Pohang Nakhwa Night

On a cool autumn night, a soft glow descends over the waters of Pohang Canal. Nakhwa is a traditional Korean fire art in which charcoal powder is wrapped in hanji (traditional paper) and slowly burned. Since no gunpowder is used, it doesn't burst like firecrackers; instead, the light slowly spreads along nakhwa lines strung across the canal. The festival's biggest highlight is the sight of two 75-meter nakhwa lines installed diagonally, richly illuminating the canal's night and water surface. At Pohang Canal, whose waterway was once cut off but was revived through citizens' efforts, the 'fire' of the industrial city of Pohang and the 'water' symbolizing restoration meet in a single scene. With no official ceremonies or singer performances, this festival—filled only with nakhwa and music—is a space entirely for citizens and visitors.

Pohang Nakhwa Night turns the Pohang Canal into a quiet river of fire using nakhwa, a traditional craft where charcoal powder wrapped in hanji paper burns slowly along strung lines instead of bursting like fireworks. The signature sight is two 75-metre nakhwa lines strung diagonally across the canal, their glow reflected on the water. With no stage shows or official ceremonies, it's a low-key, community-focused evening built purely around the light and ambient music.

Take the KTX from Seoul (or Suseo) to Pohang Station, the fastest option at around 2 to 2.5 hours. From Pohang Station, a taxi or local bus gets you to the Pohang Canal / Haedo-dong area in Nam-gu. An express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Pohang is also available for a cheaper, longer alternative (roughly 4 hours).