Pohang
Pohang is a port on South Korea's east coast, known for the sunrise at Homigot and the seafood markets at Jukdo Market.
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Pohang is a port city in North Gyeongsang Province, on South Korea's east coast. The steelmaker POSCO is headquartered here, but most travelers come for the sea: the Homigot headland, where the sun rises over the East Sea, and the fish markets around Jukdo Market. The city works well as a stop on a longer trip along the coast.
Pohang suits a relaxed trip of two or three days, with seafood meals, a walk along the water and a day trip to Gyeongju, the former capital of the Silla kingdom, about 40 minutes by car. Ulsan is roughly an hour away if you want a second port city. Spring and autumn are the easiest seasons for walking and eating outdoors. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold and windy on the coast. Plan the sunrise at Homigot first, then give the markets a morning or evening.
Pohang in five
- Get K-ETA before you flyCheck at k-eta.go.kr whether your passport needs K-ETA before you book; some nationalities are exempt. Apply only on that official site.
- Install KakaoMap or Naver MapGoogle Maps shows weak bus and transit routes in Korea. KakaoMap and Naver Map show local bus lines and walking times.
- Use Kakao T for taxisKakao T lets you call a taxi and pay in the app, which saves a wait on the street with luggage. Show the driver your stay's Korean address on screen.Getting around
- Carry cash for market stallsBring cash for the stalls at Jukdo Market, since small snack stalls may not take cards. Keep small won notes for them.Money and costs
- Set up an eSIM before you landBus apps and map routes need mobile data at the stop. Install the eSIM before you arrive so you can check routes on the way.Phones and eSIM
Need to know
- Currency
- Won (KRW)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check whether K-ETA applies Read more
- Emergency
- 112 police, 119 fire and ambulance; 1330 Korea Travel Hotline
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+9, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, dry, sunny
- FebruaryCold, dry
- MarchSpring starts
- AprilBlossom, mild
- MayMild, fresh
- JuneRainy season
- JulyRain, hot
- AugustHot, typhoon risk
- SeptemberTyphoons, cooler
- OctoberClear, mild
- NovemberCool, quiet
- DecemberCold, dry
Right now in Pohang
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
8
- Feels like
- 4°
- Humidity
- 67%
- Wind
- 15 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Pohang
05:41 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today18°7°0%Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 18°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed18°9°1%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Thu16°11°86%Thursday: Rain. High 16°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 86%.
- Fri15°5°0%Friday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat11°1°0%Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 11°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun12°0°0%Sunday: Drizzle. High 12°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Mon14°1°10%Monday: Partly cloudy. High 14°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 10%.
Updated 04:54 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1,333 KRW
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Gyeongjuabout 40 min by carThe old Silla capital, with royal tombs and the Bulguksa temple complex.
- Ulsanabout 1 hour by carA large industrial port city with beaches.
- Andongabout 2 hours by carHahoe Folk Village, with old clan houses on a bend of the Nakdong River.
Before you go to Pohang
Rules for Pohang, checked
- Check whether K-ETA applies to your passport at k-eta.go.kr before you fly; some passports are exempt.
- Declare cash above the legal limit on the arrival form, and check the current limit with the Korea Customs Service at customs.go.kr.
- Dial 1330 for the Korea Travel Hotline, a multilingual line for visitors, and 112 for police.
- Do not drive after drinking. Korea enforces its drink-driving limits.
Plan around Pohang
Regions, entry rules, transport and money for a Korea trip
Read the guideGyeongsangbuk-do regionThe province Pohang sits in, with Gyeongju and Andong nearby
Read the guideGetting aroundTrains, buses and taxi apps for Pohang and the coast
Read the guideVisas and entryK-ETA, passport rules and what to declare at arrival
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices for food, rides and sights
Read the guideWhere to stayBay-side hotels, guesthouses and bases near the market
Read the guidePohang FAQ
Is Pohang worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a working port city with seafood and a beach. It has fewer headline sights than Gyeongju, so pair the two on a longer trip.
How do you get to Pohang from Seoul?
By train or express bus. Check routes and times on the operator's site before you book, since services change.
How many days do you need in Pohang?
Two nights cover the bay, the Homigot sunrise, Jukdo Market and a day trip to Gyeongju. One night is enough if you only want seafood and the beach.
When is the best time to visit Pohang?
April to May and October have mild weather. Summer brings the rainy season and typhoon risk, so check the forecast before you go.
How do you get from Pohang to Gyeongju?
By car or bus, about 40 minutes by car. Check bus schedules before you go, since times change.
Is the Homigot sunrise worth an early start?
Yes, if you want the east-coast sunrise. Arrive before dawn, use a taxi if buses do not run that early, and bring a warm jacket.
Do you tip in Pohang?
No. Tipping is not expected in restaurants or taxis.