POHANG, South Korea – Tucked away on the scenic East Sea coastline of Pohang, Guryongpo Port (Guryongpo-hang, 구룡포항) offers foreign visitors a deep dive into Korea's vibrant fishing culture, rich history, and delicious local cuisine. This charming harbor town is a must-visit destination, blending the authentic atmosphere of a working port with captivating historical sites and breathtaking ocean views.
A Harbor with History and Charm
Guryongpo Port, whose name literally means "Nine Dragons' Port" after a local legend, is more than just a place where fishing boats dock. It is a historical site with roots tracing back to the Japanese colonial period, a time when a pier and a breakwater were constructed here in 1923. Today, the port remains an active hub, famous nationwide as a major producer of seafood, particularly Gwamegi (half-dried Pacific saury) and the highly-prized Snow Crab. Visitors can witness the daily rhythm of the fishing fleet and enjoy the fresh, salty air.
How to Get There
While Guryongpo is slightly outside Pohang's city center, it is easily accessible for international travelers:
Address:
English: 222-1 Homi-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Korean (for taxi drivers): 경상북도 포항시 남구 구룡포읍 호미로 222-1
Transportation:
From Pohang Intercity Bus Terminal (Pohang Sioe Beoseu Teomineol, 포항시외버스터미널): Take local Bus No. 101 or 103 towards Guryongpo (구룡포). The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Alight at the Guryongpo Bus Stop and the port is a short walk away.
From Pohang KTX Station (Pohang-yeok, 포항역): Take a bus (e.g., Bus No. 200) to the Guryongpo Transfer Center (Guryongpo Hwanseung Senteo, 구룡포 환승센터) and walk toward the port.
By Taxi: A taxi ride from the Pohang city center typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Must-See Local Attractions
The area surrounding Guryongpo Port is filled with historical and cultural landmarks, perfect for a day of exploration:
Guryongpo Modern History Street (Guryongpo Geundae Munhwa Yeoksa Geori, 구룡포 근대문화역사거리): Just steps from the harbor, this street is lined with preserved traditional Japanese-style wooden houses. This area serves as a poignant reminder of the colonial era and offers a unique architectural glimpse into the past. Many visitors climb the famous "Pieora Stairway" for a great view of the town and harbor.
Guryongpo Modern History Museum (Guryongpo Geundae Munhwa Yeoksa-gwan, 구룡포 근대문화역사관): Located within the Japanese House Street, this museum provides deeper insight into the lives of the Japanese settlers and the history of the port.
Guryongpo Beach (Guryongpo Haesuyokjang, 구룡포해수욕장): A beautiful, clean stretch of coastline nearby, offering a calm place to relax, especially during the summer months.
Homigot Sunrise Square (Homigot Haemaji Gwangjang, 호미곶 해맞이광장): While a short drive from Guryongpo, this is a highly recommended stop on the Homi Peninsula. It's famous for being one of the easternmost points of Korea and features the iconic "Hands of Harmony" sculpture rising from the sea and the land—a perfect spot for sunrise photos.
Guryongpo Fifth-Day Market (Guryongpo Jang, 구룡포장): If your visit aligns with the 3rd, 8th, 13th, 18th, 23rd, or 28th of the month, be sure to experience the bustling local Fifth-Day Market for an authentic taste of Korean traditional commerce and fresh seafood.
Savor the Local Flavors
No trip to Guryongpo is complete without sampling the renowned local seafood. Look for restaurants serving Gwamegi (especially in winter) and fresh Snow Crab. For a unique local dish, try Pohang Mulhoe (포항 물회), a refreshing raw fish salad in a cold, spicy-sour broth—the perfect meal after a day of exploring this fascinating coastal town. Guryongpo Port offers a compelling mix of historical curiosity and coastal beauty, making it a memorable stop on any South Korean itinerary.
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