Pohang City Targets Both 'Future Industries' and 'Raising Children'

Official Launch of Graphene Industry Development Committee

Recruitment of 40 Senior Participants for "Grandparents Care" Employment Program

Pohang City is focusing its administrative efforts on solving two key challenges: securing a global lead in the advanced new materials industry and overcoming the crisis of ultra-low birth rates.

On April 13, the city announced plans to establish an expert governance body for the development of the graphene industry and unveiled the "Grandparents and Grandchildren Care Project," designed to ease the childcare burden on dual-income families.

On the same day, Pohang City held the inaugural meeting of the "Pohang City Graphene Industry Development Committee" in the main conference room at City Hall.

Pohang City Hall Exterior View

This committee, the first of its kind among local governments nationwide to be formed under a dedicated ordinance, is recognized for establishing a unique and innovative governance structure for Pohang by bringing together top experts from industry, academia, and research sectors.

The committee is chaired by Acting Mayor Jang Sangkil, with participants including Hong Byunghee, CEO of Graphene Square, and Lee Taewoo, President of the Korea Graphene Society. The committee will deliberate on fostering the graphene industry and improving related policies.

In the medium to long term, the city aims to create the "Pohang Graphene Valley," encompassing the entire process from material production to commercialization. With this, Pohang seeks designation as a national advanced strategic technology zone and plans to secure broad government support, including large-scale national R&D projects and tax benefits.

Acting Mayor Jang Sangkil stated, "This committee, which brings together experts from industry, academia, and research, will serve as a turning point for Pohang to become a global hub for advanced materials."

Alongside fostering future industries, Pohang City is also taking action to develop effective measures to address the low birth rate.

Pohang City is recruiting 40 participants for the 'Grandparent-Grandchild Care Project' from the 20th to the 24th. Provided by Pohang City

To fill the childcare gap for dual-income and large families, the city will recruit 40 participants for the "Grandparents and Grandchildren Care Project" from April 20 to 24.

This initiative serves as a leading model for senior employment, where grandparents aged 60 and over provide direct care for their grandchildren.

Selected participants will support their grandchildren’s drop-off and pick-up and provide a range of childcare services, including play activities, over approximately five months.

This is expected to expand intergenerational care culture, offering seniors opportunities for social participation and income generation, while providing young couples with a safe environment to entrust their children.

Lee Eunju, Director of the Senior and Disabled Welfare Division of Pohang City, commented, "This project offers the dual benefits of reducing the childcare burden on families and expanding opportunities for seniors. We will continue to implement various policies to make Pohang a great place to raise children."

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