Pohang

Pohang (포항(浦項)) is a city in North Gyeongsang (경상북도) in South Korea.

Pohang is a major industrial city on South Korea's east coast, about 110km (70mi) north of Busan and about 360km (230mi) southeast of Seoul. Pohang is home to POSCO, one of the world's largest steel companies, which sits prominently on the bay. It is well-known for POSTECH, a highly ranked engineering university, and Jukdo Market, one of the most popular fresh fish markets in Korea.

• POSCO at night. At night POSCO turns the multicolored lights on, and the red-and-white-striped smokestacks turns into a show of all of the colors in the fluorescent rainbow.
• The Hands of Harmony. Well beyond POSCO lies a small fishing village called Homigot. While the beaches in this town are too rocky to be considered viable for swimming, there is a work of art worth seeing; The Hands of Living Mutually or Hands of Harmony. This is a massive bronze sculpture of a hand stretching up from the water in a small cove. A second bronze hand of equal proportion stretches up from dry land on the other side of Homigot Sunrise Square. The hand in the water is worth seeing, particularly at sunrise. This particular cove's claim to fame is that it is the farthest point east in Korea (also referred to as the Tiger's Tail) so the sun rises here first. This charming place is a bit of an obscure tourist trap. Amateur photographers from all over the country come to shoot pictures of the sun rising through the fingers of the hand. Some bring expensive state-of-the-art equipment whilst many will merely whip out their cellphones and start shooting. This can be a crowded shoving match over the rocks and ocean. Some will even venture waist-deep into the water, holding their cellphones high, amidst squawking seagulls, to get a better shot of the bird-soiled sculpture. New Year's Eve is presumably the best time to visit the monument as there are fireworks and festivities that run until dawn (which is shortly after 7:30AM). The sight is also popular in the summer months, when temperatures are more agreeable. While there are hotels within an easy walk, some opt to sleep out on the square with a friend, a sleeping bag, some mosquito spray and a couple bottles of soju. The sun rises early in the summer (shortly after 5AM in late June). Near the sculptures are a lighthouse and museum along with numerous tourist shops, seafood restaurants, peddler tents and the likes. The local-owned tourist shops can be immensely helpful when finding a place to stay or the next bus out. Visitors should be wary of the traditional squat-toilets in the public restrooms nearest The Hands. Western-style toilets can be found at the restrooms outside the lighthouse museum nearby.

• Yangdong Folk Village. Yangdong should in no case be confused with the tourist trap "Gyeongju Folk Village". The village consists of estates and houses from the 15th and 16th century. The about 150 buildings are to a large part still inhabited. The main sights include the estates of Yi Hui-Tae (1733), Simsujeong (1560) and Hyangdam (1543). From Gyeongju there are many bus lines to Yangdong (more precise information available at the tourist office). After a 30 minutes ride one has to get off and follow the railroad tracks for about a kilometer and a half. After the underpass one will arrive at the folk village in about 15 minutes. ₩1,500.
• Oksan Seowon. Established in 1572, Oksan Seowon was one of Korea's most important Confucian schools. Contrary to many other Confucian schools it was spared the destruction of the 1860s, but not a fire in the early 19th century that left just 14 buildings standing. In the summer people are camping at the nearby river bank and bathing at the waterfall. One of the nine components of the world heritage site Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies.
• The tomb of King Heungdok. One of the last tombs built by the Silla dynasty and the one furthest away from Gyeongju. It is located 4km north of Angangri, about halfway between Oksan Seowon and Yangdong Folk Village.

Yangdong Folk Village. Yangdong should in no case be confused with the tourist trap "Gyeongju Folk Village". The village consists of estates and houses from the 15th and 16th century. The about 150 buildings are to a large part still inhabited. The main sights include the estates of Yi Hui-Tae (1733), Simsujeong (1560) and Hyangdam (1543). From Gyeongju there are many bus lines to Yangdong (more precise information available at the tourist office). After a 30 minutes ride one has to get off and follow the railroad tracks for about a kilometer and a half. After the underpass one will arrive at the folk village in about 15 minutes. ₩1,500.

Oksan Seowon. Established in 1572, Oksan Seowon was one of Korea's most important Confucian schools. Contrary to many other Confucian schools it was spared the destruction of the 1860s, but not a fire in the early 19th century that left just 14 buildings standing. In the summer people are camping at the nearby river bank and bathing at the waterfall. One of the nine components of the [[world heritage site]] Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies.

The tomb of King Heungdok. One of the last tombs built by the Silla dynasty and the one furthest away from Gyeongju. It is located 4km north of Angangri, about halfway between Oksan Seowon and Yangdong Folk Village.

POSCO at night. At night POSCO turns the multicolored lights on, and the red-and-white-striped smokestacks turns into a show of all of the colors in the fluorescent rainbow.

