*POSCO Korea Fellowship Scholar is a global leadership scholarship program that supports promising young talents from overseas to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees at prestigious graduate schools in Korea, covering full tuition and living expenses.

Hello, my name is Sena, and I’m from Türkiye. I was selected as a POSCO Korea Fellowship scholar in the fall of 2023, and I’m currently completing my master’s degree in Media and Communication Studies at Hanyang University. My research focuses on a comparative analysis between Korean dramas and their Turkish remake versions, exploring hybridity* and cultural proximity between the two cultures. I’m deeply interested in cross-cultural interactions and discourses through media, and I hope that my research will make a small contribution to the mutual understanding and exchange of cultural content between Korea and Türkiye.

*Hybridity: A concept referring to the phenomenon of different cultures blending to create a new cultural form.

I had always wanted to pursue my master’s degree in Korea since my undergraduate years. While researching various scholarships, I first came across the POSCO Korea Fellowship. However, I learned that usually only one student from Türkiye is selected each year, so there were times when I didn’t even dare to apply. Then, in the summer of 2023, I happened to see an announcement that the application deadline had been extended — and I gathered all my courage to apply.

Although I had been interviewed for other scholarships before, the POSCO Korea Fellowship interview felt entirely different. Rather than simply evaluating applicants, the interviewers genuinely tried to understand us, asking thoughtful and detailed questions. I still vividly remember the moment I received the acceptance email. I was on my way to work, and when I saw the message, I was so happy that I burst into tears and immediately called my friends. That day remains one of the happiest moments of my life.

Due to personal reasons, I wasn’t able to participate in many official events during the fellowship period, but the recent farewell event was truly meaningful for me. It was a great opportunity to learn more about POSCO and the POSCO TJ Park Foundation, and most importantly, to meet and connect with other fellows.

In past events, I was often the only Turkish participant, but this time, I was delighted to meet other Turkish fellows as well. I could really feel how much everyone had grown and accomplished over the past two years. It was a deeply touching moment — bittersweet, since it might have been our last gathering, but also filled with gratitude for the wonderful friendships I had formed through this program.

As an undergraduate, I majored in Korean Language and Literature and spent a semester in Korea as an exchange student. Experiencing the academic environment and campus life firsthand, I became convinced that I wanted to pursue my master’s degree in Korea.

I’ve always been fascinated by media studies, and I wanted to explore a field different from my undergraduate major — which led me to Media and Communication Studies. Korea, being one of the most advanced countries in the world in media industries such as drama, film, music, and advertising, provides an ideal environment for both academic and practical learning.​

After graduation, I hope to work in a Korean media company to gain hands-on experience and eventually contribute to cultural exchange between Korea and Türkiye. My long-term goal is to play a meaningful role in bridging the two countries through collaborative media and cultural projects.

I’m pursuing a master’s degree in Media and Communication Studies at Hanyang University, with a concentration in broadcasting and visual media. I believe media communication is an ever-evolving field that continues to expand in both depth and influence. To me, media is not just a tool for delivering content — it’s a lens through which we see the world and a window through which the world sees us. It has the power to connect people across physical distances, and I’m deeply inspired by how dramas and films can evoke meaningful emotions and even guide people through important moments in life.

Over the past two years, I’ve developed my own perspectives through various courses and experiences. I also worked as a teaching assistant for three semesters, which allowed me to gain a closer understanding of Korea’s higher education system.​

My research compares Korean dramas with their Turkish remakes. Although Korea and Türkiye are geographically far apart, they share surprising cultural similarities, and Turkish audiences have long shown great interest in Korean dramas and films. Many Korean works have been remade in Türkiye, and this phenomenon made me wonder: How can two distant countries feel so close? How do they influence each other, and what forms of hybridity emerge through this exchange? My study explores these questions through the lens of media and cultural theory.

My immediate goal is to complete this semester and successfully finish my thesis. I also hope to gain some internship experience in Korea — to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world media environment and understand the industry’s structure and workflow. After graduation, I would like to work in Korea for a while to build practical skills, and later return to Türkiye to work in the field of media and content exchange between the two countries. As someone who understands both languages and cultures, I hope to contribute to joint productions and cultural projects that bring Korea and Türkiye closer together — becoming a small but meaningful bridge between our two nations.

