Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Korea, South
1. Bindeunnamppung (Bindaetteok)
A savory pancake made with muguk (ground rice and vegetables) and bindaegi (mixed seafood and meat), served in Pohang's bustling Ttukseom Market.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses bindaegi, a mix of meat and seafood unique to the region.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional cooking methods passed down for generations.
- Popular Snack: Popular snack food in Pohang and a must-try for visitors.
2. Hoddugu (Spicy Crab Stew)
A spicy stew made with crab, vegetables, and gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), served in local restaurants around Pohang's port area.
- Local Crab Specialty: Uses fresh crabs caught locally.
- Spicy Flavor: Known for its distinctive, spicy flavor.
- Seafood Experience: Provides an authentic seafood experience in Pohang's port area.
3. Gukbap (Rice Soup)
A traditional Korean rice dish served as a soup, often made with fish or meat broth and various ingredients, available at numerous restaurants in Pohang's downtown area.
- Healthy Option: Offers a nutritious meal option for visitors.
- Cultural Significance: Has cultural significance as a traditional Korean dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: Ingredient options vary, making it accessible to diverse tastes.
4. Ssiat Hotteok (Korean Fried Sesame Seed Pancake)
A sweet pancake filled with sugar and sesame seeds, deep-fried and sold by street vendors in Pohang's Ttukseom Park.
- Sweet Treat: Offers a sweet treat for visitors.
- Street Food Experience: Provides an authentic Korean street food experience.
- Popular Snack: A popular snack among locals and tourists alike.
5. Dakgangjeong (Spicy Fried Chicken)
Crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, available at various restaurants throughout Pohang.
- Popular Dish: A must-try Korean dish for visitors.
- Spicy Flavor: Known for its distinctive, spicy flavor.
- Versatile Sauces: Offers various sauce options to cater to different tastes.
6. Dwaeji Guk (Pork Bone Soup)
A hearty pork bone soup served with vegetables, available at local restaurants in Pohang's traditional markets.
- Comfort Food: Offers a comforting meal on a cold day.
- Cultural Significance: Has cultural significance as a traditional Korean dish.
- Healthy Option: Offers a nutritious meal option for visitors.
7. Jajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles)
Thick, chewy noodles in a black bean sauce served with various ingredients, available at numerous restaurants throughout Pohang.
- Unique Taste: Offers a unique, savory taste experience.
- Versatile Ingredients: Ingredient options vary, making it accessible to diverse tastes.
- Comfort Food: Provides a comforting meal option for visitors.
8. Makguksu (Cold Buckwheat Noodles)
Refreshing cold buckwheat noodles served with a chilled broth and toppings like cucumber and zucchini, available at various eateries in Pohang's downtown area.
- Cooling Dish: Offers a refreshing meal option on hot days.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional methods.
- Versatile Toppings: Topping options cater to diverse tastes.
9. Juk (Rice Porridge)
A traditional Korean rice dish cooked in a broth, often served with various ingredients like seafood and vegetables, available at local restaurants throughout Pohang.
- Healthy Option: Offers a nutritious meal option for visitors.
- Cultural Significance: Has cultural significance as a traditional Korean dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: Ingredient options vary, making it accessible to diverse tastes.
10. Yukhoe (Raw Beef)
Tender raw beef served with garlic and pepper, available at high-end Korean restaurants in Pohang.
- Exquisite Dish: Offers a luxurious dining experience.
- Unique Preparation: Prepared using the unique Korean method of serving raw beef.
- Gourmet Option: A gourmet option for meat lovers.
11. Seafood BBQ (Pohang Style)
Fresh seafood grilled on a tabletop barbecue in Pohang's coastal areas, featuring local specialties like oysters and squid.
- Seafood Experience: Provides an authentic seafood experience.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh, locally-caught seafood.
- Social Activity: Ideal for social gatherings and group dining.
12. Tteok (Rice Cakes)
Chewy rice cakes made from glutinous rice powder, served with various sauces and toppings, available at street vendors in Pohang's markets.
- Street Food Experience: Provides an authentic Korean street food experience.
- Versatile Toppings: Topping options cater to diverse tastes.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional methods.
13. Bibimguksu (Mixed Cold Noodles)
A refreshing dish of cold noodles topped with an assortment of vegetables, meat, and gochujang sauce, available at various eateries in Pohang's downtown area.
- Cooling Dish: Offers a refreshing meal option on hot days.
- Versatile Ingredients: Ingredient options cater to diverse tastes.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional methods.
14. Ssiat Hotteok (Sweet Rice Cake)
A sweet rice cake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and peanuts, deep-fried and sold by street vendors in Pohang's Ttukseom Park.
- Sweet Treat: Offers a sweet treat for visitors.
- Street Food Experience: Provides an authentic Korean street food experience.
- Popular Snack: A popular snack among locals and tourists alike.
15. Seolleongtang (Ox Bone Soup)
A hearty soup made with ox bones, vegetables, and kneaded rice, served in local restaurants throughout Pohang.
- Comfort Food: Offers a comforting meal on a cold day.
- Cultural Significance: Has cultural significance as a traditional Korean dish.
- Healthy Option: Offers a nutritious meal option for visitors.