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At a Glance: Discover the Railway Forest & The Garden of Fire, a unique urban green space in Pohang that combines nature and history.
Many visitors to Pohang may overlook the Railway Forest & The Garden of Fire (철길숲 & 불의정원), thinking it’s just another park. However, this site is a example of urban regeneration that turned an old railway into a lush green area, complete with artistic installations and natural gas flames. It’s a refreshing escape that also tells the story of the city’s transformation.
What will you find at Railway Forest & The Garden of Fire (철길숲 & 불의정원)?
The Railway Forest spans 4.3 kilometers from Hyoja Station to the old Pohang Station. This stretch once served as an active railway for nearly 100 years until it was decommissioned in 2015 following the opening of KTX Pohang Station. walking through this tranquil area, you’ll encounter water features like wall streams and musical fountains that enhance the serene environment.
One standout feature is the Garden of Fire, where flames from a natural gas spring have been transformed into a captivating garden landscape. Initially, the flame was expected to extinguish during construction, but when it persisted, it became a focal point for visitors. The combination of fire and greenery creates an interesting contrast worth seeing. Have you experienced something similar?
When is the best time to visit Railway Forest & The Garden of Fire (철길숲 & 불의정원)?
This attraction is open year-round, making it accessible no matter when you find yourself in Pohang. Each season offers its own charm; spring brings colorful blooms, summer allows for lush foliage walks, autumn showcases stunning leaf colors, and winter presents a peaceful snowy landscape.
I will be honest here — if you can time your visit around sunset or evening hours, you’ll experience how the flames in the Garden of Fire illuminate beautifully against the darkening sky—it’s quite mesmerizing. Just keep in mind that while it’s free to enter at any time, evenings might attract more visitors seeking those picturesque views.
How can you reach Railway Forest & The Garden of Fire (철길숲 & 불의정원) by public transit?
Pohang’s public transport system makes getting to this urban forest relatively straightforward. If you’re coming from central Pohang, taking local buses is convenient; look for routes heading towards Hyoja Station or nearby areas.
The nearest subway stations are limited since Pohang doesn’t have an extensive metro system like Seoul does. However, if you’re arriving at KTX Pohang Station, it’s only about a 10-minute taxi ride away or around 30 minutes on foot if you’re up for some light exercise along scenic routes. That alone might be worth the visit.
Any tips for first-time visitors?
There are no admission fees at Railway Forest & The Garden of Fire; it’s completely free to explore this urban oasis. A good tip is to bring your camera—there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout both attractions.
Since there’s no dedicated parking available on-site, consider using public transportation or taxis instead. Also, be aware that while walking through residential areas might seem charming and quaint—something I personally enjoy—it can also mean navigating around local traffic during peak hours.
