As part of the POSCO 1% Foundation project, POSCO INTERNATIONAL is renovating historic sites associated with the Korean independence movement in Mexico, the U.S., and the Netherlands in partnership with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs
Following projects in China, Mongolia, and New Zealand last year, the company is expanding its efforts to preserve overseas independence movement heritage and promote a culture of honoring national heroes
In partnership with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, POSCO INTERNATIONAL (CEO Lee Kye-In) is expanding its project this year to install PosART panels at overseas historic sites related to the Korean independence movement in countries such as Mexico, the United States, and the Netherlands. Following the installation of 64 panels at historic sites in China, Mongolia, and New Zealand last year, the company plans to install a total of 111 panels in the three countries by March next year, including both new installations and replacements of existing panels.
The project is being carried out as part of the POSCO 1% Foundation’s social contribution project, funded by voluntary donations from its executives and employees. The goal of the project is to preserve the historical value of overseas historic sites related to the Korean independence movement and raise awareness among overseas Koreans and local visitors of the history and significance of the movement.
On National Liberation Day, August 15 (local time), POSCO INTERNATIONAL and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Mexico held a reopening ceremony for the Merida Korean National Association Local Hall (now the Museum Commemorating the Immigration of Koreans to Yucatán) in Merida, Mexico. As part of the reopening, the company replaced the building’s entrance sign and information boards with PosART panels and enhanced the museum’s visitor information facilities.
The ceremony was attended by Lee Joo-Il, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Mexico; Ko Young-Hak, Head of POSCO INTERNATIONAL Mexico E-Mobility; Kim Yoon-Tae, Head of the Management Support Office at Kia Mexico Corporation; representatives from the Mexico branch of the Cultural Heritage Restoration Foundation; and members of the Korean Descendants Association in Mexico City, who gathered to reflect on the significance of the project.
The Merida Korean National Association Local Hall was used by the Mexico City branch of the Korean National Association in 1942 preserving the history of the Korean community in Mexico and the activities of the Korean National Association. It is now operated as the Korean Immigration History Museum, where visitors can learn about the early history of Korean immigration to Mexico and the Korean independence movement.
Following the project in Mexico, POSCO INTERNATIONAL will replace the entrance sign at the Yi Jun Peace Museum in The Hague, the Netherlands, in September. From the end of this year through March next year, it will also install 107 new panels at the Hung Sa Dahn Headquarters in Los Angeles, the United States, continuing its efforts to preserve overseas historic sites related to the Korean independence movement.
PosART is a high-resolution color steel plate created by applying inkjet printing technology to steel, offering over four times the resolution of conventional printed steel plates for precise designs. Its excellent durability and corrosion resistance allow it to retain its quality over extended periods in a wide range of climatic conditions, making it well suited for signage and information facilities at historical and cultural heritage sites.
“Preserving the overseas heritage of the Korean independence movement and passing on its history to future generations, especially around National Liberation Day, is a social responsibility that companies should also share,” said a POSCO INTERNATIONAL official. “We will continue to contribute to preserving independence movement heritage and promoting a culture of honoring national heroes by working with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and relevant organizations in Korea and abroad.”
Meanwhile, in May, approximately 24,000 executives and employees of POSCO Group across 23 countries participated in Global Volunteer Week, the Group’s flagship social contribution initiative, engaging in volunteer activities tailored to local needs, including improving housing conditions for vulnerable groups, responding to wildfires, and enhancing educational environments. In addition, the POSCO 1% Foundation continues to expand its social contribution initiatives, including a project to provide advanced assistive devices to national veterans, while contributing to stronger ties with local communities and promoting a culture of sharing.
▲ Group photo from the reopening ceremony of the Merida Korean National Association Local Hall (now the Museum Commemorating the Immigration of Koreans to Yucatán) in Mexico. From left in the back row: Ko Young-hak, President of POSCO INTERNATIONAL Mexico E-Mobility; Kim Yun-tae, Vice President of Business Support Group at Kia Mexico; Juan Durán Cong, President of the Korean Descendants Association of Yucatán; and Lee Joo-il, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Mexico
▲ PosART information panel installed at the Merida Korean National Association Local Hall (now the Museum Commemorating the Immigration of Koreans to Yucatán) in Mexico
▲ Group photo from the reopening ceremony of the Merida Korean National Association Local Hall (now the Museum Commemorating the Immigration of Koreans to Yucatán) in Mexico. From left in the back row: Ko Young-hak, President of POSCO INTERNATIONAL Mexico E-Mobility; Kim Yun-tae, Vice President of Business Support Group at Kia Mexico; Juan Durán Cong, President of the Korean Descendants Association of Yucatán; and Lee Joo-il, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Mexico
▲ PosART information panel installed at the Merida Korean National Association Local Hall (now the Museum Commemorating the Immigration of Koreans to Yucatán) in Mexico