Goethe once said, “Everything is hard before it becomes easy.” Looking back on my own journey, I realize that every beginning was always harder than I expected. My graduate studies were no exception — at first, everything felt unfamiliar and challenging, but by putting in steady effort each day, I gradually adapted and started to see my path more clearly.

In my scholarship application, I wrote the phrase “After hardship comes happiness,” and I still believe that’s true. Sometimes you may feel like your efforts aren’t paying off or that you’re struggling alone — but all those efforts do accumulate over time. POSCO TJ Park Foundation truly sees the potential and light within each of its scholars. Believe in yourself and keep challenging forward. I sincerely wish you all the best in your journey!

The POSCO Korea Fellowship was a turning point in my life — it helped me realize a long-held dream that once felt out of reach. At a time when I had been trying for years without success, this scholarship gave me renewed hope, and from that moment, my life changed completely.

For the past two years, I have been proud to call myself a “POSCO TJ Park Foundation scholar,” and I will continue to carry that pride in the future. I live each day with deep gratitude, knowing that my achievements were not only the result of my own efforts, but also the trust and support I received from the Foundation.

When I read about POSCO’s founder, the late Chairman Park Tae-joon, I am often reminded of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk*, the founder and first president of modern Türkiye. Atatürk placed great importance on youth and education, saying, “Raise the youth well. Instill in them knowledge, culture, and sound ideals. Together with them, we will build a bright future.” I believe the POSCO TJ Park Foundation embodies this very vision — enabling people to achieve things that would otherwise be impossible alone. It is a foundation with profound meaning and purpose. I am forever grateful.

*Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: Founder and first president of the Republic of Türkiye.

​*This content was created based on an interview article by the POSCO TJ Park Foundation.

Jeong-hu Hong, Lead Researcher Today, secondary battery materials are drawing attention as key drivers of future industries such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Among them, cathode materials are especially important, accounting for more than 35% of the total cost of the four major battery components—cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator. This is because cathode materials determine not only a battery’s capacity and output but also its ability to store and release electrical energy.
At the Cathode Material Development Group, POSCO Future M Technology Research Institute, we conduct research on cathode materials, the core of EV batteries, and develop new technologies to bring them into commercial use.

Do-hyeop Park, Principal Researcher Cathode materials can be simply defined as a “source of lithium.” They are produced by combining lithium with precursors made of various metals such as cobalt, manganese, and nickel. The battery’s name, performance, and stability all depend on which metals are used. Batteries such as Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO), Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM), Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), and Lithium Manganese Rich (LMR), among many others using different metal combinations, are currently being developed. Our team, in particular, focuses on the development of LMR cathode materials. Recently, General Motors (GM) and Ford announced plans to launch electric vehicles using LMR batteries in 2028 and 2030, respectively, drawing significant attention to LMR in the global automotive market. Our team is fully committed to advancing LMR batteries, which are poised to become game-changers in the electric vehicle industry.

Gwang-eun Jeong, Principal Researcher Among the lithium-ion batteries currently used in electric vehicles, LFP batteries are the most widely adopted. These batteries are predominantly developed technologically by China. While these are highly stable and cost-effective, their energy density is somewhat limited. For instance, at -10°C, their performance drops to only 60–70% of full capacity. To overcome these limitations, a newly developed LMR battery has been introduced. LMR batteries significantly reduce the use of costly cobalt and nickel, while increasing the proportion of more affordable manganese. With higher energy density than LFP, they enable greater battery capacity and performance, significantly extending the driving range of electric vehicles. Moreover, unlike LFP batteries, which are difficult to recycle, LMR batteries offer superior recyclability and high lithium recovery rates.

Jeong-hu Hong, Lead Researcher The LMR battery demonstrates outstanding competitiveness not only in terms of cost and performance but also in sustainability. Of course, despite its many advantages, there are challenges that must be addressed before mass production can be realized. To prevent performance degradation, various technological advancements are required, including maintaining stable average voltages and developing surface coating techniques for cathode materials to suppress unnecessary gas generation. In China, a large-scale LFP mass production system is already in place, making a swift transition to LMR production challenging. As a result, innovative research and development are even more crucial. Our team, after an intricate R&D process, has successfully completed the development of LMR cathode materials and is now focusing on establishing techniques for mass production.

