Perched on a hill at Hwanho Park in Buk‑gu, Pohang, a sweeping silver curve rises against the Yeongilman coastline. Planned and built by POSCO and gifted to the city, the experiential sculpture Spacewalk invites more than distant admiration. You can walk its steel ribbon, climb inside, and literally become part of the artwork as you move along its stairs.
The track stretches 333 m (about 1,093 ft) and includes 717 steps, and the whole structure arcs gracefully toward the sky. A 360-degree loop sits mid‑track but is deliberately designed so visitors can’t pass straight through it; instead, you climb stairs in one direction, turn back just before the loop, and descend to take in the views—creating a memorable circulation path. The smooth, steel lines call to mind clouds and waves while giving a contemporary twist to Pohang’s ironmaking identity.
Spacewalk was designed by German artist couple Heike Mutter and Ulrich Genth, a collaboration that elevates its artistic quality. Conceived around the themes \"Song of Light and Steel\" and \"Slow Walking,\" the installation delivers visual pleasure and encourages viewers to linger and observe. With each step your perspective opens, revealing Pohang’s layered landscape. From the top, you can take in Yeongilman Bay, the city center, and even the distant Pohang steelworks—which helps explain why this has become one of the city’s signature attractions. At sunset, the sun slipping below the horizon and the reddened sky create a stunning tableau, while nighttime lighting along the structure adds a different, atmospheric mood. The site’s daytime and nighttime charms are distinct, so the impression you take away depends on when you visit.
To really appreciate Spacewalk, walk it slowly rather than rushing. As you climb, you’ll notice a subtle sway unique to the structure—an element that can feel thrilling and gives the sensation of walking through the air. Because it’s an outdoor steel installation, access is affected by safety and weather conditions. For safety reasons, children under 110 cm (about 43.3 in) are not permitted, so families should plan accordingly. Staff may also close the structure during strong winds or rain, so check operating status before you go.
Admission is free, and hours vary by season. From April through October, Spacewalk is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and until 9:00 p.m. on weekends and public holidays. From November through March, it’s open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and until 6:00 p.m. on weekends and public holidays. The site is closed on the first Monday of each month; if that day falls on a public holiday, it closes the following day.
Spacewalk’s biggest strength is how it pairs monumental sculptural beauty with an interactive experience. Walking the structure lets you view Pohang’s coast and city in three dimensions, setting it apart from other attractions. If you find yourself at Hwanho Park, take a slow stroll up the steps and savor the scenes formed by the structure and its surroundings. Though it’s free to enter, the impression it leaves is powerful. By weaving together Pohang’s steel‑industry identity and its coastal scenery, Spacewalk has become a symbolic, must‑see stop on a trip to Pohang.
