On the Day the Winter Earth Playground Opens, Want to Run Around Together at the Good Neighbors World Play Festival?
Introduction
As December deepens into winter, children’s laughter is getting ready to gently warm the chilly air. For one day only, the Pohang Disability-Friendly National Sports Center will turn into an Earth playground filled with games from all around the world, offering families a chance to run, play, and warm their hearts together.
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Accommodation Recommendations
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Event Name : Good Neighbors World Play Festival “Let’s Play GO! To the Earth!”
- Date : Sunday, December 7, 2025
- Hours : 12:00 ~ 18:00
- Venue : Pohang Disability-Friendly National Sports Center (166 Yangdeoknam-ro, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Yangdeok-dong)
- Admission : Free
- How to Participate : Advance reservation via Naver Booking
- Hosted / Organized by : Good Neighbors Gyeongbuk Regional Office
- Inquiries : 053-214-7124 (Good Neighbors Gyeongbuk Regional Office)
- Event Type : World traditional play and global citizenship education experience for families
- 12:00 Arrive at the venue, walk through the entire space once, and first locate the World Traditional Play Experience Zone.
- 13:00 Start with the play zones by continent and gradually take part, experiencing each country’s culture together with your child.
- 15:00 Check the schedule for shows like the magic show and bubble show, and secure seats so you can enjoy them at a relaxed pace.
- 16:00 Enjoy a good mix of side experiences such as face painting, air bounce, and making Christmas items.
- 17:00 Take a family photo at the photo zone and check the procedure in advance for issuing the Global Citizenship Education certificate.
- 17:30 Join the recreation, random play dance, and prize draw event, and enjoy the festival atmosphere right up to the end.
If you plan to receive a Global Citizenship Education certificate, it’s helpful to check the procedure at the on-site information desk in advance.
The Good Neighbors World Play Festival “Let’s Play GO! To the Earth!”, organized by the Good Neighbors Gyeongbuk Regional Office, is a place where children can directly experience cultures and traditional games from around the world while naturally learning about the “right to play,” one of the four fundamental rights of the child. Children get to physically experience games from regions where Good Neighbors operates and from various countries, and after participating, they receive a Global Education Completion Certificate, giving them a small sense of achievement to take home.
In addition to world play experiences by continent, the festival offers a rich lineup of performances and hands-on programs such as a magic show, bubble show, and balloon art, making it a great place for the whole family to spend an entire day. Since everything takes place indoors, you don’t have to worry as much about the winter weather, and you can create warm memories in Christmas-themed experience programs and photo zones.
Program Information
This is a space where you can personally experience eight types of games from different continents and feel each country’s culture and play traditions. It is designed to naturally foster a sense of global citizenship in children, making it ideal for families to join together.
A magic performance tailored to children and a sparkling bubble show follow one after another. Check the performance times in advance so you can secure good seats and enjoy the shows comfortably.
Recreation and random play dance programs where all visitors can come together and have fun. Both children and adults can move their bodies and feel the energy of the festival.
There will be experience booths that children will love, such as air bounce, face painting, and making Christmas items. Stylish photo zones are also set up, perfect for capturing your day at the World Play Festival in photos.
After completing the world traditional play experiences and educational programs, you can receive a Global Education Completion Certificate. It serves as a visible record of what your child learned through play and becomes a meaningful memory for them.
During the festival, there will be a prize draw event offering small gifts to participants. Check the event guidelines carefully and join at the scheduled draw time.
If you arrive a little earlier than the program start time of 13:00, you can leisurely watch the final preparations for entry and the experience zones, and decide in advance the order of programs you’d like to enjoy.
Since this festival involves many hands-on activities, it’s easier to get through the day if both parents and children wear comfortable clothes and non-slip shoes.
If you plan to receive the Global Citizenship Education certificate, checking in advance what’s needed for on-site registration and ID verification will help reduce your waiting time.
For the magic and bubble shows, get your seats 10–15 minutes before the start time for a more comfortable viewing experience.
If you check certificate issuance procedures in the middle of the event rather than at the very end, it will be less crowded.
Visit (Planned) Impressions
The Good Neighbors World Play Festival “Let’s Play GO! To the Earth!” has not begun yet, so I’m quietly getting ready while looking forward to the day that’s just around the corner. Today is November 30, 2025, and the festival will be held for one day only on December 7 in Pohang, which makes this time of excited preparation feel all the sweeter. As I calmly gather information from here and there ahead of the festival, scenes already form in my mind: children’s laughter, the sound of performances, and the bright lights illuminating the venue.
