Guryongpo

The Legend of the Nine Dragons and First Mentions

The history of Guryongpo is rooted in the era of the ancient Silla Kingdom. The town's name translates as "Port of Nine Dragons." According to local legend, during the reign of King Jinheung (6th century AD), a storm suddenly broke out, and residents saw ten dragons ascending from the sea into the sky. One of them fell back into the water, while nine successfully ascended, after which the sea became calm. This event gave the settlement its name, which remained a small fishing village for many centuries.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Guryongpo from a modest settlement into a significant port was predetermined by several factors:

• Geography: The town is located on a peninsula resembling a "tiger's tail" (Homigot Cape), where warm and cold sea currents meet. This creates ideal conditions for marine life.
• Natural Harbor: Deep coastal waters and natural protection from winds allowed for the creation of a reliable port for large vessels.
• Resource Base: An abundance of fish and seafood became the main magnet for settlers and traders, stimulating the region's economic growth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Active development of urban infrastructure began in the early 20th century. It was then that Guryongpo transformed into a major center for the fishing industry. The town's economy was built exclusively on the extraction of marine resources, particularly the famous snow crab and herring.

During this period, the unique architectural appearance of the city center was formed. Multi-story wooden buildings and warehouses appeared, which were atypical for traditional Korean construction at that time. These historical quarters have been preserved to this day and serve as a testament to the port's rapid economic development a century ago.

• 6th Century (Reign of King Jinheung): The emergence of the legend of the nine dragons ascending from the sea, which gave the port its name.
• 1906: The beginning of active exploration of coastal waters and the establishment of the settlement as a seafood production center.
• 1914: Inclusion of the territory into Yeongil County during a large-scale administrative reform.
• 1923: Completion of the construction of a major breakwater and modernization of the harbor to accommodate large fishing vessels.
• 1930s: The peak period of the fishing industry, when the port became one of the main suppliers of herring and sardines.
• 1942: The settlement received "eup" (township) status and the official administrative name of Guryongpo.
• 1995: The township became part of Pohang City (Nam-gu District) as a result of the merger of the city and the county.
• 2007: The area was designated as a Gwamegi Special Zone, solidifying its reputation as a gastronomic center.
• 2010: Commencement of the restoration process for the historical street and the creation of a cultural space within the preserved ancient buildings.
• 2012: The official opening of the Guryongpo Modern History Museum and the renovated Japanese House Street to visitors.
• 2019: A sharp increase in the town's popularity as a tourist destination following the release of the television series "When the Camellia Blooms."

Stages of Transformation and Development

The history of Guryongpo is a journey from a small fishing village to a popular cultural and tourist center. The city's key developmental milestones can be divided into several significant stages that defined its modern look.

• Construction of the Deep-Water Port (1923)
  The completion of a large-scale breakwater and the modernization of the harbor marked a turning point. This hydraulic engineering feat allowed the port to receive large vessels and protected the settlement from typhoons, turning Guryongpo into a logistics and fishing hub for the East Sea.
• Industrial and Urban Boom (1930s)
  The peak of sardine and herring fishing led to unprecedented economic growth. During this period, the main urban fabric was formed: fish processing plants, warehouses, and residential quarters were built. It was then that the characteristic two-story wooden houses appeared, which today make up the city's historical core.
• Attainment of Town Status (1942)
  An upgrade in administrative rank to the level of "eup" (township) solidified Guryongpo's status as an important regional center. This contributed to the development of social infrastructure, including schools and administrative institutions, setting it apart from neighboring rural areas.
• Formation of a Gastronomic Brand (1960s – Present)
  After the decline in sardine catches, the town successfully pivoted to snow crab harvesting and the production of gwamegi (half-dried saury/herring). This economic transformation allowed Guryongpo to maintain its fishing specialization and create a unique culinary brand known throughout Korea.
• Administrative Integration (1995)
  Becoming part of Pohang City provided Guryongpo with access to the resources of a major industrial center, improved transport accessibility, and integrated the port into the broader economic system of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.
• Revitalization of Historical Heritage (2012)
  The opening of the Japanese House Street marked a shift in focus from purely industrial to tourism-oriented. The restoration of colonial architecture instead of its demolition was a key urban planning decision that preserved the unique atmosphere of the early 20th century.
• Media Success and Tourism Flourish (2019)
  The release of the popular drama "When the Camellia Blooms," filmed on the city's streets, led to an explosion in tourist traffic. This event stimulated the development of the service sector, the emergence of new cafes, and art spaces, finally establishing Guryongpo as a trendy travel destination.

