2-Day Itinerary in South Korea
Do you have only 48 hours left in South Korea? This is how to spend your precious time!
A Hidden Gem in South Korea - Pohang(포항)
Most travelers plan their South Korea trip around hot attractions like Seoul, Busan, or Jeonju. These cities are beautiful, full of history, and absolutely worth visiting. But if you're craving a less crowded, more authentic experience, let me introduce you to Pohang.
Pohang is located on the southeastern coast, and offers a refreshing mix of natural beauty, coastal charm, and cultural depth. In just two days, you can explore serene temples, walk along scenic beaches, kiss the vibrant sky during sunset, and taste some of the freshest seafood in the country.
Here's the guide to make the most perfect 2-day itinerary in Pohang.
Day 1
If you are located in Seoul, you can choose any travelling method from the list below.
Express Bus
Route: Seoul Express Bus Terminal → Pohang Express Bus Terminal
Cost: 40,000 KRW
Duration: ~4 hours
High Speed Train (KTX)
Route: Seoul Railway Station → Pohang Railway Station
Cost: ~40,000 KRW
Duration: ~2 hours
It is very convenient to use public transportation in South Korea. Train tickets can be easily purchased from https://www.korail.com and express buses can be reserved from https://txbuse.t-money.co.kr.
Once you step into Pohang railway station, ride a local bus or grab a taxi to reach your first travel destination. (Naver Map is ideal for route finding, checking buses etc.)
Yeongildae Beach
Yeongildae Beach in Pohang is famous for summer sunbathing and for unforgettable night views. At night, the lights from the POSCO steelworks on the other side begin to glow, that looks like a pastel painting stretched across the sea.
The salty sea breeze carries the soothing rhythm of waves as you stroll along the shoreline. Further, local volunteer singers often gather near the beach, filling the air with heartfelt Korean songs that beautifully blend with the sound of the sea. It creates a truly magical evening you won't forget.
Sea Food Restaurants for Lunch
There are plenty of local restaurants along the beach and coffee shops with a view. You can taste the fresh sea food related to local foods, for your lunch on day 1, and have a cup of coffee or tea to say goodbye to your tiredness. If you don't like local Korean foods, there are few Mexican restaurants, McDonald's and 24hr open convenience stores.
Accommodation
You'll find a variety of accommodations, ranging from hotels and hostels to guesthouses and pensions. If you're a solo traveler, hostels can be a great budget-friendly option, while hotels offer more privacy and convenience.
Pohang is known for its friendly locals, and the city is generally considered very safe for travelers. Whether you're exploring the beach at night or grabbing a late snack in the neighborhood, you'll likely feel welcomed and at ease throughout your stay.
Mostly, your check-in time will be around 3:00 PM. Therefore, I suggest you check-in to your accommodation after lunch and fresh up for the next adventure.
Pohang Space Walk
One of the must-visit attractions in Pohang is the Pohang Space Walk. It's a 25 meter high stainless steel structure that looks amazing. It's open to visitors until 8:00 PM, making sunset the perfect time to go. As you walk along its pathway, you can see the panoramic views of the city. From the top, you can see the coastline, the big forest patch, and the Yeongildae Observatory. It's a peaceful and interesting experience that makes you feel fulfilled.
Yeongildae Observatory
After a short walk from the Space Walk, Yeongildae Observatory can be seen. It is another must see spot in Pohang. Evening would be ideal to enjoy the observatory. Connected conveniently by road and easy to reach on foot, the observatory offers a stunning view of the sea and the city lights. It's the perfect route to capture some scenic photos for your gallery. As night falls, the observatory lights up beautifully, adding a romantic touch. You can buy some snacks or a simple meal and enjoy sitting on a beach bench while chatting with a local or enjoying the surrounding music.
Day 2
Marine Walk
Start your next day early and make your way to the Pohang Marine Walk by around 8:30 a.m. If you're staying near Yeongildae Beach, consider walking 20 minutes along the coast to Marine Walk and it's absolutely worth it. Before the Marine Walk opens, you can explore the small mountain located just behind the structure. It's an easy 15-minute hike and there is a breathtaking view of the sea at the top.
The Marine Space Walk opens at 9:00 a.m., and stepping onto it feels like walking on water. Some sections feature transparent glass flooring, letting you see the sea directly beneath your feet. Get your morning coffee from a nearby coffee shop.
Jukdo Market
After your morning marine space walk, directly head to Jukdo Market by a bus. This bustling traditional market offers everything from fresh flowers, seafood, fruits, and vegetables to cooked meals, street food, clothes, and more.
It's the perfect place to dive into the local culture. For lunch, I highly recommend trying a warm bowl of traditional salguksu inside the market. Sitting shoulder to shoulder with locals makes the experience even more special. Further, don't miss out on the street food stalls scattered throughout the market.
Ship Experience
The last destination of day 2 is an exhibition hall built in a ship. It is 10 minutes away from Jukdo market. This is also a worthwhile experience in Pohang. It is open from 9:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. This ship is a huge military ship which has played a main role in the Korean war and it is located in the lagoon where a lot of fishing trollers are docked. You can see all the essential components which can be seen in a military ship including radar system, communication room, captain's cabin, cabin of the other soldiers etc.
After this, you can take the bus directly to Pohang station. It is always better to reserve the train ticket beforehand. Here ends your 2 days travel in Pohang city.
Final Thoughts
If you ever travel to Korea, take this tour. You will never regret it.