The Pohang Disability-Friendly National Sports Center will be the meeting place for this festival. With programs like the world traditional play experience zone, magic shows, and bubble shows prepared by the Good Neighbors Gyeongbuk Regional Office, it feels as though every corner of the indoor space will be filled with vibrant colors and sounds. In particular, some experiences will have a touch of Christmas spirit, so even with the cold winter approaching, my heart feels like it will stay warm. Knowing that it’s an indoor event, I feel more at ease about the weather, and I picture myself walking in leisurely with my child, both of us dressed comfortably.
Looking at the program, many sensory elements seem likely to leave a lasting impression on children’s fingertips and hearts. I imagine the air bounce swaying like waves of light, the quiet spread of face-paint colors across a child’s face, and the soft feel and popping sounds of balloon art—just thinking about them is exciting. There will also be eight different world play experiences by continent, and I’m looking forward to the scene where the breath of various cultures bends the air as it spreads. The participation method is easy on the mind as well: you can enter for free and even receive a Global Citizenship Education certificate, which leaves an impression. On the day of the festival, there will also be an event prize draw, so I find myself preparing for the day with a little hope for good luck together with my child.
Winter may be approaching, but at this festival, I imagine the warmth of children’s laughter, the colors of balloons, and the fleeting warmth of bursting bubbles dancing in the air. My thoughts are already on their way to the sports center hall in Pohang, and it feels like the faces of the people I’ll meet there will be shining brightly. Once I’ve actually visited the festival, I hope to calmly share vivid stories from the scene, and which routes made the day feel most relaxed and enjoyable, while keeping this sense of anticipation quietly by my side for now.
Accommodation Recommendations
Although the festival can easily be enjoyed as a day trip, it’s also nice to book a nearby place to stay if you’d like to enjoy Pohang’s sea and night views as well. Centered around the Buk-gu area where the venue is located and Yeongildae Beach, here are some accommodations chosen with both accessibility and views in mind.
113 Haean-ro, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Duho-dong)
Hotel near Yeongildae Beach, ideal for a seaside walk and overnight stay
With easy access to the beach, it’s great for linking the festival with a relaxed walk the following day.
Distance: 3.7 km
162 Samho-ro, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Hanggu-dong)
Close to Pohang Passenger Terminal, convenient when using public transportation
Ideal for planning a stay together with a travel itinerary that uses the terminal.
Distance: 4.3 km
12-2 Chilseong-ro 47beon-gil, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Jungang-dong)
Quality-certified lodging in the city center, convenient for combining with sightseeing in downtown Pohang
Close to the downtown commercial district, making it easy to plan meals, walks, and other side activities.
Distance: 6.1 km
51 Jukdoro 40beon-gil, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Jukdo-dong)
Near Jukdo Market, perfect for exploring the market and enjoying a food tour
Close to the market and commercial area, making it great for family meals and walks.
Distance: 7.1 km
140 Jungang-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Haedo-dong)
Accommodation base in Nam-gu, conveniently located for getting around the city
Great for combining a 1-night-2-day stay with sightseeing in the Nam-gu area.
Distance: 7.1 km
1 Jungang-ro 131beon-gil, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Haedo-dong)
Urban business hotel with facilities suitable for both families and couples
Close to the main downtown area, making it advantageous for getting around by public transport.
Distance: 7.2 km
20 Huimang-daero 659beon-gil, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Daejam-dong)
Near a quiet residential and commercial area, suitable for family stays
Ideal for a relaxed overnight stay while enjoying nearby cafés and restaurants.
Distance: 9.4 km
On weekends and around year-end, rooms can fill up quickly, so booking in advance is the safer choice.
Restaurants & Cafés
Around Buk-gu near the venue, you can easily grab a light meal, or head down toward Yeongildae Beach to enjoy a cup of coffee while looking at the sea. Taking travel time and routes into account, here are places that are comfortable to visit with children.
19-1 Jangnyang-ro 174beon-gil, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A local favorite restaurant, suitable for family meals
A good place to stop by before or after the festival for a simple but filling meal.
Distance: 1.0 km
91-2 Jukcheon-gil, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Cluster of sashimi restaurants where you can enjoy seafood near the Pohang coast
Great for a fresh sashimi dinner after the event.