Architectural Eclecticism of a Port Town

The urban fabric of Guryongpo is unique for South Korea. Unlike many cities where old buildings were entirely replaced by modern high-rises, a cohesive historical quarter from the early 20th century has been preserved here. The city's appearance is dictated by its function: it developed around a deep-water harbor, with residential areas rising in terraces from the coastline toward the hills, providing protection from sea winds.

Main Architectural Styles and Eras

The architecture of Guryongpo serves as a visual guide to the region's history over the last century, where Eastern traditions intertwine with functional modernism.

• Colonial Style and Japanese Wooden Architecture (1910s–1940s)
  The most recognizable layer of the city's architecture. These are two-story wooden houses with narrow facades, tiled roofs, and latticed windows. This style is characterized by interior courtyards and sliding doors. These buildings form the famous "Modern History and Culture Street."
• Industrial Functionalism (1960s–1980s)
  During the fishing boom, the coastline became lined with concrete structures: warehouses, auction halls, and crab processing plants. This is utilitarian architecture, devoid of decoration, whose main goal is the efficiency of port operations.
• Modern Adaptation (2010–Present)
  The modern stage is characterized by careful restoration. Old buildings are not demolished but reinforced and repurposed into cafes, galleries, and museums, preserving the historical facade while updating the interiors.

Iconic Buildings and Urban Landmarks

The look of Guryongpo is shaped by several key sites that serve as landmarks for tourists and reflect the spirit of the place.

• Hashimoto Family House (Guryongpo Modern History Museum)
  A classic example of a wealthy Japanese house from the 1920s. The building was constructed using materials brought from Japan and stands out with its complex roof geometry and exquisite garden. Today, it is the city's primary architectural monument.
• Central Staircase and Guryongpo Park
  The urban axis connecting the port to the highlands. A stone staircase leads to the park, which offers a panoramic view of the bay. Stone steles are installed along the stairs, and at the top is a platform with dragon figures, symbolizing the legend behind the city's name.
• Guryongpo Japanese House Street
  This is not just a single building, but an entire architectural ensemble. The street, spanning about 500 meters, has preserved the atmosphere of the last century in almost its original form, making it a popular filming location for historical movies and dramas.

Historical Figures and Port Founders

• Hashimoto Zenkichi
  Japanese fishery owner and entrepreneur (early 20th century)
  He played a key role in the economic establishment of Guryongpo as a major fishing center in the 1920s. His former residence, preserved to this day, is an architectural landmark of the city and now functions as the Guryongpo Modern History Museum.
• Togawa Yasaburo
  Head of the fishing union, administrator (1920s)
  The initiator of the large-scale hydraulic project to build the breakwater and modernize the harbor. Thanks to his efforts, the small village transformed into a protected deep-water port. A historical stele in Guryongpo Park was originally erected in his honor, highlighting his contribution to the development of the city's infrastructure.

Famous Natives

• Kim Cheong
  Popular South Korean actress
  A native of Guryongpo (born in 1962). A star of Korean television in the 1980s and 90s. Despite her fame in Seoul, she maintains a connection to her hometown, often mentioning her origins in interviews, which helps raise the city's profile among the older generation of Koreans.

Modern Cultural Ambassadors

Through popular culture, these artists are inextricably linked with the city's modern image, fueling its tourism boom.

• Gong Hyo-jin
  Film and television actress
  She played the lead role (Dongbaek) in the hit series "When the Camellia Blooms," which was filmed on the streets of Guryongpo. Her character has become an unofficial symbol of the city, and the filming locations have turned into major tourist photo zones, attracting thousands of fans from across Asia.
• Kang Ha-neul
  Stage and film actor
  Gong Hyo-jin's co-star in the series "When the Camellia Blooms." His role as the simple-hearted and honest local police officer Hwang Yong-sik won the hearts of viewers and created a positive, welcoming image of the port town's residents.