Do-hyeop Park, Principal Researcher We divided the R&D process into laboratory and pilot production stages. In the laboratory stage, we rapidly and accurately explored the basic characteristics and optimal combinations of cathode materials under specific process conditions. Through creativity and experimentation, we successfully identified the best material combinations, reducing costs while enhancing the performance of LMR cathode materials.

Ju-hyeon Yang, Principal Researcher As Do-hyeop Park mentioned, cathode production involves a calcination process, where various metal precursors such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, and aluminum are combined with lithium sources at high temperatures. During this process, we selected a variety of precursor candidates, evaluated their key physical properties, and identified the most promising materials for experimental application. By applying accumulated technical knowledge and analyzing the effects of variables throughout the development process, we successfully optimized LMR cathode materials, evaluating their initial battery capacities and lifespans. Through continuous refinement of material design, process conditions, and experimental testing, we were also able to assess the feasibility of mass production.

Jin-eun Kim, Principal Researcher This is not the end. Even if promising results are achieved in the laboratory, the performance of the developed cathode material may not be fully realized under conditions similar to those of mass production. Therefore, during the pilot stage, we adjusted loading amounts, production volumes, and sintering furnace conditions on lines that closely resemble actual mass production, repeatedly experimenting to identify the optimal production conditions.

Ji-su Kim, Principal Researcher In the laboratory stage, cathode materials can be sintered in quantities of 100 to 200 grams; however, customers occasionally request samples ranging from kilograms to tons. This means that during the pilot stage, cathode materials must be produced stably at the same performance level as those from the laboratory to allow customers to properly verify mass production feasibility. From our perspective, securing the optimal conditions for cathode material production made this stage particularly important.

Jeong-hu Hong, Lead Researcher Together with our team members, we conducted full-scale R&D to enhance the safety of the LMR process. Pilot lines require meticulous adjustment of conditions, as even slight process changes can significantly impact cathode performance. By repeatedly verifying various conditions and applying laboratory-designed firing processes to actual equipment, we achieved stable pilot production of cathodes with performance comparable to that secured in the laboratory, passing customer evaluations and finalizing the technology. Thanks to this work, we were able to secure optimal pre-mass production conditions and improve economic efficiency.

Gwang-eun Jeong, Principal Researcher I remember being quite flustered when we received a request from a customer to deliver pilot samples within just ten days. We had to simultaneously respond to the customer and optimize the material. In that situation, I decided to stay calm and divide roles among the team: I communicated with the customer to gather requirements, while Do-hyeop Park focused on optimizing experimental conditions. Thanks to everyone diligently working in their respective roles, we successfully met the customer’s requested delivery date and ensured proper material quality.

Do-hyeop Park, Principal Researcher At that time, with very little time remaining until the pilot sample delivery, it was challenging not only to produce samples but also to refine the material simultaneously. That’s when Gwang-eun Jeong, our team’s “maestro,” who perfectly coordinates our efforts, efficiently allocated roles. Thanks to this, we managed to produce the samples on time without any issues. It would have been impossible to accomplish this alone.

Jin-eun Kim, Principal Researcher There were moments during the pilot phase when performance fell short of expectations. Although the goals had been achieved in the lab, results in the pilot phase differed significantly, which was perplexing. We then collaborated to meticulously review each process step by step to identify the cause. By theoretically analyzing with Jeong-hu Hong and conducting repeated experiments with adjusted mixing times and sequences, we observed remarkable improvements in performance!

Jeong-hu Hong, Lead Researcher Currently, the global battery market’s core materials and component supply chains remain heavily concentrated in China, making the establishment of independent supply chains a critical task. Our foremost goal is to successfully commercialize LMR batteries with a stable supply chain and robust technical expertise. Moving forward, we plan to actively pursue research and development to create better batteries across multiple aspects, including enhancing material stability, securing cost competitiveness, and improving charge/discharge performance. To achieve this, I will collaborate closely with relevant departments such as production, quality, and sales. Ultimately, our team aims to join forces to successfully mass-produce LMR, a next-generation battery material, and become a future growth engine for the POSCO Group!

Harit Keawmuang, selected as a POSCO Asia Fellow in the fall of 2022, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH). Originally from Thailand, Harit completed his undergraduate studies in his home country and went on to earn a master’s degree in Hungary, Europe. He came to Korea to begin his doctoral studies as a POSCO Asia Fellow*. In this interview, Harit shares his heartfelt journey—from his decision to study in Korea, to his experience as a fellow, and his aspirations to contribute to sustainable technological development in Thailand.

