Pohang history

The history of Pohang is a journey from ancient settlements to becoming one of the key industrial centers of modern South Korea. Although it received city status relatively recently, its roots go back to ancient times, while the 20th century completely transformed its appearance and economic significance.

Foundation and Early Mentions: Archaeological finds, including ancient dolmens, indicate that people lived in the territory of modern Pohang as early as the Mumun period (1500–300 BC). During the Three Kingdoms period, this land was part of the powerful Silla Kingdom. In the Middle Ages, several scattered settlements existed here, which eventually merged to lay the foundation for the future city. Pohang officially received city status in 1949.

Key Development Factors: Its geographical location on the shores of Yeongil Bay in the Sea of Japan has always played a decisive role in the life of Pohang. Initially, it was a small fishing port. However, a turning point in its history was the construction of the POSCO metallurgical complex, which began in the 1970s. This decision turned a modest coastal town into the country's largest steel industry center and a major seaport on the east coast.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics: For many centuries, the region's economy was focused on fishing and agriculture. The lives of local residents were inextricably linked to the sea. This era left its mark on the culture and traditions that coexist today with industrial heritage. The sharp transition from an agrarian-fishing lifestyle to an industrial giant is the main feature of Pohang's historical path, defining its unique character.

Key Milestones in the History of Pohang

The history of Pohang is a path from ancient settlements to a modern industrial giant. The city, located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, has passed through many stages, each of which has left its mark on its unique appearance.

• 1500–300 BC — The first settlements appear on the territory of modern Pohang, as evidenced by dolmens and artifacts from the Mumun period found by archaeologists.
• 6th–7th Centuries — During the Three Kingdoms period, the region becomes part of the Silla Kingdom, contributing to its cultural and social development.
• 1930 — Construction of the modern port begins, marking the first step towards transforming a small fishing village into a significant economic center.
• 1931 — The settlement receives the official status of a township (eup), reflecting its growing importance.
• 1949 — Pohang is granted city status (si), consolidating its role in the country's administrative system.
• August 1950 — During the Korean War, the city becomes the site of fierce fighting, known as the Battle of Pohang, due to its strategic location and the presence of a port.
• 1968 — The Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO) is founded, which became a turning point in the city's history.
• 1972–1973 — The POSCO metallurgical complex begins operations, turning Pohang into the largest center of the steel industry in South Korea.
• 1995 — The administrative merger of Pohang City and Yeongil County takes place, significantly expanding its territory and population.
• 2009 — Reorganization of administrative districts (dongs) is carried out to optimize the management of the growing city.

Stages of Development and City Transformation

The development of the city of Pohang is a vivid example of rapid industrialization and subsequent urban renewal. Below are the key milestones that formed the modern economic and cultural appearance of this region, located in South Korea.

• Opening of the Seaport (1930s)
  The construction of modern port infrastructure was the first step towards integrating the settlement into the trade network. This event marked the beginning of the transition from traditional fishing to international logistics, laying the foundation for future industrial growth.
• Foundation of POSCO (1968)
  A fundamental event that defined the fate of the city. The construction of the metallurgical complex turned the region into the "steel heart" of the country, ensuring explosive population growth, the creation of thousands of jobs, and the formation of a powerful industrial base.
• Opening of POSTECH University (1986)
  The creation of the Pohang University of Science and Technology marked a shift from heavy industry to knowledge-intensive sectors. This event was of great importance for diversifying the economy, turning the city into a center for research and innovation.
• Administrative Merger (1995)
  The merger of Pohang City and Yeongil County significantly expanded the municipality's boundaries. This allowed for comprehensive urban planning, harmoniously combining industrial zones with residential areas and natural territories.
• Launch of Yeongilman Container Port (2009)
  The opening of a new deep-water port strengthened the city's status as a key logistics hub in the region, oriented towards trade and industrial exports, which gave a new impetus to the economy.
• Restoration of the Pohang Canal (2014)
  A crucial urban planning and environmental project. The restoration of the waterway, previously hidden under construction, breathed new life into the old city center, creating a popular waterfront and improving the quality of the urban environment.
• Launch of KTX High-Speed Rail (2015)
  Connecting to the high-speed rail network made the city easily accessible to residents of the capital and other regions. This event became a catalyst for tourism development, opening up local beaches and attractions to a wide audience.

