Guryongpo Modern Culture and History Street — The Alley Where Ongsan from 'When the Camellia Blooms' Truly Exists
Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do's Modern Culture and History Street in Guryongpo-eup is a place where wooden houses (Jeoksan-gaok) left by Japanese fishing immigrants during the Japanese colonial period are preserved throughout the alley. The fictional seaside town of 'Ongsan' from the drama 'When the Camellia Blooms' was born right on this street — viewers who remember Dongbaek's bar 'Camellia' and the scenery above the stairs will step into the drama the moment they enter the alley.
At a Glance
| Category | Content |
|---|
| Location | Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do |
| Characteristic | Street preserving Jeoksan-gaok from the Japanese colonial period |
| Reason for Fame | Background for Ongsan in the drama 'When the Camellia Blooms' |
| Main Photo Zones | Camellia (Dongbaek's shop), Guryongpo Park Stairs |
| Specialty Foods | Gwamegi (winter), Snow Crab, Mulhoe |
| Time Required | 1-2 hours |
Must-Visit Course for Drama Fans
- Camellia: The actual building of the bar Dongbaek ran. After the drama aired, it became a symbol of Guryongpo, and its interior is decorated as a memorial space.
- Guryongpo Park Stairs: Steep stairs climbing up to the park on the hill from the middle of the street — many famous scenes from the drama were filmed on these stairs. The panoramic view of Guryongpo Port from the top of the stairs is the highlight.
- Filming Location Signs Throughout the Alley: Locations are marked with scene photos, making it easy to plan a pilgrimage route.
Guryongpo Beyond the Drama
- History of the Jeoksan-gaok Street Itself: Wooden two-story houses where Japanese shipowners and merchants lived 100 years ago remain as they were, making it a valuable site for modern history tours. If you first learn about the background at the Guryongpo Modern History Museum (formerly a Japanese house), the alley takes on a different meaning.
- Port Food: Guryongpo is the home of Gwamegi. If you visit in winter (November-February), a Gwamegi set meal is a must, and snow crab and mulhoe are also popular year-round.
- Sea View: A few minutes' walk from the street leads to Guryongpo Port and the breakwater. The lively port scene with fishing boats coming and going continues.
How to Get There & Tips
- By Car: 30-40 minutes from Pohang city center, good to combine with Homigot (15 minutes by car).
- By Public Transport: City buses (e.g., 9000-series) operate from Pohang Station and the Intercity Bus Terminal to Guryongpo.
- Recommended Itinerary: Guryongpo Alley → Homigot Hand of Coexistence → Pohang City Mulhoe course is the standard full-day itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I see the inside of Camellia? Yes, it is open as a memorial space. Please check on-site notices for operating hours.
- When can I eat Gwamegi? The peak season is winter (November-February). Snow crab and mulhoe are alternatives during other seasons.
- Is it interesting even if I haven't watched the drama? Yes, the Jeoksan-gaok street and port scenery alone make it an attractive modern history tour + sea trip.
- Where can I park? You can use the public parking lot near the entrance to the street. During peak season weekends, early arrival is recommended.
One-Line Summary
'When the Camellia Blooms' Ongsan alley, 100-year-old Jeoksan-gaok, and Gwamegi — a day in Pohang Guryongpo is too short.
Also Good to See
K-Drama Filming Locations · Gyeongsangbuk-do · Gyeongju
Recommended search keywords for foreigners: When the Camellia Blooms filming location, Guryongpo Modern History Street, Pohang Guryongpo, Ongsan Korea drama town