*The POSCO Asia Fellowship is a scholarship program operated by the POSCO TJ Park Foundation. It invites outstanding talent from various Asian countries to Korea to support their master’s and doctoral degrees, and aims to promote exchange and mutual understanding among Asian countries.

Hello, my name is Harit Keawmuang, and I’m from Thailand. Thai people usually have nicknames, and mine is “Game.” Even in Korea, my professors and friends call me by this nickname.

​I completed my undergraduate degree in Thailand, then earned a master’s degree in Hungary. In the fall of 2022, I was very fortunate to be selected as a POSCO Asia Fellow, which brought me to Korea to pursue my Ph.D. I’m now in my third year of the Ph.D. program in Mechanical Engineering at POSTECH, focusing on the field of nanophotonics.

Nanophotonics is a field that studies how to manipulate light using extremely small structures. The prefix “nano” refers to a unit that is one-billionth of a meter. We study how to guide and shape light through these tiny structures. One example is the “metalens”—an ultra-thin lens composed of nanostructures. These lenses can focus light without the need for traditional thick glass, making them particularly useful for smartphones, compact cameras, and medical devices.

While preparing to study in Korea, I was looking for scholarships and came across the POSCO Asia Fellowship. I learned that it offered not only financial support but also a platform for connecting with other talented students from across Asia studying in Korea. That drew me in, and I decided to apply.

​When I found out I had been selected, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy. At the same time, I was a bit sad about being apart from my family. Still, I believed this would be a meaningful step in both my personal and academic journey. I was confident and ready to embrace the new challenges ahead.

The POSCO Asia Fellowship and the POSCO TJ Park Foundation provided not only financial support but also emotional care. Thanks to their thoughtful consideration and encouragement, my life in Korea became much smoother. One of the most memorable moments was attending an alumni gathering in Pohang. It was a delightful experience where I got to enjoy food and conversations with alumni from various countries, including fellow Thai seniors.

​Another memory that stands out is receiving gifts from the Foundation during Korean holidays. After a long day, coming back to my dorm to find a warm gift left at my door was truly comforting. Those moments reminded me that I wasn’t alone, and they meant a lot to me.

There were three main reasons I decided to study in Korea. First, I had a long-standing interest in Korean culture, especially through Korean dramas, which sparked my curiosity about Korean life and language. Over time, I developed a desire to experience life in Korea firsthand.

​Second, I wanted to shift my academic journey from Europe to Asia. In Thailand, graduation ceremonies are very important to families, especially to older generations. My grandmother, who raised me, couldn’t attend my undergraduate ceremony, and due to distance and health issues, she also missed my master’s graduation. I hoped that by studying in Asia, she might be able to attend my Ph.D. graduation, which was a strong motivation for me.

​Third, I wanted to study nanotechnology and nanophotonics—fields that are still developing in Thailand. POSTECH, in particular, has excellent research environments, outstanding faculty, and cutting-edge facilities. I believed it was the ideal place for me to grow in this field.

I am conducting research in nanotechnology, specifically in the field of nanophotonics. As mentioned earlier, this field explores how to manipulate light through extremely small structures. My current research focuses on a technology called Photonic Radiative Cooling.

​This technology uses nanostructures to reflect sunlight and radiate heat, cooling objects to temperatures even lower than the surrounding air, all without using electricity. It’s a highly practical and eco-friendly cooling method, different from traditional air conditioners.

​I chose this field not only because it is fascinating, but also because Thailand still has a long way to go in this area. Nanophotonics is rapidly evolving worldwide and holds great innovation potential. In a hot and humid country like Thailand, this kind of energy-efficient cooling technology could make a significant impact. My goal is to contribute to the development of sustainable cooling systems in Thailand—technology that could benefit everyday life and help solve environmental issues.

As a Ph.D. student, my immediate goal is to produce meaningful research and publish high-quality results. After completing my degree, I hope to return to Thailand and work as a professor or researcher, contributing to the advancement of nanotechnology and nanophotonics in my country. Most of all, I want to spend time with my family, who have supported me throughout this journey, and repay their love and encouragement by living closely with them.

To students who are currently chasing their dreams or going through tough times, I want to say: even if you feel like giving up, you can overcome it. I wasn’t very focused in school and often gave up easily. But once I started thinking about what matters—myself and the people who care about me—I began to focus and change.

