A comprehensive earthquake safety center will be established at the site of the geothermal power research facility that triggered the 2017 Pohang earthquake. The project will cost a total of 22 billion won, with construction set to begin by the end of this year and completion expected in the first half of 2028.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Korea Meteorological Administration, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and the city of Pohang announced on the 23rd that they will sign a memorandum of understanding for the establishment and operation of the Pohang Earthquake Safety Comprehensive Center at the Korea Meteorological Administration's Seoul office.
The center will be located at the geothermal power research site that caused the 2017 Pohang earthquake. The government plans to develop this site into a hub for earthquake observation, research, technology demonstration, and safety education.
The entire 22 billion won for the center's construction will be funded by the national government. The goal is to start construction by the end of this year and complete it in the first half of 2028. Once operational, the center will enhance earthquake observation and analysis technologies, develop new earthquake services, and provide safety education for the public.
Previously, the lack of a designated agency to operate the center after its completion had delayed related procedures, such as site usage permits. This agreement clarifies the roles, with the Ministry of Climate overseeing the construction and the Korea Meteorological Administration responsible for its operation. Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and the city of Pohang will provide administrative support, including securing permits and site usage rights.
The Ministry of Climate will manage the center's construction project until its completion in the first half of 2028, incorporating the operational direction of the Korea Meteorological Administration during the design and construction phases. The Korea Meteorological Administration will design the center's functions and establish the operational framework, including organization, personnel, and budget. Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and the city of Pohang will also support collaboration with local universities and research institutions.
The four agencies will form a working-level committee to monitor the implementation of the agreement.
Lee Ho-hyun, the Deputy Minister of Climate, stated, "The Pohang earthquake is a lesson that the government must not forget while pursuing energy policies. Establishing a hub for earthquake safety at the site where the pain began is a promise that the government must fulfill responsibly, and we will ensure that the project proceeds without any setbacks until its completion in 2028."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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