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Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL) is a world class scientific research facility featuring the latest in synchrotron light source and X-ray Free Electron Laser experimental facilities. PAL’s mission is to enable internationally leading research through the operation of a user facility that’s accessible to a diverse spectrum of researchers, at the same time driving the capabilities and prominence of science and technology in Korea. PAL was established in 1988, as an affiliate research institute at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in Korea. PAL operates two world class X-ray user facilities: a 3rd generation synchrotron radiation source named PLS-II (Pohang Light Source-II) and an X-ray free electron laser named PAL-XFEL. PAL-XFEL is the world’s third hard X-ray free electron laser facility. It is equipped with two undulator lines: a hard x-ray beamline provides a very stable XFEL beam from 2.5keV to 14.5 keV and operates at 30 and 60 Hz; a soft x-ray beam line provides photons from 290 eV to 1200 eV. PAL facilities are enabling a diverse range of applications. On PAL-XFEL, researchers are studying materials by observing reaction processes occurring at the speed of several hundred femtoseconds. Using an x-ray fragment screening system, PLS-II can be used for fragment-based drug discovery technique (FBDD), a project run in collaboration with the Korean pharmaceutical industry. Working with industry is an essential part of the research PAL does. To build on this, PAL has established the Industrial Technology Convergence Center (ITCC). ITCC provides technological consulting, synchrotron radiation measurements and data analysis for a range of companies including Samsung and LG. Through this kind of research, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory is establishing itself as one of the world’s leading synchrotron radiation facilities, and leading the way for the next generation of breakthroughs in science and technology in Korea.