South Korea's First Industrial Complex Ulsan, Reflecting on 60 Years of History

January 27th Declared as Ulsan Industrial District Day Annually

Role as South Korea's Industrial Capital for the Next 60 Years

Ulsan City Hall.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Ulsan City held the ‘60th Anniversary Ceremony of Ulsan Industrial Center Designation’ on the 27th at UECO, broadcast live on YouTube, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the designation of a specific industrial district.

The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Ulsan, Park Jin-gyu, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, contributors to the development of Ulsan Industrial Center, representatives from commerce and labor sectors, and about 100 citizens, all key figures in South Korea’s industrial development.

The city stated that the ceremony was held to commemorate the passionate 60 years of Ulsan’s past and to share the future vision and aspirations for the next 60 years with its citizens.

Ulsan City was designated as South Korea’s first industrial district on January 27, 1962, and began the development of the Ulsan Industrial Center on February 3, 1962.

Since then, it has played the role of an advanced base for economic development plans, leading modernization and serving as the industrial capital of South Korea.

At the event, the city proclaimed January 27, the designation day of the Ulsan Industrial District, as ‘Ulsan Industrial District Day.’

Ulsan Industrial District Day will be designated as a commemorative day along with Ulsan Citizens’ Day, the day for key industries such as automobile, shipbuilding, and chemical industries, and Hydrogen Industry Day, with regular commemorative and related events to be held thereafter.

Commendations were also awarded to contributors to industrial development who have contributed to South Korea’s industrial progress in automobile, shipbuilding, petrochemical, and other sectors.

A total of 21 people received honors, including 7 recipients of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Commendation, 3 recipients of the Vice Chairman of the Job Committee Commendation, and 11 recipients of the Ulsan Mayor’s Commendation.

In addition to the ceremony on the day, events celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Ulsan Industrial Center designation will continue.

An academic conference discussing Ulsan’s future development direction and new industry promotion was held, and on the 28th, a New Year’s concert titled ‘Encore Ulsan 1962’ will be held at the Ulsan Culture and Arts Center.

From the 27th to June 26, the Ulsan Museum will hold a special exhibition commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Ulsan Industrial District designation, displaying changes and developments over the past 60 years along with related materials.

At the Ulsan Industrial Center Groundbreaking Ceremony Memorial Hall on the 2nd floor of Jangsaengpo Cultural Warehouse in Nam-gu, visitors can get an overview of Ulsan’s growth as an industrial capital since the establishment of the Industrial Center.

A city official said, “By designating Ulsan as a specific industrial district and successfully implementing the five-year economic development plan, South Korea’s industry and economy have achieved remarkable progress. With Ulsan’s resilience in times of crisis, we will take the lead in responding to infectious diseases, climate crises, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”