​If you feel like you don’t have the strength to fight for yourself, think about those you love. For me, my mother and my family were my greatest sources of strength.

​To be honest, I wasn’t someone with grand ambitions or dreams. I simply wanted to be a better person, make my mom proud, and protect my family by doing something I love. What I’ve learned is that you don’t need a big dream or a flashy goal to move forward. Sometimes, the small motivations tied to those you care about can become a powerful force that changes your life. Rather than big plans, it might be the precious people right beside you who push you forward.

To me, POSCO and the POSCO TJ Park Foundation are not just a company or a foundation. As a POSCO Asia Fellow, I feel a deep sense of pride and belonging, not just as a scholarship recipient, but as a member of a community that truly believes in and supports me. I know that everything I’ve accomplished in Korea was not achieved alone. It was made possible because of POSCO’s support. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank POSCO and the POSCO TJ Park Foundation once again.

*This content was created based on an interview article by the POSCO TJ Park Foundation.

Tae-woon Jeong was recognized as a POSCO Hero for his remarkable courage and composure in a life-threatening situation where he saved his mother’s life. A ten-year-old attending Buwon Elementary School, Tae-woon calmly called 119 (emergency services) and performed CPR for about seven minutes during his mother’s cardiac arrest. His actions, guided by what he had learned and his refusal to give up even in a terrifying moment, moved countless people and earned him the POSCO Heroes award.

In this interview, Tae-woon shared a vivid account of the emergency, his thoughts on participating in the POSCO Heroes award ceremony, and his everyday life. Through conversations with his mother, who miraculously regained consciousness, they also shared heartfelt moments and the changes in their lives since the incident. We’re honored to share the inspiring story of this brave young boy and his loving mother.

When I first heard from my mom that I had been chosen as a POSCO Hero, it felt a little unfamiliar, but I was really proud and happy to be receiving an award. I submitted a field trip request at school and went to the POSCO Center for the ceremony. The huge aquarium and the old TVs (Nam June Paik’s works) that I saw in the lobby were very memorable. The building itself was big, grand, and impressive. It was even more special because the ceremony was held on Parents’ Day, and I could attend with my mom and receive the award together. After the ceremony, we visited a bookstore in the basement of the POSCO Center, bought a book, and headed home. On the way back, there were so many expensive cars and tall buildings—I had a great time just looking around.

I was both nervous and excited because I got to meet Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho. I was really nervous on the day of filming, but all the staff members were very kind, so I felt comfortable during the interview. My grandfather was so proud—he recorded the show and kept watching it. My school friends also praised me and said I was really cool.

I was in the living room and my mom was in the kitchen. While we were talking, I suddenly heard a loud thud, so I ran to the kitchen. My mom had collapsed. I quickly checked if she was breathing by putting my hand near her nose. When I realized she wasn’t breathing, I decided to start CPR. I called 119 myself and tried my best to clearly explain our home address and my mom’s condition. I continued CPR for about seven minutes until the emergency responders arrived. It was hard to press down properly at times, so I climbed onto my mom’s body to do it more effectively. I think I was able to handle the situation well because I had received CPR training four times—once at kindergarten, once at my taekwondo studio, and twice at elementary school, between the ages of six and nine. Also, I’m the one who always orders the chicken at home, so I was used to giving out our address without panicking. (laughs)

Before, I used to be scared to walk down the hallway in our apartment, so I always called my dad to come and get me. But after saving my mom, I feel braver and not scared anymore. I think I’ve become more courageous.

I collapsed from an acute myocardial infarction, but I don’t even remember falling. Thanks to Tae-woon, I was safely handed over to emergency responders and placed in the ICU, but I was unconscious for five days. The doctors told my family that if I was lucky, I might end up in a vegetative state, and if not, possibly brain-dead. It was that serious. Thankfully, I regained consciousness after five days. When I opened my eyes, Tae-woon was crying and asking me if I recognized him. I didn’t even know why I was in the hospital. I’m so grateful to Tae-woon for saving my life. After this experience, I realized how precious life truly is. My body isn’t fully recovered yet, and sometimes it doesn’t work the way I want it to, which makes me feel down. But since I’ve basically come back from the brink of death, I try to live each day with gratitude and happiness. Just like Tae-woon said, I hope everyone lives each day with appreciation, good health, and joy.

