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The 35th Cross Cultural Event was held.
On May 25, iCONM held a Cross-Cultural Event for its staff members, facility users, and representatives from Kawasaki City and the Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion. In this session, Dr. PIAO, ZHENGYU, a post-doctoral fellow from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in Korea who is currently conducting research at iCONM, introduced the traditional culture and history of Pohang and the ancient city of Gyeongju in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, as well as POSTECH itself.
Gyeongsangbuk-do is the largest province in Korea, and its major cities, Pohang and Gyeongju, are known for their unique blend of historical heritage and modern urban landscapes. The presentation began with an introduction to Pohang. Located along Korea’s eastern coast, Pohang is famous for its beautiful seaside scenery and is often referred to as the “City of Sunrise” due to its reputation as one of the country’s best places to view the first sunrise of the year. The city is also a major center of Korea’s heavy industry. POSCO, established in Pohang in 1968, played a significant role in Korea’s development into one of the world’s leading industrial nations. Against the backdrop of this industrial growth, POSTECH was founded in Pohang and has since become one of Korea’s leading universities in science and engineering.
POSTECH was also introduced through the following video:
https://youtu.be/Ti7UDqb8ssg?si=Qj2Aj02DOg5axi5I
The presentation then moved on to Gyeongju, the former capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom. Gyeongju flourished as the capital of Silla for approximately 1,000 years and remains home to numerous cultural heritage sites today. Historical landmarks and monuments such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Daereungwon Tomb Complex can be found throughout the city, earning it the nickname “the museum without walls.” Gyeongju is also known as a center of scientific and technological advancement and Buddhist culture during the Silla period. Dr. PIAO introduced notable examples including Cheomseongdae, which is regarded as the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia, and Woljeonggyo Bridge, which showcases the advanced civil engineering techniques of ancient Korea. In recent years, Gyeongju has also gained popularity among younger generations through attractions such as Hwangridan-gil, a vibrant district featuring cafés and restaurants housed in traditional Korean hanok buildings, making the city a notable example of harmony between historical heritage and contemporary culture.
During the discussion session, participants asked about recommended local dishes in Pohang. Dr. PIAO introduced regional specialties such as gwamegi, a traditional semi-dried fish delicacy, and snow crab, which is well known as a local specialty.
Given that both Pohang and Kawasaki have developed as major industrial cities, many participants may have felt a sense of connection between the two cities.
