Pohang

Yeongildae / Bukbu Beach

Sea-facing hotels and cafés near Space Walk and the beach; a practical base for a short visit.

Downtown (Jukdo Market area)

Market and food access on foot; less suited to beach visits.

Heunghae

Near Pohang station, outside the central area; consider it if rail access is your priority.

Etiquette

• Greeting: A slight bow with a 'annyeonghaseyo'; handshake with the right hand, left hand touching the right forearm; avoid: Hugs and cheek kisses with people you have just met
• Age and rank: Expect to be asked your age; it sets how people speak to you. Let the eldest sit and start first; avoid: Calling older people by their given name
• Handing things: Two hands for money, cards, gifts and drinks; avoid: Passing things with one hand to older people
• Subway: Quiet voices, bags off seats, queue at the marked lines; avoid: Priority and pink pregnancy seats, even when empty
• Home visit: Shoes off; bring fruit or a boxed gift; refuse once before accepting; avoid: Writing names in red ink — it is used for the dead
• Temples: Covered shoulders and knees; bow at the main hall; avoid: Stepping on thresholds; loud talk; pointing at Buddha statues
• Numbers: Know that 4 is unlucky; buildings may show F instead of a fourth floor; avoid: Giving gifts in sets of four
• Sensitive topics: Listen; follow your host's lead; avoid: Comparing Korea with Japan or China casually; jokes about the North, the Japanese colonial era, or plastic surgery

Scams and watch-outs

• Pohang station is in Heunghae, away from the city centre; allow time for a bus or taxi transfer.
• Space Walk access can be restricted in strong wind or rain; check conditions before setting out. Its minimum height is 110 cm.
• Check return transport before visiting Homigot or other coastal sights; bus services may be limited.