8 Best Beaches in Pohang

Wolpo Beach has a long white sandy beach and clear and shallow water, which makes it a popular natural resort for families. Wolpo-ri, a village spontaneously formed along the coast, is equipped with convenient facilities for vacationers such as restaurants, shops, and B & Bs, and the surrounding campground is spacious and neat. As the beach can be easily reached, many young people visit to enjoy windsurfing. The sea, located where cold and warm currents intersect, is rich in zooplankton and fish, drawing many fishing enthusiasts to the beach to enjoy sea fishing.

During the Goryeo Dynasty, Samjeong Beach served as a military base to defend against Japanese invasions, and various forms of folk games have been passed down in the area. Take a walk on the beach and watch the sunset against the background of the red lighthouse seen in the distance at Lara Coffee, a cafe located at the end of the beach. The Wolpo Rock Festival, which kicked off in 2016 and has been held every summer, features famous Korean rock bands and artists who fill the midsummer night with great rock performances. Release your passionate self and enjoy the exciting rock festival to the fullest.

Hwajin Beach, located below the Hwajin Service Area at the northern end of Pohang, is a cosy little beach with a pine forest and a stream flowing behind. The 100-metre-wide white sandy beach stretches some 400 metres. Its clear waters and campsite in the pine forest attract many campers from across the nation. Located about an hour and a half away from Daegu, the beach is also an ideal picnic destination for families who want the view of both the sea and the forest. During the summer vacation season, various events held on the beach, such as a shellfish catching event, a fireworks festival, and a music festival, add to the excitement of the trip.

Hwajin-ri, the end point of the 18th course of the Haeparang Trail, consists of Gujin Village and Daejin Village on the seaside, and Hwajin Village on the inland side. Gujin Village was named after a turtle-shaped rock on the seashore in front of the village, and the name of Hwasan Village was inspired by many sweetbriers near the white sandy beach on the east side of the village. Bogyeongsa Temple and Naeyeonsan Mountain, the nearby tourist attractions, scenic spots, are one of the three most scenic spots in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Visit these places as well and experience many historical and natural attractions.

Dogu Beach, a bow-shaped beach located at the southern corner of Yeongilman Bay, is an attractive beach featuring a peaceful and beautiful seascape. The beach is believed to be the place where Yeonorang and Seonyeo, a couple in a Korean legend, departed for Japan across the sea. As the parking lot is located right in front of the beach, you will feel like jumping into the sea as soon as you park. The 800-metre-long white sandy beach has an unusually large number of seashells, standing with its old reputation as a popular clam catching spot. The exotic atmosphere created by the white sandy beach shaded by palm trees is something rarely found on the east coast.

Watching people windsurfing in the sea breeze will make you feel like you're on a foreign beach. Dogu Beach is also a popular car camping spot, providing a convenient parking lot, various amenities, and a beautiful view of the ocean. The massive POSCO plant, a landmark of Pohang seen over the sea, boasts its splendour on the horizon during the day, while it creates an even more fantastic view at night.

Samjeong Beach, located very close to Guryongpo Beach, is also called Samjeong 1-ri Beach. The water flowing from the valley in the east of the village used to meet the sea here and frequently flooded, so the beach was once called “Beomjin,” meaning a “flooded area.” The fine sand and small pebbles spread out on the white sandy beach, and the murmuring sound of the pebbles washed by the waves will bring peace to your mind. When you immerse yourself in the sea, you can feel that the water is warm on the surface but the temperature varies greatly depending on the depth. If you look down into the water wearing goggles, you will see haze rising from the bottom of the sea. At the southern end of the beach, you can observe columnar joints. The columnar joints seen from the rough rocky coast are as dynamic as volcanic lava soaring to the sky.

Samjeong Beach is known to have more saury drying fields than in other places in Guryongpo, a main producer of half-dried saury. Called “gwamegi” by locals, the half-dried saury is a must-try specialty of the region. Gwamegi is made by drying saury in the sea breeze, which replaced herring in recent years. On Samjeong Island, stop by Cafe Point, where you can appreciate a wonderful view of the ocean. The cafe has numerous photo zones where you can take terrific photos.