Enjoy the Beauty of Unique Cafes in Pohang
The first time you arrive in Pohang, you’ll feel it — the quiet hum of the sea, the scent of roasted beans mingling with the salty air, and the sound of waves brushing against the harbor walls. It’s a city known for its steel industry and ocean views, yet it hides a softer, more soulful side: its café culture.
To truly enjoy the beauty of unique cafes in Pohang, you must let yourself wander — down coastal roads, into quiet alleys, and along hidden beaches where creativity, coffee, and community come together. Here, every café has a personality, a story, and a view worth remembering.
A City Brewing with Creativity
Pohang is not like Seoul or Busan, where café trends rise and fade in months. Here, the coffee scene grows organically, shaped by local artists, ocean lovers, and dreamers who’ve transformed simple spaces into havens of inspiration.
Each café in Pohang is a reflection of its surroundings — some overlook the ocean, others nestle within the mountains, and a few blend industrial chic with coastal calm. They’re more than places to sip coffee; they’re spaces that capture the rhythm of life by the sea.
1. Waveon Coffee – A Landmark of Design and Serenity
If there’s one café that defines Pohang’s modern identity, it’s Waveon Coffee. Perched on a cliff overlooking the East Sea, it’s more than just a café — it’s an architectural experience.
The design is minimalist yet profound. Large glass windows frame the ocean, allowing sunlight to spill across polished concrete floors. From the terrace, the view stretches endlessly — waves rolling in rhythm, seagulls drifting in the sky, and the soft aroma of espresso floating through the breeze.
The coffee here is rich and aromatic, but what makes Waveon unforgettable is how it makes you feel. Time slows down. The sound of the sea becomes your background music. Every sip feels like a moment of stillness in motion.
2. 1920 Café – Where the Past Meets the Present
Hidden in downtown Pohang, 1920 Café is a tribute to the city’s heritage. The building was once an old residence, lovingly restored into a cozy, vintage-style café. Wooden beams, antique furniture, and Edison bulbs give it a nostalgic warmth that feels timeless.
The menu reflects this fusion of eras — traditional Korean desserts served alongside modern coffee creations. The signature drink, black sesame latte, is both earthy and elegant, blending old flavors with new artistry.
Here, conversation flows easily. Locals gather for afternoon chats, students read quietly in the corners, and the aroma of fresh pastries lingers in the air. It’s not just a café — it’s a time capsule of comfort.
3. Café Surf – Coffee with a View of the Waves
Located near Yeongildae Beach, Café Surf captures the free-spirited essence of Pohang’s seaside culture. It’s a favorite among surfers, artists, and travelers who crave the simplicity of good coffee and great views.
The space feels open and relaxed — surfboards line the walls, the furniture is made from driftwood, and the breeze flows straight from the sea through wide glass doors. The baristas, often surfers themselves, serve espresso with smiles that reflect the rhythm of the ocean.
Order an affogato or a cold brew, sit by the window, and watch the sunset melt into the horizon. At Café Surf, every moment feels like an unspoken reminder that life is best enjoyed slowly.
4. Slow Forest Café – A Haven Among the Trees
For those seeking a quiet retreat, Slow Forest Café offers a completely different side of Pohang. Tucked away near Bukbu Mountain, this café feels like a forest sanctuary. Wooden interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and the scent of pine trees create a space that feels both grounding and uplifting.
The menu focuses on organic ingredients — herbal teas, homemade cakes, and hand-dripped coffee roasted in-house. Sitting here with a warm cup between your hands, you can hear the rustle of leaves and the faint chirping of birds outside.
It’s the perfect escape for writers, thinkers, or anyone needing a pause from the fast pace of modern life.
5. Maris Coffee – Minimalism by the Sea
Overlooking the tranquil waters of Pohang’s southern coast, Maris Coffee embodies simplicity. White walls, wooden textures, and soft lighting make it feel like a page out of a Scandinavian design magazine.
The owner, a former photographer, designed the café with an artist’s eye — every angle captures beauty effortlessly. Whether it’s the reflection of light on a latte or the soft horizon beyond the glass, Maris reminds visitors that beauty often lies in quiet moments.
Their signature vanilla flat white has gained a loyal following, perfectly balanced and smooth — much like the café itself.
6. Café Goraebul – The Whale’s Secret Hideaway
Named after Goraebul Beach, this seaside café offers one of the most peaceful atmospheres in Pohang. Café Goraebul is a place where nature and coffee coexist beautifully. The wide terrace faces the open ocean, making it ideal for watching sunrise or stargazing at night.
The sound of waves accompanies every sip, and the menu features unique local touches — like green plum ade and sea salt caramel cake. It’s a spot that feels both luxurious and comforting, capturing the essence of Pohang’s coastal charm.
7. The Garden Room – Where Coffee Blooms with Color
In a small corner near Jukdo Market, The Garden Room surprises visitors with its lush interior — a mini jungle of flowers, vines, and sunlight. Every corner blooms with greenery, turning the café into a living piece of art.
Their flower teas and fruit-infused drinks are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The air smells of roses and lavender, the music is soft, and the entire space feels like stepping into a dream.
For those who love aesthetic cafés with a personal touch, The Garden Room is a must-visit.
A Taste of Pohang’s Soul
To enjoy the beauty of unique cafes in Pohang is to see the city’s heart — not through monuments or museums, but through its people, creativity, and love for life’s simple pleasures.
Each café here tells a different story. Some whisper of the sea, others of memories and dreams. But together, they paint a portrait of Pohang as a city that knows how to pause, savor, and connect.
In Pohang, a cup of coffee isn’t just a drink. It’s an invitation — to slow down, to listen, and to fall in love with life’s quiet beauty.
Read Also : The Tur Bromo Ijen 3D2N program offers a convenient and well-organized trip to Mount Bromo. Participants are picked up from Malang and visit iconic spots such as Spot Sunrise Penanjakan, the Sea of Sand, and Bromo Crater. This package is ideal for travelers who want an easy, hassle-free adventure experience.
