2026 Pohang Steel Art Festival (2026PSAF)
Oct 24 – Nov 15, 2026 · Gyeongsangbuk-do
Overview
Tak-ma (琢磨, "polishing/grinding") – Iron sheds its rust by rubbing against iron, potatoes shed their skins by rubbing against potatoes.
Iron sharpens iron, Potatoes sharpen potatoes
The proverb "iron is polished bright by iron" uses the image of iron rubbing against iron to make the paradoxical point that people shed their old habits only by rubbing up against other people. In Buddhist temples this is called "tak-ma-do-ban." Just as potatoes are peeled by putting them in a large basin, adding water, and rubbing potato against potato, Buddhist practice carries out this polishing through fellow practitioners (do-ban).
Pohang's sea reaches deep into the land, creating scenery quite different from other places. The warmth Pohang's people generate by rubbing shoulders with one another is likewise rich and different from elsewhere. "What attracts people most is other people." (William H. Whyte)
Taking hold of the identity of Pohang, a city that lives together with iron, and dreaming of the renewal of iron and the completion of ironware, the 2026 Pohang Steel Art Festival sets its theme as "Tak-ma" – "Iron sheds its rust by rubbing against iron, potatoes shed their skins by rubbing against potatoes (Iron sharpens iron, Potatoes sharpen potatoes)." Through tak-ma (琢磨) – rubbing together, in place of jade (玉) and stone (石), Pohang's own "ㅍ" and "ㅎ" – the festival seeks to reveal to the world the brilliant inner substance of life in Pohang.
Why go
This festival turns Pohang's identity as a steel-making city into public art, built around the 2026 theme 'Tak-ma' (iron polished bright by iron) — a metaphor for people and communities shaping each other through contact. It runs for over three weeks in late autumn, centred on the coastal Dongbin-gu area of Buk-gu, Pohang. It suits visitors interested in industrial heritage reimagined as art rather than a typical crafts or food festival.
Getting there from Seoul
Take the KTX from Seoul Station (or Suseo/Yongsan, depending on the service) to Pohang Station, a journey of roughly two to two and a half hours. From Pohang Station, continue by local bus or taxi to the venue area at 78 Seonchak-ro, Buk-gu (Dongbin 1-ga). An intercity/express bus from Seoul's major bus terminals to Pohang is also an option if you prefer not to transfer trains.
Tips
- Confirm current opening hours and any admission fees locally before visiting, as these were not specified in the festival's basic listing.
- The event runs from late October into mid-November, so bring layers for cooler coastal weather near Pohang's harbour area.
- Dongbin-gu is a short bus or taxi ride from Pohang Station rather than walking distance, so plan onward transport in advance.
Best for: art lovers, photographers, culture travellers.
Photos
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Other festivals in Gyeongsangbuk-do
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Pohang International Fireworks Festival
Nov 19 – Nov 21, 2026
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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go.