Pohang Homigot - Perfect Weekend Getaway Guide

1. Introduction: Why This Place is Special

Just hearing the name Pohang Homigot makes your heart swell. It's the first place where the sun rises on the Korean Peninsula and a geographical landmark known as the tiger's tail of the peninsula. On New Year's Day, countless people gather here to wish for a new beginning as they greet the rising sun. However, even if it's not New Year's, the sun blazing red over the horizon of the East Sea always offers us deep inspiration and solace. The giant hand-shaped sculpture 'Hand of Coexistence' makes that moment even more special, conveying a message that we all live together in harmony. This place is more than just a spot to watch the sunrise; it's a unique space where the greatness of nature and human aspirations coexist.

The sunrise at Homigot is not just a simple sunrise. It is a passionate cheer for our lives that start anew every day and a gift of deep and blue hope from nature, like the vast East Sea.

2. History and Background

It is said that during the reign of King Myeongjong of the Joseon Dynasty, geomancer Nam Sago named this place 'Homigot,' meaning 'tiger's tail,' as it corresponds to the tail of a tiger on the Korean Peninsula and is a source of energy. This place has held geographical and symbolic significance since ancient times. Additionally, Homigot is home to the largest lighthouse in Korea, the Homigot Lighthouse, which has illuminated the sea for passing ships for many years, marking a page in history. Next to the lighthouse is the National Lighthouse Museum, where you can gain a deeper understanding of lighthouse history and maritime culture.

Nearby Guryongpo is a historic fishing village with a legend of nine dragons. During the Japanese colonial period, many Japanese fishermen migrated here, leaving behind a painful history. Today, the Guryongpo Japanese House Street remains an exotic attraction where you can glimpse the architectural style and lifestyle of that time. This place offers a complex charm where you can reflect on history through traces of the past and meet the vibrant present of a fishing village rich in East Sea seafood.

3. Recommended Itinerary

Half-Day Course (Early Morning Departure, Morning Finish)

• 5 AM: Arrive at Homigot and Watch the Sunrise - Arrive early to capture the mystical silhouette of the 'Hand of Coexistence' against the blue dawn light of the East Sea. Capture the breathtaking moment of sunrise in photos and embrace the red energy with your whole body.
• 7 AM: Explore Homigot Plaza and National Lighthouse Museum - Stroll through the plaza, enjoying the afterglow of the sunrise, and take commemorative photos with one of Korea's oldest lighthouses, Homigot Lighthouse, in the background. Warm up while learning about maritime history at the lighthouse museum.
• 9 AM: Move to Guryongpo Port and Have Breakfast - Drive about 15 minutes to Guryongpo Port and enjoy a hearty breakfast with fresh seafood. (Check the recommended restaurants in the section below!)

Full-Day Course (Early Morning Departure, Evening Finish)

• Same as Half-Day Course (Homigot Sunrise ~ Guryongpo Port Breakfast)
• 11 AM: Explore Guryongpo Japanese House Street - Take a time travel journey to 100 years ago as you walk through the Japanese House Street near Guryongpo Port. Feel the exotic atmosphere and historical traces in the old alleys and unique architectural styles. It's also famous as a drama filming location, making it great for photos.
• 1 PM: Visit Guryongpo Traditional Market and Have Lunch - Explore the lively Guryongpo Traditional Market, see fresh seafood, and enjoy a hearty lunch at a restaurant offering seasonal seafood. (Especially gwamegi in winter!)
• 3 PM: Relax at an Ocean View Cafe - Enjoy a leisurely time with a warm cup of tea at a beautiful ocean view cafe along the Guryongpo coastline. Recharge as you gaze at the vast sea and relieve travel fatigue.
• 5 PM: Drive Along the Coastal Road and Move to Pohang City - Enjoy a drive along the beautiful East Coast road and head to Pohang City, concluding your memorable trip.

4. Recommended Restaurants and Food

You can't miss the taste of the sea when you're in Pohang! Here are some culinary experiences you must try in Guryongpo and Homigot, filled with fresh seafood.

• 1. Haetneun Jip (Near Homigot)

  Menu: Fresh seafood mulhoe, abalone porridge, seafood pancake
  Price Range: Mulhoe 15,000 ~ 20,000 won, Abalone porridge 18,000 ~ 25,000 won
  Features: It's the perfect place to fill your hungry stomach after watching the Homigot sunrise. The spicy and tangy mulhoe awakens your taste buds, and the warm abalone porridge soothes your stomach. The seafood pancake, rich with the scent of the sea, is also a delight.

• 2. Guryongpo Gwamegi Original (Inside Guryongpo Market)

  Menu: Gwamegi set (includes vegetables, seaweed, and seaweed)
  Price Range: Small 30,000 won, Medium 40,000 won, Large 50,000 won (Prices may vary)
  Features: If you visit Guryongpo in the winter season (November~February), this is a must-try menu. The chewy and savory gwamegi paired with seaweed, garlic, chili, and seaweed offers an exquisite taste. The gwamegi from the original house provides a profoundly different taste experience.

