The magnitude of the Pohang earthquake that happened in 2017 is not comparable to earthquakes in other stricken areas (say, ring of fire). However, it was unprecedented at least within the Korean peninsula. This study explores how social relations and people’s lives have changed since the earthquake. For interviews, we contacted people through the Pohang disaster psychology support program as well as the emergency action committee of H apartment complex. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on about 20 interviewees. In terms of physical aspects, i.e. casualties and restoration expenditure, the Pohang earthquake was a small-scale earthquake. However, the social recovery process concerning refugee camps, the reconstruction of homes and treating trauma have not been resolved yet. We have witnessed similar social phenomenon in previous disaster anthropology studies including dichotomous conflicts between ‘us’ and ‘them’ (especially, victims versus public institution) and changes in social relations after public compensations have been rewarded. That this social conflict is still pervasive means that the social repercussions of the Pohang earthquake are still ongoing.