Pohang is committed to advancing sustainability and social equity through a comprehensive framework that includes the Basic Ordinance on Sustainable Development and its 2021 declaration as a ‘Global ESG City,’ reflecting a commitment to sustainability guided by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. This approach seeks to balance economic growth with social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
As a UNESCO Learning City, Pohang promotes lifelong learning as a foundation for sustainability and inclusion. Through the Pohang Sustainable Development Council, the city supports a wide range of educational initiatives, from digital training to smart farming, that strengthen civic engagement and local capacity. One of its flagship efforts, the Greenway Project, has created over 767,000 square meters of green space, enhancing quality of life while serving as a space for community learning and participation in sustainable urban development.
Equity challenges
- Job displacement from industrial automation
Pohang’s transition toward advanced industries and increased automation has resulted in job reductions, posing a challenge to long-term social and economic sustainability. In response, the city is investing in emerging sectors such as secondary batteries, hydrogen, and biotechnology. These efforts aim to generate new employment opportunities, particularly for young people, and support broader regional revitalization.
- Urban Decline and Regional Disparities
The continued decline of the youth population and increasing urban hollowing present ongoing challenges for Pohang, particularly in comparison to larger metropolitan areas. To foster more equitable development, the city is prioritizing balanced urban regeneration and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities in rural and fishing communities, working to narrow spatial and socio-economic disparities.
- Urban resilience and climate adaptation
Pohang has experienced the direct impacts of natural disasters, including earthquakes and typhoons, which have underscored the city’s vulnerability to climate-related shocks. These risks pose serious challenges, especially for people living in areas with older infrastructure or limited access to resources. To protect communities and reduce these disparities, the city is working to strengthen climate-responsive urban planning, improve seismic infrastructure, and invest in disaster preparedness and ecosystem restoration. Building urban resilience is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring safety, well-being, and long-term sustainability for all residents.
Pohang is working to embed equity as a core principle across its urban policies, advancing innovative, citizen-driven initiatives that reflect the city’s unique identity. The vision is a resilient, nature-friendly Pohang where sustainable green growth goes hand in hand with social inclusion, ensuring that all residents are part of the city’s transformation.
