Pohang isn’t exactly a tourist hot spot. In fact, many know it as an industrial city full of steel manufacturing companies and an old fish market.

But to me and others who have had the chance to enjoy its annual fireworks festival, Pohang lives up to its new “City of Light and Fire” name. Since 2004, Pohang hosts a three-day, must-see extravaganza that lights up the skies over this beautiful port city.

Two years ago, my big brother and I went to the fireworks festival and it was really entertaining, beyond any expectations that we had. I brought my camera but didn’t shoot enough photos as I gazed upward as 100,000 Fireworks illuminated the night sky over the Hyeong-San River.

It is no wonder it is regarded as one of the top summer festivals in South Korea. The main event was the spectacular International Fireworks Contest, with Spain, United States and South Korea taking turns lighting up the sky. It was beautiful and to me, the competition was too close to call!

According to the Pohang Culture Foundation, the festival will run this year from May 30 through June 2 on Yeongildae Beach and Hyeong-San River Park. The first two days, the festival starts at 3 p.m. and the last day things get started at 2 p.m. The fireworks display kicks off at 9 p.m. every evening during the festival. You can also attend street performances, get your fill at food booths, enjoy culture exchange programs and view movie screenings.

The fireworks display will once again feature the international competition, making the one-hour show something that will last forever in your memories. So, head to Pohang later this month to enjoy some nighttime fun.

- TIP: Get there early and bring a mat or blanket to place on the ground to secure your spot. Some folks come two or three hours early to pick out their spot, so bring some goodies to eat and camp out as you wait for the show.

- NOTICE: Before and after the show, most of the roads are brought to a standstill. I strongly recommend you spend the night in Pohang, park your car far away from the Hyeong-San River Sports Park or head back home after midnight to let the traffic die down.

DIRECTIONS - From Singyeongju Station to Pohang Express Bus Terminal: Intercity bus (30min, $3.25) - From Pohang Express Bus Terminal to Event location: Bus# 101 or 175. Get off at Hyeong-San Rotary Bus Stop Online: http://piff.phcf.or.kr/ (KOR only) Address: Hyeong-Sangang Sports Park, Pohang Canal, Pohang, Yeongildae Beach, Pohang downtown 685-1, Duho-dong, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do Phone: 054-289-7851 or 7856