By Honorary Reporter Kate Kalinova from Australia

Photos = Kate Kalinova

The southern seaside city of Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, is famous for mouth-watering seafood like snow crabs, and is also where the 2019 K-drama "When the Camellia Blooms" was filmed. But Pohang also houses the world's sixth-largest steelmaker POSCO and second-largest steel mill.

Established in 1968, POSCO's Pohang Steelworks was the first integrated steel mill in Korea and proved influential in Korea's industrialization and bid to secure a globally competitive industrial manufacturing base.

Early efforts to develop the Korean steel industry failed, as international steelmakers were reluctant to provide the underdeveloped and economically struggling nation with funding for industrial development. The POSCO History Museum within the newly redeveloped Park 1538 complex, which is across the mill, features this history.

Park 1538, whose name refers to the temperature at which high-grade iron melts, was opened in April last year and has two museums. One covers POSCO's history and the development of the domestic steel industry, while the other is an interactive space providing insight into the steelmaking process and modern applications of steel technology. 

Park 1538

The sheer magnitude of the steelworks and influence of POSCO throughout the city are awe-inspiring. In November last year, POSCO built and donated to the city the steel art installation POSCO Space Walk, which is now one of Pohang's leading tourist attractions. Though admission to the space walk is free, visitors might need to wait in line for 20-30 minutes due to its high popularity. 

POSCO Space Walk

Pohang is also home to Pohang University of Science and Technology, better known as POSTECH. The school was the nation's first research-oriented university in line with the nation's push to industrialize and foster a highly educated and skilled workforce. 

Pohang University of Science and Technology, better known as POSTECH

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.