Revolutionary Features of Korea’s New Landmark, Northeast Asia Trade Tower

#1. 3-Dimensional Exterior Design Minimizes the Effect of Wind Load

POSCO Engineering & Construction, the construction arm of Korea’s top steelmaker POSCO, applied its most innovative and cutting-edge technology in the construction of NEAT Tower, the tallest building in Korea. To minimize the effect of wind load on the building, the tower was constructed under a 3-dimensional exterior design which features a trapezoid at the base which gradually transforms into a triangle at the top.

#2. Seismic Force Resisting System Utilizing Belt Truss and Outriggers

NEATT’ s main frame system consists of 27 perimeter columns, six corner mega columns, a core wall, and an outrigger/belt truss, all of which are systemically integrated. The core wall takes about 65% of the total gravity load and 70% of the total overturning moment due to wind load. The outrigger systems are installed on the 34^th and 65^th floors of NEATT and the structural design was performed in such a way that the axial load developed in columns due to the outrigger’s share of the overturning moment could also be resisted safely. The outrigger and belt system takes 30% of the overturning moment.

The core walls and columns of NEATT, an SRC structural building, were constructed with 12,841 tons of POSCO’s globally renowned high-strength reinforced concrete and SD40 reinforcing bars. The corner mega column was, for the first time in the construction of skyscrapers in Korea, built with 7,870 tons of SMC570TMC steel. The glass curtain wall enveloping the exterior was installed using low-emissivity glass. Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings are microscopically thin metal layers that are deposited on a window surface to help keep heat on the same side of the glass from which it originated. Glass with Low-E coatings reflect infrared light while allowing visible light, keeping the movement between interior and exterior heat to a minimum.

* Technical specifications of the Northeast Asia Trade Tower referenced from “NEATT Design of Structural System,” Dong Yang Structural Engineers Co., 2014.

#3. High Level Security and Anti-Disaster Measures

As the landmark building of Korea, Northeast Asia Trade Tower boasts high level security and anti-disaster measures. For example, it deployed global positioning system (GPS) sensors to help ensure the real-time measurement of vibration, displacement or deformation in the building caused by external factors, making it possible to preemptively identify any issues that could compromise the safety or structural integrity of the building. Additionally, the Seismic Force Resisting System can withstand magnitude 7-8 earthquakes.

In addition, the anti-disaster control center located on the first basement floor provides the ability to centrally monitor the power supply, lighting, CCTV system, access control and other utility services. The 30^th and 60^th floors each have a shelter that can accommodate up to 4,000 occupants safely and promptly in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. The building has 29 elevators operating at a speed of 420 meters per minute and capable of carrying users from the ground floor to the observatory on the 65^th floor within one minute.

< The anti-disaster control center located on the first basement floor provides the ability to centrally monitor the power supply, lighting, CCTV system, access control and other utility services. >

Going Green: A Striking Example of Sustainable Design

NEATT serves as a model of sustainable design strategies, carefully balancing energy conservation, increased indoor environmental quality, and occupant comfort. With a range of passive design strategies such as daylighting, natural ventilation and energy-efficient HVAC systems, the tower targets to achieve LEED^® Silver certification.

Like other buildings in New Songdo City, NEATT purchases district hot water from a new, highly efficient cogeneration facility located nearby. Hot water, used for heating and cooling via absorption chillers, is generated from waste heat recovered during the process of producing electricity. The building is estimated to reduce source-energy CO2 emissions by 6,000 tons per year when compared to a “standard” code-compliant office tower with on-site electric chillers and a natural-gas boiler plant.

Furthermore, the paint, carpets and wallpaper used in the construction of the building’s interior were of eco-friendly, non-toxic material in order to prevent the occurrence of Sick Building Syndrome.

* NEATT sustainability design features referenced from articles by ARUP and Built Expressions

<A Night View of the NEAT Tower and Songdo International Business District, Incheon>

The Northeast Asia Trade Tower is expected to boost the regional economy along with an increase in floating population, markets, employment and visitors from overseas once companies move into the building. Moreover, it appears to give momentum to draw more businesses to Songdo International Business District since clients of Daewoo International and other companies engaged in the related fields are expected to move into the building. We hope that NEAT tower will soon become Korea’s most well-known landmark in the days to come!

In the morning of August 26th, Longjing City’s Guinness Record challenge for the world’s biggest Gayageum chorus performance was held at the Hailan River Sports Complex. A group of 854 Gayageum performers, ranging from a 9-year-old girl to a 70 years old grandmother gathered around in Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, to fill up the ground with their passions.

The event was sponsored by POSCO China and the Director of Corporate Staff Department Kam Gyu-sik congratulated the magnificent performance by saying, “The performance you will be delivering today is to be named as the world’s biggest Gayageum chorus performance by the Guinness Book of World Record. POSCO China is humbly honored to be a part of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture’s relentless efforts to spread its culture to the world.”