The Hands of Harmony. Well beyond POSCO lies a small fishing village called Homigot. While the beaches in this town are too rocky to be considered viable for swimming, there is a work of art worth seeing; The Hands of Living Mutually or Hands of Harmony. This is a massive bronze sculpture of a hand stretching up from the water in a small cove. A second bronze hand of equal proportion stretches up from dry land on the other side of Homigot Sunrise Square. The hand in the water is worth seeing, particularly at sunrise. This particular cove's claim to fame is that it is the farthest point east in Korea (also referred to as the Tiger's Tail) so the sun rises here first. This charming place is a bit of an obscure tourist trap. Amateur photographers from all over the country come to shoot pictures of the sun rising through the fingers of the hand. Some bring expensive state-of-the-art equipment whilst many will merely whip out their cellphones and start shooting. This can be a crowded shoving match over the rocks and ocean. Some will even venture waist-deep into the water, holding their cellphones high, amidst squawking seagulls, to get a better shot of the bird-soiled sculpture. New Year's Eve is presumably the best time to visit the monument as there are fireworks and festivities that run until dawn (which is shortly after 7:30AM). The sight is also popular in the summer months, when temperatures are more agreeable. While there are hotels within an easy walk, some opt to sleep out on the square with a friend, a sleeping bag, some mosquito spray and a couple bottles of soju. The sun rises early in the summer (shortly after 5AM in late June). Near the sculptures are a lighthouse and museum along with numerous tourist shops, seafood restaurants, peddler tents and the likes. The local-owned tourist shops can be immensely helpful when finding a place to stay or the next bus out. Visitors should be wary of the traditional squat-toilets in the public restrooms nearest The Hands. Western-style toilets can be found at the restrooms outside the lighthouse museum nearby.

• Songdo Beach. Located in Songdo-dong, Songdo Beach sits directly across a small inlet from POSCO's steel mill. Though not popular for swimming, it often attracts windsurfers.
• Bukbu Beach. Located just north of downtown Pohang and across the bay from POSCO, Bukbu Beach is a popular (i.e. often crowded) summertime hangout. It is more popular than Songdo Beach for swimming, though the brown color and its proximity to POSCO keep many people out of the water. The [International Fireworks Festival http://eng.ipohang.org/home/eng/tourism/festivals_27/festival_27/page.wscms ] is held here every year in July.
• Chilpo Beach. About 10km north of the city. Clean water and good waves. Inner tubes are for rent (₩10,000).
• Wolpo Beach. 4km north of Chilpo Beach, Wolpo Beach is often less crowded. Inner tubes are for rent (₩10,000).
• Guryongpo Beach. Guryongpo Beach is about 10km east of the city. Though small, Guryongpo Beach has clear blue water that attracts snorkelers, and fishermen. To get here, take bus 200 from the Intercity Bus Terminal (시외버스터미널) to its final stop at Guryongpo. The beach is 2km north from there.

Watch football at Pohang Steel Yard (home to Pohang Steelers, one of the most successful in Asia with 3 Champions League titles).

Songdo Beach. Located in Songdo-dong, Songdo Beach sits directly across a small inlet from POSCO's steel mill. Though not popular for swimming, it often attracts windsurfers.

Bukbu Beach. Located just north of downtown Pohang and across the bay from POSCO, Bukbu Beach is a popular (i.e. often crowded) summertime hangout. It is more popular than Songdo Beach for swimming, though the brown color and its proximity to POSCO keep many people out of the water. The [International Fireworks Festival http://eng.ipohang.org/home/eng/tourism/festivals_27/festival_27/page.wscms ] is held here every year in July.

Chilpo Beach. About 10km north of the city. Clean water and good waves. Inner tubes are for rent (₩10,000).

Wolpo Beach. 4km north of Chilpo Beach, Wolpo Beach is often less crowded. Inner tubes are for rent (₩10,000).

Guryongpo Beach. Guryongpo Beach is about 10km east of the city. Though small, Guryongpo Beach has clear blue water that attracts snorkelers, and fishermen. To get here, take bus 200 from the Intercity Bus Terminal (시외버스터미널) to its final stop at Guryongpo. The beach is 2km north from there.

You don't have to stumble very far to find a drink in this town, or anywhere in Korea for that matter. If beer is your drink of choice, head for a HOF (호프, "hopeu"), which sells cheap Korean beer in pitchers alongside a selection of overpriced anju (안주) - fried chicken, fruit platters, nachos, or dried fish - an order of which is sometimes required. Soju is available anywhere beer is served. Liquor is not always easy to find. It's more popular with expats than Koreans, so heading for a foreigner bar is a safe bet. There are no enforced open-container laws in Korea, so if you're trying to save some cash buy a pitcher from the local Family Mart and head for Bukbu Beach or the nearest park.

