Ramyeon and rollercoasters: Exploring Pohang, South Korea

With a rich history and multiple eateries to choose from, check out this trip itinerary for the coastal region of Pohang.

Pohang has many tourist sites to be explored. Image: Thuy Bui for Cherry Chu Magazine.

Let’s talk Pohang. For this day trip a car was needed, because the location points are quite far apart from each other. However, if you plan to stay overnight, then everything is easily done via public transport.

Below is the map of the area and the green ticks are the points visited:

Guryongpo Japanese House Street

(구룡포 일본인 가옥거리)

This street is, as explained by VisitKorea, where the Japanese who came to Joseon lived after the ‘Joseon-Japan Treaty’ was signed between Joseon and Japan in 1883, and is accessible all year round. In this spot you can visit the museum, the teahouses, or simply wander the beautiful street and its preserved Japanese buildings.

My friend and I were undecided about where to eat, so we actually went into the first quiet restaurant that we saw: Ikkadaeto (이까대토).  We didn’t have many expectations for just ramyeon and kimbap, but this simple meal was amazing! This is a classic food combination to any Korean and the seafood ramyeon and crab kimbap really hit the spot: the seafood broth was divine! With Pohang being by the coast, we obviously had to opt for the seafood option.

Ramyeon and kimbap are essential dishes when visiting Korea! Image: Thuy Bui for Cherry Chu Magazine.

Address: 153-1, Guryongpo-gil, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (겨상북 포항시 남구 구룡포읍 구룡포길 153-1)

Opening all year round. Museum opens daily 10:00-17:30, except Mondays.

Homigot Sunrise Square

(호미곶 해맞이광장)

There’s a lot of history to this particular location. Here, you can head to the bronze Sangsaeng’s (상생) Hand sculpture, also known as the Hand of Harmony: ‘Sangsaeng’ meaning “to coexist in harmony”. The sculpture relays the message that all people must live together by helping one another. The left hand is on the land, and the right hand is in the ocean. During sunrise, when the sun is perfectly aligned, it looks like the hands are holding the sun, making it a signature symbol of the sunrise festival, with many locals coming to this square to welcome the New Year.

For the K-drama and Gong Hyo-jin fans this is also the filming location for her drama When the Camellia Blooms!

A filming spot for When The Camellia Blooms (L) and the Hand of Harmony (R). Images: Thuy Bui for Cherry Chu Magazine and Drew Bae on Unsplash.

Address: 20, Haemaji-ro 150beon-gil, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (겨상북 포항시 남구 호미곶면 해맞이로150번길 20)

SpaceWalk

(스페이스워크)

This amazing, curved steel rollercoaster-like frame consists of 717 steps and is 333 metres high, representing Pohang, “the city of steel and lights”. It’s the perfect location for a 360-degree panoramic view of the city as well as an insane sunset view. It’s located in Hwanho Lake Park (환호공원).

The SpaceWalk structure. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

Take note – it does get busy, but you’ll find that the queue moves pretty fast. However, operation is dependent on the weather conditions, so if it’s too windy it wouldn’t be accessible, as you can even feel it shake when you get up there!

Address: 30, Hawnhogongwon-gil, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (겨상북 포항시 북구 포항원길) 

Opening Hours

Weekdays: 10:00 – 16:00
Weekends/Public Holidays - 10:00 – 17:00

Have you checked out any of these locations? Let us know below!

Edited by Gabii Rayner.