Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center Construction Accelerates... Aiming to Become a Global MICE Hub City

Groundbreaking Ceremony on 18th, 63,818㎡ Convention Center to Be Completed in 2026

Preparations Underway for MICE City Leap with International Exhibitions and Conferences

The construction of the Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center (POEX), a key infrastructure for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry that Pohang City is promoting as a priority project, is set to begin in earnest.

Bird's-eye view of Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center.

The city will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center (POEX) on the 18th in the Jangseong-dong area.

To commemorate the groundbreaking ceremony of the convention center, which will represent the region, together with local residents, the event will also feature congratulatory performances by trot singers Ryu Yeonju and Shin Sung.

The construction of the Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center (POEX) began with the establishment of the basic plan in 2020, followed by a feasibility study, central government financial investment review, design competition, and construction bidding announcement. In June of this year, Dongbu Construction Co., Ltd. was selected as the contractor.

The Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center will be built with a total investment of 216.6 billion KRW, covering a total floor area of 63,818 square meters (about 19,300 pyeong), with one basement level and five above-ground floors. It will house exhibition halls, a convention hall, auxiliary facilities, rental offices, and a parking lot for 838 vehicles. The first phase is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

The city plans to make thorough preparations to ensure a seamless transition to becoming a MICE industry hub. By 2027, when POEX is fully operational, Pohang will focus on developing international exhibitions that integrate its core industries?steel, secondary batteries, bio, and hydrogen?and organizing and attracting international conferences under the theme of transforming from a steel-centered gray city to a human-centered, ecological, and carbon-neutral city.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "The Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center will become a new landmark representing Pohang," adding, "Through this, we will actively respond to the demand for new industry exhibition and convention events, host global forums and events, and foster the MICE industry to create jobs and invigorate the local economy."

Pohang City is currently conducting a basic conceptual study for the second phase of the convention center. The second phase will further expand the international exhibition and convention center by adding facilities such as an auditorium, exhibition halls, convention halls, hotel, and leisure facilities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.