• 3. Guryongpo Crab Direct Market (Near Guryongpo Port)

  Menu: Snow crab, red crab steamed or sashimi
  Price Range: Varies by market price (Usually 70,000 ~ 150,000 won or more)
  Features: Enjoying crab in Guryongpo, filled with the scent of the sea, is an unmissable delicacy. You can choose fresh crabs with your own eyes and have them steamed right away, making it a trustworthy meal. The sweet and savory taste of the plump crab meat will offer an unforgettable culinary experience. Don't miss the crab ramen or crab shell fried rice!

5. Nearby Cafes/Rest Areas

There are many wonderful cafes around Guryongpo and Homigot where you can take a break while gazing at the beautiful East Sea. Enjoy the leisure of travel with a warm cup of coffee.

• Cafe Fore (Near Homigot)

  Features: Located not far from Homigot, this ocean view cafe offers a refreshing view of the East Sea through its large windows. With a comfortable and modern interior, you can enjoy a variety of bakery menus, making it a popular spot for brunch after sunrise. The well-maintained garden is also great for a stroll.

• Earthpia (Near Guryongpo Port)

  Features: Close to Guryongpo Port, this cafe is a great place to visit after exploring the Japanese House Street. It features a sophisticated interior and cozy atmosphere, famous for its freshly baked bread and fragrant coffee. The view of the harbor outside adds to the tranquility, making it a perfect place to relax and heal.

• Page 38 (Guryongpo Coastal Road)

  Features: A large ocean view cafe you can find a bit further from Guryongpo towards Pohang City. With rooftop seating, it's the best place to enjoy the wide-open sea view. There are various photo zones where you can take great shots, and it offers many signature drinks and delicious desserts, making it a great place to visit with friends or a partner.

6. Transportation

Using Public Transportation

• From Major Cities like Seoul/Busan → Pohang Express/Intercity Bus Terminal: Use express or intercity buses from each region to Pohang. (Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes ~ 4 hours)
• Pohang Terminal → Homigot/Guryongpo:
  • City Bus: Take bus 200 or 200-1 in front of Pohang Terminal, get off at Guryongpo Transfer Center, and transfer to a bus heading towards Homigot (e.g., 900 series) to reach Homigot or Guryongpo Japanese House Street. (Total 1 hour 30 minutes ~ 2 hours)
  • Taxi: It takes about 40 minutes ~ 1 hour from the terminal to Homigot, with a fare in the late 30,000 won to early 40,000 won range. If you want to save time, taking a taxi is convenient.

Using a Car

• Navigation: Search for 'Homigot Sunrise Plaza' or 'Guryongpo Japanese House Street'
• Main Routes:
  • Departing from Seoul: Gyeongbu Expressway → Yeongdong Expressway → Donghae Expressway (Pohang IC) → Homigot/Guryongpo (Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes ~ 5 hours)
  • Departing from Busan: Donghae Expressway → Pohang IC → Homigot/Guryongpo (Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes ~ 2 hours)
• Parking: There are spacious free parking lots well-prepared near Homigot Sunrise Plaza and Guryongpo Port, so there is no inconvenience in using a car.

7. Tips and Precautions

• Tips:

  • Check Sunrise Time: Be sure to check the sunrise time before visiting, and arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a good spot. The dawn of the East Sea is very cold.
  • Prepare Warm Clothes and Hand Warmers: The sea breeze is very strong and the temperature is low while waiting for the sunrise, so be sure to prepare warm coats, hats, gloves, and hand warmers.
  • Target Gwamegi Season: Visiting in winter (November~February) allows you to taste the freshest and most delicious Guryongpo gwamegi.
  • Free Admission to Lighthouse Museum: The lighthouse museum operates for free, so stop by after sunrise to expand your knowledge of maritime history and culture.
  • Explore Guryongpo Alleys: Besides the Japanese House Street, walk through the charming alleys of Guryongpo village to discover small beauties.

• Precautions:

  • Weekend/Public Holiday Crowds: As it's a popular sunrise spot, many people may gather on weekends, public holidays, or New Year's Day. If you want a leisurely trip, consider visiting on a weekday or arriving early in the morning.
  • Seaside Safety: Be cautious not to get too close to the coast on days with strong waves or winds, and pay extra attention to safety, especially if you're with children.
  • Etiquette for Visiting Guryongpo Japanese House Street: As it's a place of historical significance, observe quietly and respectfully, and don't forget to respect private property.

Braving the early morning cold to witness the sunrise at Homigot will offer an intense emotion that makes you forget any fatigue. Recharge your life with new energy at Pohang Homigot and Guryongpo, where the spirit of the sea and the breath of history are alive! See you on the next trip!