Distance: 1.3 km
273 Haean-ro, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Hwanho-dong)
View café near Hwanho Park, ideal for enjoying the sea view
Perfect for a relaxed tea time after the festival while taking in views of the Pohang sea.
Distance: 2.3 km
191-1 Haean-ro, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Café along Haean-ro, conveniently located for a stroll-and-stop visit
Nice for a leisurely dessert time while exploring the Yeongildae area.
Distance: 2.9 km
10 Daesin-ro 36beon-gil, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A good place for a quick, warm dumpling meal
The menu is expected to be easy and approachable, making it comfortable for dining with children.
Distance: 5.2 km
12 Daesin-ro 26beon-gil, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A sashimi restaurant where you can enjoy local Pohang seafood
Great for families who want to enjoy sashimi in a neat, quiet setting rather than a large group.
Distance: 5.2 km
3 Daei-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Sushi restaurant with a menu focused on Japanese cuisine
A good option if you plan to travel to the Nam-gu area for your meal.
Distance: 9.2 km
1870 Haean-ro, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Sashimi restaurant located on Haean-ro in Buk-gu, Pohang
Nice for a relaxed dinner when you’re planning a coastal drive along the sea.
Distance: 10.0 km
If you’re with children, it’s more comfortable to have an early dinner somewhere close to the venue and then head to your accommodation.
Nearby Attractions
If time allows before or after the festival, it’s a great idea to visit nearby seaside and scenic spots to take in Pohang’s winter landscapes. Here are some locations chosen within a comfortable distance from the venue.
518 Haean-ro, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Yeonam-dong)
Skywalk that feels like walking on the sea, with unobstructed coastal views
On clear days, the horizon and cityscape spread out beautifully, making it great for photos.
Distance: 0.9 km
43 Jukcheon-gil, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A small, cozy beach that’s perfect for a quiet seaside walk
A nice place to briefly stop and soak in the calm mood of the winter sea.
Distance: 0.9 km
Marine Sports Academy, 173 Haean-ro, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Viewpoint overlooking both Yeongildae Beach and the city
Visit at sunset to enjoy the sky and sea dyed in shades of red.
Distance: 3.1 km
Duho-dong, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Rose garden that offers a different atmosphere each season
Nice for a short stroll and a few photos along with a beach walk.
Distance: 3.3 km
141 Songdohaean-gil, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Songdo-dong)
Urban forest filled with pine trees, ideal for both walks and relaxation
A nice place to take a quiet walk while enjoying sunlight filtering through the trees.
Distance: 5.4 km
Yongcheon-ri, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Ecological park where you can feel the river and nature up close
Perfect when you want a quiet walk away from the city.
Distance: 7.3 km
1581 Haean-ro, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Scenic spot for viewing both sunrise and the coastline
Visit early in the morning or at dusk to capture the changing colors of the sky.
Distance: 7.4 km
646 Doeum-ro, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A space where you can enjoy both rest and forest experiences
Ideal when you want to feel the calm air of nature, different from city sightseeing.
Distance: 9.5 km
Winter sea winds can be strong, so it’s a good idea to bring a coat, scarf, and other warm clothing.
Getting There
Public Transportation — The venue is the Pohang Disability-Friendly National Sports Center, located at 166 Yangdeoknam-ro, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Yangdeok-dong). You can take city bus routes that stop around the Yangdeok-dong area in Buk-gu, Pohang-si, and then walk from a nearby stop. Available bus routes and stops will vary depending on your departure point, so please check the latest information using Pohang’s public transportation guide or a map app before your visit.
By Car — Enter “포항시장애인형국민체육센터” or “경상북도 포항시 북구 양덕남로 166” into your navigation system or map app to receive directions. For parking availability near the venue, parking fees, and peak congestion times, it’s helpful to contact the event organizer or the center in advance to better plan your schedule.
Closing
The Good Neighbors World Play Festival “Let’s Play GO! To the Earth!” is an indoor winter event where you can warmly enjoy traditional games from around the world while revisiting children’s “right to play.” Through continent-themed play experiences, performances, and various side programs, families can fill their day with laughter and learning.
There is no admission fee, and you can join simply by reserving via Naver and even receive a Global Citizenship Education certificate, making it a meaningful experience to remember. On a short winter day in December, it might be just right to visit the Pohang Disability-Friendly National Sports Center and discover a heartwarming Earth playground with your child.
Photo Snapshots
Videos



