Pohang
Overview
Pohang is a port city located on the east coast of Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, known as the mecca of the steel industry and a hub for trade in the East Sea Rim region. Following the establishment of Pohang Iron and Steel Company (now POSCO) in 1968, it underwent rapid industrialization. Currently, amid the decline of the steel industry, the city is pursuing a transition to new industries such as bio, hydrogen, and secondary batteries. With a population of approximately 500,000, it also boasts abundant marine tourism resources, including Guryongpo, Homigot, and Yeongildae Beach.
Main Content
History
Pohang was originally a small fishing village, but it developed rapidly after the establishment of Pohang Iron and Steel Company (the predecessor of POSCO) in 1968. From the 1970s to the 1990s, it was regarded as a symbol of South Korea's economic growth. In 1995, Pohang City and Yeongil County were merged to form the current administrative district. Since the 2010s, the city has been seeking to redefine its identity alongside the restructuring of the steel industry.
Economy
Pohang's economy has traditionally been heavily dependent on the steel industry. POSCO's headquarters and numerous partner companies are located here, and the city's steel production capacity is world-class. However, from the late 2010s, the steel industry contracted due to low-priced steel from China and global oversupply, dealing a blow to the local economy. In response, Pohang City is focusing on fostering advanced industries such as bio, hydrogen energy, secondary batteries, and robotics. In particular, the industrial ecosystem centered on the Pohang Convergence Technology Industrial District and Pohang Techno Park is being actively developed.
Transportation
Pohang is a key transportation hub on the east coast, connected by the Gyeongbu Expressway and the Donghae Expressway. Pohang Airport operates domestic flights and some international routes. Pohang Station serves KTX and ITX-Saemaeul trains, with travel time to Seoul taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Port facilities include Pohang Port and Yeongilman Port, handling cargo and passenger transport.
Education and Research
Pohang also excels in education and research. Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is one of the top science and engineering universities in the country, established with support from POSCO. Additionally, the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory is the only research facility in South Korea equipped with a synchrotron radiation accelerator, used for research in fields such as materials science and life sciences.
Tourism
Major tourist attractions in Pohang include Homigot (the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula), Guryongpo (modern cultural heritage and seafood), Yeongildae Beach, and Igari Anchor Observatory. Homigot is especially famous as a sunrise spot, hosting a New Year's sunrise event every January 1st. The city is also promoting marine leisure sports and food tourism (such as gwamegi [half-dried Pacific saury] and mulhoe [spicy raw fish soup]).
Culture
Pohang also possesses cultural content reflecting the history of the steel industry. Notable examples include the POSCO History Museum and Steel Park. The annual Pohang International Fireworks Festival attracts tourists. Local artists are active, and the Pohang City Art Museum and several galleries are in operation.
Latest Trends
As of 2024, Pohang City is pursuing a transition to a 'green hydrogen city.' In collaboration with POSCO, efforts are underway to expand hydrogen production and storage facilities, introduce hydrogen buses and charging stations, and achieve carbon neutrality goals. The city is also accelerating the creation of a secondary battery industry cluster, aiming to attract 100 related companies by 2025. Meanwhile, recovery from flood damage caused by Typhoon Hinnamnor in 2022 is ongoing, with strengthened climate change response infrastructure. The population stood at approximately 490,000 as of 2023, showing a continuous decline, and efforts are focused on creating youth jobs and improving living conditions to reverse this trend.
Related Topics
- [[POSCO]]
- [[Gyeongsangbuk-do]]
- [[Steel industry]]
- [[POSTECH]]
- [[Homigot]]
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