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Homigot Cape / 호미곶 

 Homigot Cape, located on Korea’s eastern coastline in Pohang, is widely known as the place where the sun rises first on the Korean Peninsula. Facing the vast East Sea, it is a symbolic destination where visitors welcome each new day—and especially the New Year—with a sense of hope and renewal. The area blends natural beauty with cultural meaning, featuring landmarks such as the iconic Hands of Harmony sculpture, which represents unity and coexistence between land and sea, as well as monuments inspired by Korean legends and history. With its scenic lighthouse, seaside plaza, museums, and open views of the sunrise, Homigot offers international visitors a memorable experience that captures the spirit, heritage, and optimism of Korea. 

Yeongildae Beach / 영일대 

Yeongilidae Beach is one of Pohang’s most vibrant coastal destinations and is especially famous for its stunning night views, often said to be even more beautiful than during the day. Stretching along a wide sandy beach, the area combines seaside relaxation with lively urban scenery, featuring waterfront promenades, cycling paths, outdoor stages, and easy access to fresh seafood restaurants. At the heart of the coast stands the iconic Yeongildae Pavilion, Korea’s first traditional pavilion built over the sea, offering panoramic views of the East Sea by day and a romantic skyline by night. Nearby, the Yeongildae Rose Garden adds color and fragrance with thousands of roses and illuminated walkways that create a magical atmosphere after sunset. Just beyond the shoreline, the illuminated steelworks of POSCO light up the bay with golden LED displays, symbolizing Pohang’s industrial heritage and future vision. Together, the beach, pavilion, gardens, seafood district, and POSCO nightscape make Yeongildae a must-visit spot where visitors can experience Pohang’s coastal charm, local cuisine, and unforgettable night scenery all in one place. 

Cheomseongdae / 첨성대

Cheomseongdae is regarded as the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia and is one of the most iconic landmarks of Gyeongju. It is believed to have been built in the 7th century during the reign of Queen Seondeok, the 27th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. Standing about 9 meters tall, the stone structure features a square base symbolizing the earth, a rounded cylindrical body representing the sky, and a lattice-shaped stone top. The tower is constructed from carefully stacked stone layers, with a small window facing southeast. Ancient records suggest that observers climbed into the structure through this window using ladders to reach the top and observe the stars. Remarkably, Cheomseongdae is rich in symbolism: it is built with around 365 stones, representing the days of the year, while its 27 stone layers reflect Queen Seondeok’s position as the 27th monarch. The division of stone layers above and below the window is thought to symbolize the 12 months and 24 seasonal divisions of the traditional calendar. Cheomseongdae was not only used to study the movement of the heavens but also to guide agriculture and interpret celestial signs believed to influence the fate of the nation. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of Korea’s advanced scientific knowledge and philosophical understanding of the universe more than a thousand years ago.

Seokguram / 석굴암

Seokguram is one of Korea’s most important spiritual and artistic landmarks, representing the height of Buddhist art during the Silla Kingdom. Construction began in 751 under King Gyeongdeok and was completed in 774, led by the nobleman Kim Dae-seong. Carved from white granite on the slopes of Mt. Toham, Seokguram is an artificial stone grotto designed with remarkable precision, blending architecture, religion, and art. The grotto is composed of a rectangular antechamber, a narrow corridor, and a circular main chamber. At the center sits a serene seated Buddha, surrounded by bodhisattvas, disciples, guardian kings, and heavenly beings—38 statues remain today from the original 40. The domed ceiling, built from hundreds of carefully fitted stone blocks without mortar, is considered an unparalleled architectural achievement. Seokguram’s sculptures are renowned for their calm expressions, refined realism, and spiritual depth. The main Buddha’s peaceful presence, together with the finely carved Eleven-faced Avalokitesvara and powerful guardian figures, creates an atmosphere of profound tranquility. Designated as a National Treasure of Korea, Seokguram was jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 with Bulguksa Temple. To protect its delicate interior environment, visitors today view the grotto through a glass barrier, ensuring its preservation for future generations.