Pohang City Continues Earthquake Recovery Support... Boosting Local Vitality with Leading SMEs and Haeoreumdaegyo Observatory Opening

by Choi Daeok

Published 27 Jul.2026 13:30(KST)

Despite 'Not Guilty' Verdict in First Trial of Induced Earthquake Case
"Unwavering Commitment to Restoring Citizen Damages and Protecting Rights"
KOASYSTEM New Headquarters Opens as a Promising Local Enterprise
Aiming for KRW 50 Billion in Revenue and 100 New Jobs
Official Opening of Haeoreumdaegyo Observatory on the 27th
Anticipated as a New Hotspot for Yeongil Bay and POSCO Nightscape

Pohang City is continuing its efforts to support citizens in recovering from damages related to the induced earthquake, regardless of the outcome of the criminal trial. At the same time, the city is fully committed to revitalizing the local economy and improving the quality of life for its citizens through the achievements of promising local small and medium-sized enterprises as well as the opening of a new marine tourism landmark.

On the 23rd, following the first trial at the Pohang branch of the Daegu District Court—which found all stakeholders of the geothermal power plant project not guilty with respect to the "Pohang Induced Earthquake" criminal case—Pohang City announced that it would continue providing support for citizen recovery, apart from the judicial ruling.

Pohang City Hall Exterior View

Pohang Mayor Park Yongseon stated, "Addressing the challenges and the aftermath of the earthquake remains a task we must tackle together," and added, "We hope the difficulties faced by affected residents will be adequately reflected in the Supreme Court's appellate hearing (civil lawsuit), and we will do our utmost to provide administrative support."

Currently, a civil lawsuit filed by residents seeking compensation for emotional damages against the government and others is under appeal at the Supreme Court.

Pohang City's efforts to foster leading promising enterprises have also borne fruit.

On the 24th, the city announced the opening ceremony of the new headquarters for KOASYSTEM Co., Ltd., a company specializing in automation equipment, at Pohang Convergence Technology Industrial Complex.

KOASYSTEM Co., Ltd., which began in 2015 as a promising local small and medium-sized enterprise in Pohang and has since grown into a Gyeongbuk Star Company, has established a modern automated factory and new headquarters on a 2,751-pyeong site.

CEO Park Jeseo expressed his ambition to achieve 50 billion won in sales and create 100 jobs through global market expansion, while Mayor Park Yongseon stated, "We will expand tailored business support to help the company grow into a world-class enterprise."

Good news has also arrived in the tourism sector. Pohang City will officially open the "Haeoreumdaegyo Observatory," which offers panoramic views of Youngil Bay, the city center, and the nightscape of POSCO, on the 27th.

Located on the bridge's main tower, the observatory consists of a three-story indoor area and a four-story outdoor terrace, conveniently accessible via elevators and a walkway connected to both Songdo and Youngildaegyo sides.

The observatory is open year-round free of charge (from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and for safety, simultaneous entry is limited to around 50 people.