Pohang City Mulhoe District

Have you heard of Seolmeori Mulhoe District, the famous Mulhoe Village in Pohang that is now well-known nationwide?

Seolmeori Mulhoe District is an area where Mulhoe restaurants are clustered along the beaches of Duho-dong and Hwanho-dong at the end of Yeongildae Beach in Pohang.

Upon arriving at the village entrance, the Seolmeori Mulhoe District Sculpture, shaped like a sea breeze and a sail, catches your eye.

Additionally, logos inspired by the Korean word for raw fish, 'Hoe,' can be found throughout the village.

*Mulhoe (Sliced Raw Fish in Cold Broth)

Mulhoe (Sliced Raw Fish in Cold Broth)

1. The Origin of the Name

▸Meaning of Seolmeori: “Seolmeori” is an old place name located between Songdo-dong and Haedo-dong in Nam-gu, Pohang. It was named because the terrain where the Hyeongsangang River meets the sea resembles the “head of an island.”

▸The Birthplace of Mulhoe: Pohang Mulhoe originated as a “fast food” dish that fishermen used to eat during their busy fishing hours—a quick meal made by mixing gochujang (chili paste) and water with freshly caught fish. Among these, the Seolmuri district is a symbolic place that has evolved into a modern gourmet complex while preserving the traditional flavor.

2. Commercial Landscape

▸A Culinary Belt Connecting Yeongildae and Songdo: Adjacent to Yeongildae Beach, a Pohang landmark, and Songdo Beach—which offers a panoramic view of POSCO’s nightscape—the area boasts excellent accessibility for tourists.

▸Designated as an ‘Excellent Dining District’: Recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs as an ‘Excellent Dining District’ for its high standards of hygiene and service, the area is home to over 20 mulhoe specialty restaurants, allowing visitors to experience a variety of mulhoe dishes to suit their tastes.

▸Local Food Network: The area maintains close ties with local fishing communities and businesses, using fresh local seafood—such as freshly caught red seabream and flathead—caught along the East Coast as its main ingredients.

3. Current Status & Vision

▸Transition to Digital Tourism: While domestic foodie tourists currently make up the majority of visitors, the recent global K-food craze has led to a steady increase in foreign tourists. Accordingly, smart solutions such as KPPLE’s QR menu, which supports 30 languages, are being provided to foreign tourists.

▸Experiential Tourism Content: Moving beyond a simple dining district, the area is transforming into a smart tourism district that enables “stay-and-explore tourism” by linking with surrounding attractions such as seaside walking paths and the Pohang Canal Cruise.