in less time.