With courage and composure beyond his years, Tae-woon proved himself to be a true hero by saving his mother! We hope that the seven-minute miracle made possible by Tae-woon will lead to even greater miracles and good fortune in the future!

*This content was created based on an interview article by the POSCO TJ Park Foundation.

POSCO’s cultural complex Park1538, first introduced in Pohang in 2021, has now officially opened in Gwangyang — this time under the name “Park1538 Gwangyang.” The facility officially opened on April 3 and began welcoming the general public on April 14. Park1538 Gwangyang consists of a promotion hall, art museum, and education center. Today, we explore the key highlights of the Art Museum and Education Center at Park1538 Gwangyang.

The POSCO Art Museum Gwangyang is located on the first and second floors of Park1538 Gwangyang. It is a space planned to bring a wave of culture and art to the city of light, Gwangyang. POSCO aims to expand the region’s cultural infrastructure through high-level art exhibitions in the future.

The museum’s inaugural exhibition is titled “Journey of the LIGHT.” To mark the 33rd anniversary of the full completion of Gwangyang Works, 33 selected pieces from the POSCO Group art collection are on display.

The exhibition is divided into two parts: Part 1, themed “The Light Within,” showcases representative works of Korean abstract painting. Part 2, themed “The Light of Nature,” features bright, warm landscapes filled with natural beauty.

The final stop is the education center. The education center is themed around POSCO’s innovation journey, titled “Innovation Wave.” Approximately 1,430 tons of POSCO steel, including PosMAC, were used in the construction materials. The building’s design was inspired by the bamboo groves of Gwangyang’s Maehwa Village, creating a warm and open space for creativity and communication.

Inside, the center is divided into two main areas: the Leadership Education Center, focused on theoretical learning, and the Technical Training Center, centered on practical skills. Spanning from the basement level to the third floor, the facility houses 26 classrooms and can accommodate up to 1,155 trainees. Additional facilities include a staff cafeteria with 150 seats and a Paul Bassett café.

One of the most eye-catching features of Park1538 Gwangyang is the bold architecture of its promotional hall and education center. Beyond the buildings lies another highlight—the landscaping. Designed to harmonize with the architecture, the surrounding landscape was planned to offer a variety of colors throughout the seasons.

Let’s take a look at the large tree in front of the education center. This is a silver osmanthus, which serves as a symbolic centerpiece of Park1538. A tree species commonly found in Korea’s southern regions, the silver osmanthus blooms with silvery flowers in autumn and spreads its fragrance far and wide. This particular tree was transplanted from the grounds of an old school in Jeollanam-do. Estimated to be over 50 years old, it shares a parallel history with POSCO’s long-standing growth. Once a guardian of a place of learning, the silver osmanthus will now continue to grow at the heart of POSCO’s new foundation for nurturing talent.

Another key feature is the Steel Planter Box. Created in collaboration with the Gwangyang Works Maintenance Technology Department, it looks like a massive stone but is actually a repurposed steel block. It was dropped from a 25-meter height over several years in the steel yard to crush industrial sludge, gradually forming its current shape. Its rugged yet resilient form reflects POSCO’s own spirit—one of challenge, persistence, and transformation through adversity.

POSCO’s cultural complex Park1538, first introduced in Pohang in 2021, has now officially opened in Gwangyang — this time under the name “Park1538 Gwangyang.” The facility officially opened on April 3 and began welcoming the general public on April 14. Park1538 Gwangyang consists of a promotional hall, art museum, and education center. Among them, the promotional hall is designed to fill the city of light, Gwangyang, with a wave of culture. Shall we explore the main highlights of Park1538 Gwangyang’s promotional hall together with the POSCO group Newsroom?

Now, let’s officially begin our tour! As you enter the first floor of the promotional hall, you’re welcomed by a massive media wall measuring 10 meters tall and 4 meters wide. Beyond this Welcome Wall, visitors step into the Immersive Theater, where they experience POSCO’s story of sustainable steel.

Inside the Immersive Theater, visitors experience the transformation of iron ore through a powerful four-sided projection mapping show. The journey begins as iron ore, the source of steel, combines with the four classical elements and is ultimately forged into steel. Steel continuously builds the world and returns to nature, completing an endless cycle. Through interactive video that responds to visitor movement, viewers feel as if they are directly participating in steel’s journey.

