The reading ほうこう uses the standard on'yomi for both 彷 (ほう) and 徨 (こう). Both kanji contain the 彳 (gyouninben) radical, indicating movement. Wrong readings like ぼうこう mispronounce 彷, and ほうろ misuses a common reading. It means to wander or roam aimlessly without a specific destination or purpose.

彷 (ほう) も 徨 (こう) も標準的な音読み。両方とも「さまよう」意味を持つ漢字です。あてもなくさまよい歩くこと。