Four Outstanding Long-Lasting Companies with an Average of 52 Years in Business
Supporting the Local Economy
Two Master Artisans Recognized for Skilled Expertise
Contributing to Industrial Development and Economic Vitality
Companies and artisans who have supported the backbone of the local economy for over 30 years gathered in one place to receive plaques that commemorate their chronicles of hard work and perseverance.
On December 23, Pohang City held the "2025 Pohang City Outstanding Long-Lasting Companies and Master Artisans Plaque Award Ceremony" at the City Hall's External Cooperation Office.
Pohang City Awards Plaques to Outstanding Long-Established Companies and Master Artisans Who Have Sustained the Local Economy for 30 Years. Photo by Pohang City
This event was organized to commend the efforts of four outstanding long-lasting companies and two master artisans in Pohang, who were selected through the deliberation of the relevant review committee, and to present them with plaques.
The "Pohang City Outstanding Long-Lasting Companies" are selected from among small and medium-sized enterprises that have been based in the region and growing for over 30 years, based on a comprehensive evaluation of their contributions to the local economy such as employment and employee welfare, financial soundness, technological and managerial innovation capabilities, and cooperation with the local community. This program was introduced for the first time last year and marks its second year in 2025.
The four companies selected as the 2025 Outstanding Long-Lasting Companies, following the deliberation of the Business Activity Support Committee on December 16, are Dongsung Electric, Dongsung Shipbuilding, Dongju Industry, and Samheung Enterprise. These companies have supported the local economy by operating in Pohang for an average of more than 52 years, with the shortest being 36 years and the longest 79 years.
Companies selected as Pohang City Outstanding Long-Lasting Companies receive a certificate and a plaque of recognition. For three years, they are also granted various benefits, including a suspension of local tax audits, preferential support for interest subsidies on loans to small and medium-sized enterprises, free use of Pohang City’s public parking lots, and priority in SME support programs.
This year’s "Pohang City Master Artisans" were selected through a document review after applications in November, followed by a final evaluation on December 8 by a panel of external experts in the relevant fields. The final honorees were Jang Baekseok from POSCO in the field of mechanical maintenance and Lee Seokyeon from POSCO in the field of metal forming.
Both artisans have worked in their respective fields for over 30 years, possessing highly skilled expertise. They were highly rated for their numerous patents and proposals, as well as their contributions to training the next generation and their social contribution activities within the community.
The selected master artisans receive a certificate and a plaque, as well as a monthly technical incentive of 100,000 won for three years and opportunities to participate in technical dissemination projects organized by technical associations. Since the enactment of the "Pohang City Ordinance on the Promotion and Support of Skilled Technicians" in 2019, a total of 34 master artisans have been recognized, including the two selected this year.
Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "Thanks to the companies and skilled technicians who have steadfastly safeguarded the local economy in their respective positions for over 30 years, Pohang has been able to endure difficult times. We will continue to provide active support so that Pohang can once again leap forward as a city that is attractive for both business and work."
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