Pohang Steel Yard

History

Former honorary POSCO chairman Park Tae-joon pushed for the construction of a football-specific stadium as a step towards the professionalisation of the POSCO team and the development of football in South Korea more broadly. Construction was completed in 1990 and the Steel Yard opened to the public in November of that year with a match between POSCO Atoms (now Pohang Steelers) and Korea University.

Pohang Steelers marked the 30th anniversary of the Steel Yard in 2020 by incorporating the stadium into the design of their home kit and releasing commemorative merchandise.

In 2022, the stadium was damaged by Typhoon Hinnamnor, forcing the Steelers to play a K League 1 home fixture against Suwon Samsung Bluewings at the Bluewings' own home ground.

Structure and facilities

In 2003, the stadium was upgraded with a comprehensive renovation, such as a year-round turf field, modern sound system, and new player lockers. The electric scoreboard and lightings, sound facilities and convenient facilities are rated as good as those of the stadiums built to host the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

The VIP seating area, known as the Skybox, was refurbished in 2024 and seats up to 13 people. Ahead of the 2025 season, Pohang Steelers revealed a series of renovations to the stadium including the expansion of the supporters area in the north stand and the addition of seating with tables in some parts of the home end. Several convenience stores and fast food outlets were also opened within the stadium.

Transport

The Steel Yard is located in the industrial area to the south of Pohang, 12 km away from Pohang station. The stadium is served by local buses and there is free on-site parking for spectators.

References

References

1. Seo, Seo-bin. (16 October 2018). "한국 축구 역사의 증거, 스틸야드".
2. (15 September 2016). "Welcome to Korea's first home of football — Pohang's iconic Steel Yard".
3. (9 November 1990). "축구전용구장 국내 첫선 포철, 1백10억 들여 완공".
4. Lee, Bareum. (9 December 2019). "'축구의 성지' 포항스틸야드 위용 담았다".
5. Thomson Kim, Dave. (6 September 2022). "South Korea's historic football stadium was attacked by a typhoon".
6. Bae, Jin-nam. (8 September 2022). "K리그1 포항-수원 14일 포항 경기, 태풍 피해로 수원서 개최".
7. Football Tripper. (2 July 2015). "Pohang Steel Yard". footballtripper.com.
8. Lee, Young-ho. (4 July 2024). "K리그1 포항, 스틸야드 스카이박스 리뉴얼".
9. Kim, Jo-hwi. (7 February 2025). "K리그1 포항, 스틸야드 새 단장 완료…좌석·편의시설 확대".
10. Lee, Won-hee. (8 February 2025). "포항스틸야드 새 단장 완료! 서포팅존·테이블 추가... 편의점·음식점도 생겼다".
11. Farrell, Andrew. (13 July 2023). "Groundhopper's guide to..... Pohang Steel Yard".