Pohang - History

History

The earliest evidence of human occupation in the Pohang area is from the Mumun Pottery Period (1500–300 BC). Archaeologists have unearthed small villages and megalithic burials (dolmens) from this period. Still a small fishing village at the dawn of the 20th century, the earliest steps toward developing Pohang into a place of greater significance were taken in 1930 with the construction of a modern harbour. Pohang grew rapidly afterward, attaining the designation of a Town in 1931 and then earning the status of a City in 1949.

Pohang's road arteries and shipping port made it a place of strategic significance during the Korean War. An unopposed landing of UN forces at Pohang on July 18, 1950 was the first large-scale amphibious operation since World War II, and the region around Pohang saw fierce clashes between South Korea's 3rd Infantry Division and North Korea's 5th Infantry Division during August–September 1950.

By the 1960s, Pohang was a small coastal city with a population of 50,000. The next major development in Pohang's growth came in 1968 with the inauguration of the steel maker POSCO, and the local plant's commencement of production in 1972. The introduction of heavy industry to the city brought the local economy to a blend of iron, steel, shipbuilding and fisheries through the end of the 20th century.

The early 21st century and the age of globalization has brought new economic challenges to companies such as POSCO, giving rise to beliefs that Pohang would be wise to not be overly reliant on heavy industry to maintain its prosperity. In response, the Pohang of today presents itself as having an eye to the future, striving to become a diversified city of environmentalism and advanced learning, as well as a centre of arts and culture.

Silla Dynasty : Toehwa-hyeon, Jidap-hyeon, Geunoji-hyeon, Haeah-hyeon.

Goryeo Dynasty: Re-titled to Heunghae-gun, Janggi-hyeon, Yeongil-hyeon, Cheongha-hyeon.

1896.08.04 : Four counties, Heunghae, Cheongha, Yeonil, and Janggi were established due to the practice of 13-Do system

1914.03.01 : Four counties unified as Yeongil-gun (18 myeons)

1931.04.01 : Pohang-myeon promoted to Pohang-eup (1 eup, 17 myeons)

1934.04.01 : Jukbuk.Juknam-myeon unified as Jukjang-myeon, Janggi. Bongsan-myeon unified as Jihaeng-myeon (1 eup, 15 myeons)

1938.10.01 : Hyeongsan-myeon incorporated into Pohang-eup (1 eup, 14 myeons)

1942.10.01 : Changju-myeon promoted to Guryongpo-eup (2 eups, 13 myeons)

1949.08.15 : Pohang-eup promoted to Pohang-si (1 si, 1 eup, 13 myeons, 1 branch office)

1956.07.08 : Heunghae, Gokgang-myeon incorporated into Uichang-myeon (1 si, 1 eup, 12 myeons)

1957.10.29 : Abolition of Daljeon-myeon, incorporated into Heunghae/Yeonil (1 si, 1 eup, 11 myeons)

1967.03.01 : Establishment of Gibuk branch office of Gigye-myeon

1973.07.01 : Uichang-myeon promoted to Uichang-eup (1 si, 2 eups, 10 myeons, 3 branch offices)

1980.12.01 : Yeonil, Ocheon-myeon promoted to eups (1 si, 4 eups, 8 myeons, 3 branch offices)

1982.09.01 : Separation of Haedo 1/2 dong, Sangdae 1/2 dong

1986.04.01 : Daebo, Gibuk branch office promoted to myeon (1 si, 4 eups, 10 myeons, 1 branch office)

1995.01.01 : Starts as united Pohang-si (1 si, 2 gus, 4 eups, 10 myeons, 25 dongs, 1 branch office)

1998.09.01 : Unification of Gwaso-dong (1 si, 2 gus, 4 eups, 10 myeons, 19 dongs, 1 branch office)

2006.12.26 : Moved into the new building in Daejam-dong