In the Theme Hall on the first floor, visitors can view the artwork “STAR” by artist Jeong-hwa Choi. Inspired by the dynamic boiling of iron at its melting point of 1,538°C, the sculpture is composed of 1,538 stainless steel spheres. Like the “Smart Light” sculpture outside the promotional hall, this piece is also made of POSCO STS316 stainless steel.

As you head up to the third floor of the promotional hall, you are greeted by the “Memory of Steel” History Zone. Here, visitors can explore POSCO’s bold challenge of building a steelworks from barren, undeveloped land—told through historical photographs, videos, and archival materials. From the early construction of the Pohang and Gwangyang Works to the present day, this exhibit highlights the strength and perseverance of POSCO’s journey.

While walking through the History Zone, visitors will also encounter “The People Who Make POSCO.” This interactive space allows visitors to search for current POSCO employees who are actively contributing to the company’s history. By entering the name of a current employee, their photo and department will appear on a large screen. It’s a fun and meaningful way to look up family members, friends, or colleagues who currently work at POSCO. In addition, a POSCO Hall of Honor is located within the same zone, where visitors can learn about individuals who have made significant contributions to the company’s growth and legacy.

Next, you enter the “Present of Steel” Steelmaking Process Zone. Here, working models of each production stage, along with synchronized video displays, offer a vivid and realistic experience of how steel is made. After passing through the vivid Steelmaking Process Zone that feels like stepping into a real steel plant, you enter the Transition Area, where ships loaded with POSCO’s steel cut through the sea and head out into the world.

You then continue to the “World of Steel” Product Display Zone. In the Product Display Zone, visitors can explore POSCO’s products and technologies applied in everyday life. In the first area, visitors encounter steel applied in various fields such as renewable energy, shipbuilding, energy terminals, and future smart cities.

In the second area, visitors can experience POSCO’s innovative steel up close. Visitors can watch a robot-arm performance that presents POSCO’s development of eco-friendly automotive steel and solutions—flagship products of Gwangyang Works.

The third area presents the uses of steel in everyday life—including home appliances, furniture, and objects made from PosART, stainless steel, and other specialty materials.

After completing the tour from the Beginning of Steel on the first floor to the Product Display Zones on the third floor, visitors are guided to the final destination—the “Vision of Steel” Vision Theater, where they can watch POSCO’s brand film. In this space, a panoramic wide screen measuring 15 meters in width and 3.93 meters in height delivers a vivid and immersive experience of the passion of POSCO employees, the birth of steel, and the convenient world made possible through steel. It also offers a glimpse into POSCO’s future, moving forward together with its stakeholders.

In the next article, Part 2, we’ll introduce the key highlights of the art museum and education center at Park1538 Gwangyang—so stay tuned!

▼Park1538 Gwangyang X Lia Kim Watch the video (click)

POSCO Argentina practiced warm sharing by donating 500 sets of backpacks and school supplies to students in high-altitude areas of Salta Province, Argentina, affected by heavy rainfall.

▲POSCO Argentina held a donation ceremony on April 3 at the San Antonio de los Cobres City Hall to provide 500 sets of backpacks and school supplies to children in areas affected by heavy rainfall.

POSCO Argentina held a donation ceremony on April 3 at the gymnasium of San Antonio de los Cobres (SAC) City Hall.

The event was attended by high-ranking provincial government officials, including SAC Mayor Mr. Alberto Carral, Salta Province Production Minister Mr. Martin de los Rios, and Deputy Minister of Education Ms. Analia Guardo, as well as about 150 students from three schools and parents, who joined together in a warm show of solidarity.

▲Damage situation in San Antonio de los Cobres city during the heavy rainfall in March.

This donation was planned to comfort residents of the area who suffered significant damage from sudden heavy rain at the end of March, and especially to convey hope and courage to future generations.

At the event, a puppet show prepared by students was performed, followed by the presentation of school supply sets prepared by POSCO Argentina.

POSCO Argentina President Hyun Park said, “I would like to express my sincere condolences to everyone who suffered from this heavy rainfall, and I am relieved that rapid recovery is taking place. Although it’s a small gesture, I hope it helps children continue their studies and dream about their future. POSCO Argentina will continue to realize the value of mutual growth by continuing sustainable social contribution activities with the local community.”

Meanwhile, POSCO Argentina supports vulnerable groups in the region and medical infrastructure based on its sustainable management philosophy, and it is recognized as a responsible global company locally.

