South Korea to build earthquake safety center in Pohang

South Korean authorities have announced the construction of the Pohang Earthquake Safety Comprehensive Center at the former geothermal power research site that triggered the 2017 Pohang earthquake. The project will be funded entirely by national budget, totaling 22 billion won.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Pohang City to define roles for the project. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment will oversee construction, while the KMA will be responsible for the center's operation upon completion.

The facility is designed to serve as a hub for earthquake observation, data analysis, and technical research. It will also include safety education and exhibition spaces to improve public response capabilities to seismic events. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of this year, with a target completion date in the first half of 2028.