The main area for nightlife. Several bars in the downtown area cater to the foreign crowd (mix of US military, foreign teachers, university students, and engineers), all with similar atmospheres and identical prices. The downtown area is divided into two main stretches - (1) from the train station to the post office, and (2) from the post office to yukgeori, the 6-way intersection.

• Whistler. Two pool tables, electronic darts, secluded tables with couch seating, wraparound bar, big screen TVs and live music at times. 500cc Hite ₩3,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..
• Beethoven. Small dive bar with long bench seat and three small tables, projection TV screen, wraparound bar. 500cc Hite ₩3,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..
• Mindy's. Pool table, table seating, small bar. 500cc Hite ₩3,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..
• Judaepo. Popular for cheap makkeolli (막걸리) and soju cocktails. Good food, seating for large groups. Makkeolli teapots ₩3,000. Soju cocktails ₩4,000. No liquor..
• Portobello. Calls itself a "Vintage Pub" a title which belies its modern interior design and small drink selection. 50" flat screen TV, live music at times on the weekend. Happy hour (6pm ~ 8pm, everyday) buy-one-get-one-free specials. Excellent fish and chips (owner used to live in England). 500cc Hite with lemon wedge ₩4,000. Some cheap cocktails. Gin(Bombay) & Tonic ₩5,000. Jack coke ₩5,000..

Whistler. Two pool tables, electronic darts, secluded tables with couch seating, wraparound bar, big screen TVs and live music at times. 500cc Hite ₩3,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..

Beethoven. Small dive bar with long bench seat and three small tables, projection TV screen, wraparound bar. 500cc Hite ₩3,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..

Mindy's. Pool table, table seating, small bar. 500cc Hite ₩3,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..

Judaepo. Popular for cheap makkeolli (막걸리) and soju cocktails. Good food, seating for large groups. Makkeolli teapots ₩3,000. Soju cocktails ₩4,000. No liquor..

Portobello. Calls itself a "Vintage Pub" a title which belies its modern interior design and small drink selection. 50" flat screen TV, live music at times on the weekend. Happy hour (6pm ~ 8pm, everyday) buy-one-get-one-free specials. Excellent fish and chips (owner used to live in England). 500cc Hite with lemon wedge ₩4,000. Some cheap cocktails. Gin(Bombay) & Tonic ₩5,000. Jack coke ₩5,000..

From the downtown post office, head two blocks east past KB Bank to reach Koreatown. This area of the city thrives on the weekends, when it is packed with a fun-loving Korean crowd, young and old alike.

• S-bar. Dance floor, weekend DJs that spin hip-hop and some rock music, two electronic dart boards, and an enclosed wrap-around bar. Beer by the bottle only, Hite ₩5,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..
• Fish and Grill. Delicious chicken and fish menu, wooden tables and chairs, and large open windows. . Excellent blended soju cocktails. 500cc Hite ₩3,000, Korean sake glass ₩4,000.

S-bar. Dance floor, weekend DJs that spin hip-hop and some rock music, two electronic dart boards, and an enclosed wrap-around bar. Beer by the bottle only, Hite ₩5,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..

Fish and Grill. Delicious chicken and fish menu, wooden tables and chairs, and large open windows. . Excellent blended soju cocktails. 500cc Hite ₩3,000, Korean sake glass ₩4,000.

• Tilt. Best expat bar in town. Foreign-owned and operated bar and restaurant, wooden booths and tables, western menu (sandwiches, nachos, wings, burgers), cheap liquor, big screen TVs, Alley Kat on tap, Sunday brunch. Weekly drink specials. Hite bottle ₩4,000. Jack coke ₩5,000. Alley Kat draft ₩6,000..

Tilt. Best expat bar in town. Foreign-owned and operated bar and restaurant, wooden booths and tables, western menu (sandwiches, nachos, wings, burgers), cheap liquor, big screen TVs, Alley Kat on tap, Sunday brunch. Weekly drink specials. Hite bottle ₩4,000. Jack coke ₩5,000. Alley Kat draft ₩6,000..

• Giant Step. Large projection TV screen, outdoor picnic tables, large group seating. 500cc Hite ₩3,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..
• Live Story. Live music on weekends, projection TV screen, outdoor seating. 500cc Hite ₩3,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..
• Rumboat. Large boat in the middle of the bar with seating for 6, wooden tables elsewhere. 500cc Hite ₩3,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..

Giant Step. Large projection TV screen, outdoor picnic tables, large group seating. 500cc Hite ₩3,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..

Live Story. Live music on weekends, projection TV screen, outdoor seating. 500cc Hite ₩3,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..

Rumboat. Large boat in the middle of the bar with seating for 6, wooden tables elsewhere. 500cc Hite ₩3,000. Jack coke ₩7,000..