Pohang Travel Guide – Homigot Sunrise, Yeongildae Beach & Mulhoe Food Trip
Pohang is an underrated coastal city on Korea’s east coast – famous for the Hands of Harmony statue at Homigot Sunrise Square, wide beaches like Yeongildae, and icy seafood dish mulhoe. This guide shows you how to get there, where to go, and what to eat using real photos from my own trip.
🌊 Why Visit Pohang?
Pohang sits on Korea’s east coast, facing the East Sea. The city is known for dramatic sunrises at Homigot, long sandy beaches like Yeongildae Beach, and some of the best mulhoe (cold raw fish soup) in the country.
It’s also a great side trip if you’re visiting Gyeongju or traveling between Seoul and Busan – you can easily spend one or two nights here for sea views, seafood and quiet coastal vibes.
🚆 How to Get to Pohang from Seoul or Busan
| Route | Transport | Time (one-way) | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul ⇄ Pohang | KTX high-speed train | ~2.5 hours | ₩35,000–₩70,000 | Fastest & most comfortable; departures from Seoul Station. |
| Seoul ⇄ Pohang | Express bus | ~3.5–4 hours | ₩23,000–₩45,000 | Good value; buses depart from Seoul Express Bus Terminal. |
| Busan ⇄ Pohang | Intercity bus | ~1.5–2 hours | ₩10,000–₩20,000 | Easy day trip from Busan; multiple buses per day. |
Tip: If you’re planning a sunrise trip to Homigot, staying at least one night in Pohang makes the early wake-up much easier.
📍 Best Places to Visit in Pohang
1. Homigot Sunrise Square & Hands of Harmony
Homigot is the easternmost point of the Korean peninsula and one of the first places in Korea to see the sunrise. In the sea stands the famous Hands of Harmony – a giant bronze hand reaching out of the water, paired with another hand on land, symbolizing coexistence and unity.
Come before dawn if you want to watch the sun rise right above the statue. It’s especially popular on New Year’s Day.
2. Yeongildae Beach & Coastal Park
Yeongildae Beach is one of the largest and most popular beaches on Korea’s east coast, with a long stretch of sand, a traditional pavilion built over the water, and plenty of cafés and seafood restaurants nearby.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the coastal park, creating postcard views of pink flowers framing the sea.
3. Hwanho Park Space Walk
Space Walk is a rollercoaster-shaped pedestrian walkway overlooking the city and harbor. From the top, you get a 360° view of Pohang’s coastline, especially beautiful at sunset and night when the lights come on.
4. Guryongpo & Coastal Drive
South of downtown, Guryongpo is a fishing port area famous for snow crab, small lighthouses and a seaside street with preserved Japanese-style houses – a popular filming location for K-dramas.
5. Jukdo Market & Seafood Alley
If you love markets, don’t miss Jukdo Market. Stalls sell every kind of fresh seafood, from live fish and shellfish to dried anchovies and seaweed. Many restaurants inside will prepare what you buy as sashimi or grilled dishes.
6. Coastal Cafés & Viewpoints
Around Yeongildae and Hwanho Park you’ll find lots of cafés with big windows and rooftop terraces. They are perfect spots to relax with coffee, watch the waves and enjoy Pohang’s night view.
🍜 What & Where to Eat in Pohang
The star of Pohang’s food scene is definitely mulhoe – icy cold raw fish soup. Thinly sliced seafood, vegetables and sometimes noodles are mixed with a spicy, tangy broth. On a hot day it’s refreshing and full of flavor.
Pohang-Style Mulhoe
Pohang-style mulhoe usually comes in a metal bowl filled with crushed ice, shredded radish or pear, seaweed, sesame seeds and fresh raw fish. You mix everything together with the red gochujang-based sauce, then slurp it like a very cold spicy noodle soup.
Guryongpo Gwamegi (Half-Dried Fish)
Another famous local specialty is gwamegi, half-dried herring or saury that is lightly smoked and served with seaweed, sliced onions, garlic and gochujang sauce. In winter, the Guryongpo Gwamegi Street fills with small restaurants grilling gwamegi over charcoal – a perfect match with soju or makgeolli.
Other Food to Try
- Raw fish platters (hoe) – assorted sashimi served with lettuce wraps, garlic and ssamjang.
- Seasonal snow crab – steamed whole crab, especially popular in winter and early spring.
- Grilled clams & shellfish – great at seaside barbecue restaurants along the coast.
🗓 Suggested 1–2 Day Pohang Itinerary
Day 1 – City & Beach
- Morning: Arrive in Pohang by KTX or bus, check into hotel near Yeongildae Beach.
- Lunch: Mulhoe at a local restaurant such as Taehwa Hoejip.
- Afternoon: Walk along Yeongildae Beach & coastal park, visit cafés or Space Walk.
- Evening: Night view from Space Walk or Yeongildae pavilion, seafood dinner.
Day 2 – Homigot & Guryongpo
- Early morning: Drive or join a tour to Homigot Sunrise Square for sunrise.
- Late morning: Explore the square, take photos with the Hands of Harmony.
- Afternoon: Head to Guryongpo for coastal views and snow crab (in season).
- Evening: Return to Pohang Station and travel back to Seoul or Busan.
✅ Pohang Travel Tips
- Best season: Spring and autumn for clear views and cherry blossoms; summer for beach swimming; winter for snow crab.
- Public transport: Buses connect major spots, but Homigot and Guryongpo are easier with a car or guided tour.
- Sunrise missions: Check sunrise time the day before and leave at least 40–60 minutes earlier to reach Homigot.
- Packing: Windbreaker or light jacket – the east coast can be windy even on sunny days.
- Cash vs card: Most places take cards, but small seafood shacks and market stalls may prefer cash.
🗺 Map & Useful Links
Naver Map – Homigot Sunrise Square
Naver Map – Yeongildae Beach
Naver Map – Taehwa Hoejip (Taehwa Sashimi Restaurant)
❓ Pohang Travel FAQ
Is Pohang worth visiting on a short Korea trip?
Yes – especially if you love the ocean and seafood. With KTX you can reach Pohang in a few hours from Seoul, making it a good 1–2 night stop combined with Gyeongju or Busan.
Do I need to rent a car in Pohang?
Not strictly, but a car makes it much easier to visit Homigot and Guryongpo. If you don’t drive, look for local bus/taxi combos or day tours that include sunrise and seafood stops.
Is mulhoe very spicy?
The broth is usually spicy and tangy, but you can ask the restaurant to make it a bit milder. If you love sashimi and cold noodles, you’ll probably love mulhoe too.
More Korea Coastal Trips
If you enjoyed this Pohang guide, check out: Gangneung Coffee & Beach Guide · Busan Beaches & Night Views · Gyeongju UNESCO Heritage Itinerary
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