The Peak of Pohang Travel: Encountering the Fresh Scent of Mountain Herbs from Odaesan at Sanchon Sikdang
2026-01-07
A Simple Table Carrying the Scent of the Forest
Walking through the alleys of Jungang-ro in Pohang, the subtle scent of herbs makes you stop in your tracks. 'Sanchon Sikdang', located at 13-4, Jungang-ro 298beon-gil, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is a special place where you can encounter the spirit of Odaesan (Mount Odae) in Gangwon-do, even in a city accustomed to the sea breeze. Stepping through the door, the smell of rustic yet heartwarming Sanchae (mountain vegetable) cuisine tickles your nose. This place specializes in Sanchae-bibimbap and Sanchae-jeongsik; it feels more like eating comfort offered by the forest than simply filling one's stomach.
The Aesthetics of Seasonal Side Dishes That Awaken the Senses
When you sit down and order the Sanchae-jeongsik, it feels as if a whole forest has been moved onto your table. The spicy and tangy Deodeok-muchim (seasoned deodeok) stimulates the appetite, and the fern (Gosari), mushrooms, and Myeong-i namul (allium microdictyon) neatly arranged on each plate create a deep flavor the more you chew. In particular, the addition of seasoned raw crab (Yangnyeom-gejang) shows just how perfect the harmony between the mountains and the sea can be. I really liked that the spacious interior allowed me to focus solely on the taste without worrying about those around me. There is no need to worry about running out of side dishes, either; you can help yourself to as much as you like from the generous self-service bar.
Dining Time to Fully Enjoy the Leisure of Pohang
Because the seats in the restaurant are well-spaced, it doesn't feel noisy. Thanks to this, I was able to finish my meal slowly while enjoying the sunlight streaming through the window. The cheerful sound of spoons clicking while mixing the bibimbap and the savory, oily aroma of the freshly baked Gamja-jeon (potato pancake) are things I will remember for a long time. Rather than visiting too early, it is better to visit during the slightly quieter afternoon hours between lunch and dinner to savor the food at a more leisurely pace. After finishing your meal, I recommend taking a light stroll through the old downtown alleys of Pohang. The small hidden cafes and vintage scenery everywhere go well with the post-meal drowsiness.
A Time in Pohang to Explore Together
After finishing a sincere meal at Sanchon Sikdang, I suggest a course to explore nearby Pohang attractions to help with digestion. Pohang Canal (Pohang Ungha) is a short drive away, perfect for a walk along the river, and visiting Jukdo Market (Jukdo Sijang) at sunset allows you to feel the vibrant energy of Pohang with your whole body. A trip to Pohang where you can embrace the scent of the sea and mountain herbs at the same time—the neat time spent at the restaurant today became the warmest finishing point of the trip.
FAQ
- What is the location of Sanchon Sikdang and how do I get there?
- It is located at 13-4, Jungang-ro 298beon-gil, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do. It is in the center of Pohang city, so you can easily find it using navigation, and it is recommended to check for nearby public parking lots before visiting.
- Is it a suitable place to visit with children?
- The interior is large and the distance between seats is wide, so you can dine relatively comfortably even if you bring a stroller or visit with children. In addition to mountain vegetables, there are menus such as potato pancakes (Gamja-jeon) or grilled fish, making it good for children to eat as well.