The architectural appearance of Pohang is a visual history of its rapid transformation from a traditional coastal settlement into a powerful industrial center. You will hardly find classic European styles like Gothic or Baroque in the city. Instead, its development reflects the transition from traditional Korean buildings to 20th-century functionalism and 21st-century modern architecture.

Traditional Heritage and Early Development

Until the beginning of the 20th century, the region's architecture was represented by typical Korean structures: single-story houses with tiled or thatched roofs and small Buddhist temples. Although many of these structures were lost during rapid industrialization, echoes of the past can be found in the city's vicinity. For example, Bogyeongsa Temple, founded in the 7th century, and the ruins of Janggi-eup Fortress remind us of the centuries-old history of this land. These sites demonstrate traditional Korean architecture, harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape.

The Era of Industrialization: Functionalism and Modernism

The key stage that formed the modern look of Pohang was the construction of the POSCO metallurgical complex in the 1970s. This period was marked by the dominance of functionalism and modernism. Urban development was subordinated to the main goal — to meet the needs of the giant industrial complex. Numerous residential blocks with standard apartment buildings, administrative buildings of strict geometric shapes, and, of course, the massive industrial structures of the plant itself appeared, which still define the city's panorama today. The architecture of this time valued practicality, efficiency, and scale above all else.

Modern Stage: From Industry to Culture

From the end of the 20th century to the present day, Pohang is undergoing a new stage of development, striving to move away from the image of an exclusively industrial city. This period is characterized by the appearance of iconic objects of modern and postmodern architecture. An important project was the Pohang Canal, which not only improved the ecology but also created a popular public space. Vivid examples of the new architectural dominance include cultural and tourist attractions: the Space Walk art installation in Hwanho Park, the Yeongildae Pavilion on Yeongildae Beach, and the Museum of Art. These structures are distinguished by bold forms, the use of modern materials, and a focus on creating a comfortable urban environment for residents and tourists.

Notable People Associated with Pohang

The city of Pohang, known as the industrial heart of South Korea, is also the birthplace and place of activity for many talented and influential individuals who have left their mark on the country's history, culture, and sports.

Park Tae-joon (1927–2011)

Role: Industrialist, politician, founder of POSCO.

Although Park Tae-joon was not born in Pohang, his name is inextricably linked with the city. As the founder and first chairman of the steel company POSCO, he became the main driving force behind Pohang's transformation from a fishing village into a global center of the steel industry. His vision and perseverance laid the economic foundation of the modern city. Park Tae-joon also served as the Prime Minister of South Korea.

Lee Dong-gook (born 1979)

Role: Footballer, striker.

One of the most famous footballers in South Korean history, Lee Dong-gook was born in Pohang and began his professional career at the local club "Pohang Steelers". He holds the record for the most goals scored in the K-League and has repeatedly represented the country on the international stage, becoming a legend of Korean football.

Song Ji-hyo (born 1981)

Role: Actress, model, TV presenter.

A native of Pohang, Song Ji-hyo (real name — Cheon Seong-im) is one of the most recognizable South Korean actresses and media personalities. She gained wide fame thanks to roles in numerous dramas and films, as well as being a regular cast member of the globally popular TV show "Running Man".

Chan Sung Jung (born 1987)

Role: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter.

Known by the nickname "The Korean Zombie" for his incredible endurance and spectacular fighting style, Chan Sung Jung is one of the most popular MMA fighters from Asia. Born in Pohang, he has competed in leading global promotions, including the UFC, and has repeatedly fought for the championship title, bringing glory to his hometown on the international sports arena.

Kang Yeosang (born 1999)

Role: Singer, member of K-pop group ATEEZ.

A representative of the young generation of talent from Pohang, Kang Yeosang is a vocalist and visual of the popular K-pop group ATEEZ. The group has achieved global recognition, and Yeosang, as one of its members, contributes to the spread of Korean pop culture (Hallyu) around the world, serving as a source of pride for his fellow countrymen.