方向 and 方角: direction and orientation
Distinguish the direction of movement or plans from spatial orientation.
The direction something heads
方向 (ほうこう) means the direction something moves or faces. 「駅の方向に歩きました」 means walking toward the station, without establishing arrival.
「進む方向を決めました」 means deciding which direction to go. A completed decision is not the same as beginning to move; do not add a departure.
Spatial orientation
方角 (ほうがく) refers to spatial orientation, such as compass directions. 「北の方角を確認しました」 means checking which way north is. 方角 can also be used in everyday navigation.
「方角が分からなくなりました」 means losing one's sense of direction. It describes a change from previously knowing the direction.
方向 extended to plans
「計画の方向を変えました」 means changing the direction of a plan. Abstract courses of action use 方向 rather than geographic 方角.
「同じ方向を向いています」 describes facing the same direction. Context determines whether the subjects are moving or standing still.
Does 「反対の方向に進みました」 establish a return to the starting point?
Show the answer and why
No. It means moving in the opposite direction, without specifying where the movement ended.