Water hardness in Pohang
88 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Pohang is moderately hard: 88 mg/L (5.1 gpg · 4.9 °dH · 8.8 °fH).
Source: K-water / 경상북도 포항시 via data.go.kr (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 48–133 mg/L.
Statutory tests of treated water in Pohang give 88.0 mg/L CaCO₃ as the 2025 median, with plants ranging from 48.0 to 132.5 mg/L. The region is mostly in the Nakdong River basin, fed by dams such as Andong, Imha and Hapcheon; this utility's own source is not confirmed here. Expect visible scale on kettles and glass; descaling every month or two keeps appliances in order. The spread between plants is wide, so check which plant serves your street.
Korean waterworks report hardness (경도) in mg/L CaCO₃; the drinking-water standard is 300 mg/L (1,000 mg/L for some sources).
Water data
| Total hardness | 88 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Pohang-si (경상북도 포항시) |
How Pohang compares
- Tap water in Pohang is 55 % harder than the median of the 127 cities we track in South Korea (57 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 20 of 127 in South Korea (1 = hardest); 85 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Gyeongsangbuk-do it is number 4 of 20 cities; the regional median is 66 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Gyeongju, 25 km away (57 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Uiseong, 77 km away (113 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in South Korea →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Pohang
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Pohang water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 88 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.1 gpg, 4.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Pohang safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Korean waterworks report hardness (경도) in mg/L CaCO₃; the drinking-water standard is 300 mg/L (1,000 mg/L for some sources).
How many grains per gallon is Pohang water?
5.1 gpg, equal to 4.9 °dH, 8.8 °fH or 88 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Pohang?
For 88 mg/L (4.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Pohang?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: K-water / 경상북도 포항시 via data.go.kr (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. K-water / 경상북도 포항시 via data.go.kr · Outdated figure? Tell us