At the Rayong labor management excellence awards hosted by the Thai ministry of labor on March 19, POSCO Thainox (President tae-hyung Kang) was selected as White Factory in the categories of ‘labor-management relations’ and ‘drug addiction prevention management.’

▲ At the Rayong labor management excellence awards hosted by the Thai Ministry of Labor on March 19, POSCO Thainox (President Tae-hyung Kang) was selected as white factory in the categories of ‘labor-management relations’ and ‘drug addiction prevention management.’ From left, tae-hyung Kang, president of POSCO Thainox, Peepong, chairman of the Welfare committee of POSCO Thainox, and Amnuay, director of Rayong provincial labor office.

The Thai ministry of labor selects companies with excellent labor-management relations by comprehensively evaluating their efforts to create a happy workplace, such as improving employee satisfaction, protecting human rights, and operating employee representative organizations, providing winners with additional points in the human rights category for the Thai government’s excellent ESG company program.

It also selects excellent companies in drug addiction prevention management by evaluating their efforts to eradicate the use of psychotropic drugs in their business sites, such as changes in employee awareness and effective inspection activities.

In the event, POSCO Thainox was selected as white company in labor-management relations for improving the working environment and enhancing employee satisfaction based on the operation of communication channels such as the harmony communicator at the department level and the company-wide welfare committee, as well as the quarterly voice of employee(VOE) survey. The company was also selected as white company in drug addiction prevention management for its efforts to prevent drug addiction, such as promulgating a zero-tolerance policy for the use of all types of drugs, including cannabis, which is partially permitted under Thai law, and conducting drug tests on all employees once or twice a year in cooperation with local police.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to POSCO Thainox for its continuous and effective efforts for labor-management relations and drug addiction prevention management. I hope that the company will continue to produce good results as a model company in Thailand,” said Amnuay, director of the Rayong provincial labor office.

“As a listed company in Thailand, we will be committed to improving the safety and satisfaction of our employees with a sense of responsibility,” said tae-hyung Kang, president of POSCO Thainox.

POSCO Holdings received the 2024 CSS Awards for the third consecutive year at the International Chamber of Commerce event held in Paris, France, on December 4.

The CSS (Corporate Start-Up Stars) Awards, initiated in 2016 as the ‘Corporate Startup Star Award’ by the European Union Executive Commission, is an event organized by the International Chamber of Commerce that selects and honors global companies actively collaborating with startups. Each year, the International Chamber of Commerce identifies and awards companies from the Forbes 2000 and Fortune 500 that have contributed to the creation of a global venture ecosystem through global open innovation, startup discovery, support, and nurturing.

▲ On December 4, POSCO Holdings was recognized as an outstanding company for the third consecutive year at the 2024 CSS Awards held by the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, France, for its contributions to the development of the startup ecosystem.

This year’s South Korean awardees include POSCO Holdings, Samsung, Hyundai Motor, and LG Electronics, with NVIDIA earning the distinction of Best Company. Among international recipients, 100 companies such as BMW, Siemens, BOSCH, Unilever, Microsoft, and 3M were honored. These award-winning companies plan to enhance their future competitiveness by maintaining continuous collaboration with startups that possess innovative technologies and by striving to secure cutting-edge technologies, even amidst uncertain global business conditions. POSCO Holdings intends to continue mutual cooperation with competitive local global companies, primarily through POSCO-Europe.

Meanwhile, POSCO Group inaugurated CHANGeUP GROUND in Pohang in July 2021, establishing a world-class venture ecosystem network. CHANGeUP GROUND is home to 106 companies and employs 1,198 individuals, significantly contributing to local job creation. Notably, among the resident companies, 24 have established their headquarters or branches in Pohang, and eight have relocated or established manufacturing plants in the city. Since 2019, POSCO Group has invested in direct and indirect venture funds totaling approximately 2.8 trillion won, formed by domestic and international external operators and POSCO Technology Investment, thereby supporting the growth of domestic venture enterprises.

▲ Representatives from the award-winning companies are taking a group commemorative photograph at the 2024 CSS Awards held by the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, France, on December 4.

Looking ahead, POSCO Group will continue to actively foster and invest in startups while collaborating with various venture companies to secure innovative technologies essential to the company, including carbon neutrality, secondary battery materials, and new business ventures.