The committee decided to change its title to “Gyeongbuk East Coast Harmony Corporation” and vowed to work more closely for harmonious co-existence and cooperation within the region.


Pohang, Gyeongju, Yeongdeok-gun, Uljin-gun and Ulleung-gun have joined forces to advance their efforts to improve the quality of life for the residents and progress of the region.

On June 16, the routine meeting of the “Committee for Regional Right-For-Well-Being Administration” was held at Hwabaek Convention Center, attended by the Pohang Mayor Lee Kang-deok, Gyeongju Mayor Choi Yang Sik, Yeongdeok County Mayor Lee Hee Jin, Ulleung County Mayor Choi Su Il and Deputy Ulleung County Mayor Kum Sung Hyun as well as about 50 private representatives from the five regions.

Headed by Pohang Mayor Lee, the conference began with reports on progress and plans for promotion of the “Right for Well Being” followed by resolution on motions put forward in the regular session. It then moved on to discussion of collaborative projects and finished with plans for promotion of cultural festivals and events in each region.

All five regions vowed to work together for joint facilitation and use of tourist and public facilities and attractions on Gyeongbuk [Gyeongsangbukdo Province]‘s east coast; promotion of cultural events for reinforcement of collaboration between regional offices; and joint management of the “Multi-Cultual Committee” for rapport and harmony in order to enhance the quality of life for local residents by reducing the limiting boundaries between regional administrative bodies.

Also, for the progress of the East Coast region, which possesses beauty of nature and marine resources in abundance, all five regions agreed to vigorously pursue the completion of SOC projects such as construction of the East Coast Highway, Yeongilman Bridge, and North-South East Coast rail. line.

The member regions of the Committee for Regional Right-for-Well-Being Management have been running designated regional department branches in each regional office – administration and finances in Pohang, culture and tourism in Gyeongju, engineering and SOC in Youngdeok, maritime and agriculture in Uljin, and welfare and environment administration in Ulleung – to enhance the productivity and focus of each individual project.

As result, the initial 12 projects in three divisions launched in the inaugural meeting have grown to 25 projects in five divisions, and the progress of each project has gained speed thanks to collaboration between related departments in each city and municipal office.

Furthermore, during the session it was decided that the committee shall change its name to the “Committee for Harmonious Cooperation in Gyeongbuk East Coast” to ensure better understanding and empathy from local residents.

Pohang Mayor Lee Kang-deok stressed that “the five regions joining forces will ensure more prosperity for the 1 million residents of the region” and pleaded for each city/municipal department to “work closely with each other and do their utmost for the progress of Gyeongbuk and its East Coast territories.”