Visiting the different cities in Gyeongsangbuk-do felt a bit like travelling back and forth in time, as we witnessed a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Whenever Korea travel is mentioned, Seoul or Jeju Island are usually the first destinations to come to mind. But this time round, Weekender Singapore was invited by Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Singapore to explore Gyeongsangbuk-do, the largest province in South Korea, also known as the North Gyeongsang Province.
There is a good reason why Gyeongsangbuk-do is known as “Korea in Korea”. What awaited us was a richly cultural tour lined with picturesque landscapes and gastronomic delights. While Korea travel is the “in” thing now and many may already be familiar with the country, the following 5 cities take you slightly off the beaten path to experience a lesser-known side of Korea. Whether you are new to Korea, or have already visited Korea numerous times, there will be a fun and enjoyable itinerary in store for you.
Pohang
Pohang City is a peaceful coastal town that looks postcard-worthy, and we were lucky to visit at the time of the year when the daytime weather was not too hot yet. The ideal location for a quiet getaway, Pohang was selected as the filming location for the healing K-drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. Even as Singaporeans who are no strangers to the sea, we found that seaside landmarks such as Igari Anchor Observatory, Sabang Memorial Park, and Yeongildae Beach are gorgeous and worth the travel and hike. You can also enjoy superb seaside views while chilling at Arrangement (어레인지먼트) Café. If you’re lucky, you may even be greeted by 2 friendly ginger cats in the outdoor seating area.
For late afternoon/ evening activities, we highly recommend visiting Pohang Space Walk atop the hills of Hwanho Park. You can get stunning views of the cityscape enveloped in sunset colors as you walk up the surreal roller-coaster-like structure. As the sky gradually darkens, the LED lights of the Space Walk emit a silvery glow against the night sky, while the moon and the stars quietly emerge.
Food
Needless to say, seafood in Pohang is a must-try. If you’re looking for affordable dining with a great ambience and view, you may want to try the octopus rice bowl set (approx. S$20/pax) at restaurant Villa De Wave. Another memorable dish was a sweet, spicy, and tangy raw fish dish called Mulhoe. Topped with thinly sliced raw fish, pear, seaweed, and salad vegetables, the dish is so refreshing and flavourful that it really whetted our appetites.
Of course, if you do not wish to limit your seafood experience to restaurant dining, you can visit the Jukdo Market and find a wider array of seafood products, fresh and dried.
The Cherry on the Cake
Japan travel fans would be delighted to find that Pohang is also a city with a Japanese flair, as seen from the historical traces of migrant settlement, especially in Guryongpyo Japanese House Street, where you will find many elegant and rustic Japanese-style wooden shophouses.
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