Guryongpo Japanese-Style Street

Overview

Guryongpo Japanese-Style Street is a preserved block of early-20th-century Japanese colonial architecture in the fishing port of Guryongpo, about 25 km southeast of central Pohang. The narrow lane of two-storey wooden buildings has been restored and opened as a cultural heritage district, with galleries, tea rooms, and a museum of colonial-era history.

Highlights

• Colonial Architecture: Thirteen restored Japanese-style wooden townhouses with sliding doors, latticed windows, and tiled roofs.
• Guryongpo Modern History Museum: A free exhibition inside one of the restored houses, documenting the Japanese fishing community that lived here from 1910 to 1945.
• Cafés & Galleries: Several houses have been converted into atmospheric cafés and small art spaces.

History

During the Japanese colonial period (1910–1945), Guryongpo was a major fishing base for Japanese settlers who built this residential quarter in their home architectural style. After Korea's liberation in 1945, the buildings were occupied by Korean families. In 2012, the city government restored the street as a cultural heritage site.

Visitor Tips

• Combine with beaches: Guryongpo Beach and Haseondae Cliff are both within walking distance.
• Parking: Limited — arrive early on weekends.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.