Set Out to Find the Scenic Views of Pohang | Travel Course | Staypick

Unjesan Mountain (478m) is named either because Wonhyo Daesa named Wonhyoam and Jajangam and when propagating Buddhism, the two hermitages stood on rocky cliffs separated by a valley making access difficult, so they used a cloud bridge to go back and forth; or because it is named after the Seongmodan of Unjebuin, the queen consort of the 2nd king of Silla, Namhae. It is said that eminent monks such as Jajang, Wonhyo, and Hyegong once practiced asceticism on this mountain.

Pohang Jukdo Market was formed 50 years ago when street vendors began to settle in the marshy area of reeds in the inner port of Pohang. In October 1969, the Jukdo Market Prosperity Association was officially established, and it is now the largest traditional market on the East Coast of Gyeongsangbuk-do, boasting about 1,500 stores. Located 500 meters east of the Ogeori, the center of Pohang, Jukdo Fish Market, the largest permanent market on the East Coast, is situated here with over 200 sashimi restaurants clustered in the seafood auction hall, where fresh sashimi from the East Coast can be purchased at affordable prices year-round. Nearby shops allow you to eat immediately by paying only for materials such as dipping sauce. Pohang mulhoe made with fresh seasonal seafood and abalone porridge with whole plump abalone are famous nationwide, and in particular, in winter, you can enjoy Pohang's specialty, gwamegi.

About 30 km north of Pohang lies the Bogyeongsa Valley stretching 10 km at the foot of Naeyeonsan (930m). Within the valley are 12 waterfalls as the name suggests. The 12 Waterfalls are rare even worldwide, attracting many summer visitors. About 1.5 km from Bogyeongsa is the first waterfall, Sangsaeng Waterfall (5m tall). The most famous are the 6th, Gwaneum Waterfall, and the 7th, Yeonsan Waterfall. Gwaneum Waterfall is a twin waterfall 72m high with the Gwaneum Cave about 33 square meters wide on the rock face, while Yeonsan Waterfall is 30m tall, with the cliff called Haksodae. A hiking trail is maintained from Bogyeongsa to Yeonsan Waterfall, allowing easy access for all.

Bogeungsa, a branch temple of Bulguksa, the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism's 11th district, is a thousand-year-old temple founded in 603 (the 25th year of King Jinpyeong of Silla) by the great monk Jimyeongbeopsa, who studied in the Jin Dynasty and returned in 602 (24th year of King Jinpyeong). According to legend, Jimyeong was told by an immortal that burying the Palmyeonbogyeong (Eight-Sided Treasure Mirror) he received in the most auspicious place on the east coast and building a Buddha hall on top would prevent pirate invasions and neighboring enemies' attacks, leading to the unification of the Three Kingdoms. The king happily accompanied him north along the east coast, buried the mirror in a large pond beneath Naeyeonsan mountain in Haea-hyeon, filled the pond, and built the Geumdang (Golden Hall), naming the temple Bogeungsa. In 723 (22nd year of King Seongdeok), monks Gak-in and Munwon raised funds and constructed a five-story stone pagoda in front of Geumdang, saying, "Where there is a temple, there must be a pagoda." The main halls currently standing include Daejeokgwangjeon, housing Vairocana Buddha and Bodhisattvas Manjusri and Samantabhadra; Daeungjeon dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha; Yeongsanjeon with Shakyamuni Buddha flanked by Manjusri on a lion and Samantabhadra on an elephant and sixteen arhats; and Palssangjeon displaying the Eight Scenes of Shakyamuni Buddha's life. Cultural heritage includes eight treasures, two cultural assets designated by Gyeongbuk Province, and a Pittosporum tree designated as a Gyeongsangbuk-do monument in 1974.

Yeonsan Oncheon is located in Songra-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, where the historic Bogyongsa temple of the East Coast is situated. It is a hot spring resort usable all year round, connected with various nearby tourism resources. The site features accommodations including a hotel, glamping, and caravans, as well as facilities such as hot springs, an outdoor swimming pool, and restaurants, making it a notable tourist relaxation destination. The hot spring water is a natural rock spring rich in lithium and contains beneficial components like sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and chlorine. It is effective for skin conditions such as keratosis and chronic eczema, as well as hypertension, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and athlete's foot.