The performance was orchestrated by the professor of Gayageum at Yanbian University Kim Seong-sam to play Arirang, Korea’s traditional melody rhyme, and a traditional Chinese song Jasmine, rearranged as a new beautiful harmony.

After 20 minutes of breathtaking performance, an inspector from Guinness World Records declared and confirmed that Longjing City’s Gayageum orchestra was successful to deliver the world’s biggest simultaneous Gayageum performance ever. When the official Guinness certificate was handed to the Mayor of Longjing, crowds and performers cheered for the great achievement, accompanied by splendid firecrackers set off to celebrate the new world record holders.

Behind the success of Longjing City, there were local elementary and middle schools which have been regularly running Gayageum classes for their pupils. Also, there were teachers, civil servants and members of local literature group and university for senior citizens.

When we visited their practice hall, some of the performers were wearing plasters on their fingers. It showed how hard they were practicing the Gayageum over and over again. A little boy was also working hard to get used to his instrument for the performance. He told us, “It hurt a little bit when I first began but I can put up with such pain because I am proud of my hometown, challenging for the Guinness World Record.” By listening to his strong ambition, we could realize the degree of passion the performers were sharing amongst them.

Before the performance, ‘Hello, POSCO’ had a chance to talk to the lady in above photo who came to the sports complex with her daughter for practice. She was representing the local government to be a part of the Gayageum chorus and said she was more than happy to support her daughter’s zest for playing the musical instrument and hope this opportunity could better her team work spirit.

Ms. Lee Geum-nyu was born in Longjing and has been living in the city for the past 63 years. When we asked why she volunteered to join the challenge, Ms. Lee answered, “I am getting old and when would I have this kind of opportunity to learn how to play the Gayageum? Also, this is something I can do for my home town.”

Notably, the performance was reported by CCTV, China’s state television broadcaster, showing how important the challenge was. By the success of achieving the Guinness World Record, Longjing City has marked an important page of its long history.

Since 2011, POSCO China is also supporting the City’s continuous engagement to maintain the cultural heritage with the Longjing Social Contribution Fund to sponsor their education programs for Longjing’s heritage and culture. ‘Hello, POSCO’ once again give Longjing City a big round of applause and we look forward to seeing more fruitful achievements of the city’s partnership with POSCO China.

“How should we deliver gripping stories from POSCO’s international offices around the globe in a timely fashion?”

The idea of Global Storyteller was initiated with this simple question. From today, thanks to our first Global Storytellers, ‘Hello, POSCO’ can deliver more various stories in real time from all over the world. Global Storytellers will be sharing and promoting tales of POSCO’s major accomplishments and other up-to-date news through our global blog. We just can’t wait to hear what POSCO Global Storytellers are going to talk about works, lives and inspirations happening in their international offices. This is our first Global Storyteller blogging, starting from now.

Q. How did you get selected as a ‘Global Storyteller’?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]A[/dropcap]part from my role in training, I am also in-charge of organizing various events. My job requires me to get involved in numerous corporate activities as well. Perhaps these are the reasons why I was picked to join this project.

Q. Do you have any unique stories to share with POSCO Blog about POSCO – South Asia or its employees?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]P[/dropcap]OSCO-South Asia consists of its head office in Bangkok and 7 other branches in the South Asian region. As a result, it is a great and multicultural place for everyone to work across cultures and become one big family. Here at
POSCO-South Asia, we promote cross-cultural communication, trust, and sharing. We are very much looking forward to sharing good stories and moments with people all around the world.

Q. South Asia is famous for attracting tourists from all over the world. Do you recommend any secret place to visit in your country?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]“K[/dropcap]oh Lipe” is perfect for a secret hideaway. In Thai, “Koh” literally means island. So, you can imagine a small tropical island in the Southern part of Thailand where you can enjoy crystal clear sea water, diving, beautiful beaches, and the relaxing atmosphere. If you are so lucky, you may even get a chance to see fluorescent plankton lighting up the bay at night. It will make you feel like you are in heaven on earth.

Q. How did you get selected as ‘Global Storyteller’?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]D[/dropcap]uring 2012, I was on a dispatch service to POSCO headquarters in Korea. While I was staying there, many colleagues asked me how things were going around in POSCO America. When I heard ‘Hello, POSCO’ was looking for Global Storytellers, it appeared to me as a great opportunity to share my story of POSCO America with other POSCO colleagues around the world. This is why I applied for the project.

Q. Do you have any unique stories to share with ‘Hello, POSCO’ about POSCO America or its employees?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]M[/dropcap]ost of employees working at POSCO America speak good Korean and many of them are 1.5 or 2nd generation Korean-Americans with deep knowledge of Korean culture. Some colleagues are not quite used to our custom but they are trying to make an adjustment to the culture. This is kind of story I want to tell as a Global Storyteller.

Q. North America is a highly popular place amongst tourists. Is there any hidden spot you may want to share with us?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]T[/dropcap]here is a river called Delaware in Pennsylvania and it’s about two hours away by car from New York. I can tell you the scenery around Delaware River is absolutely magnificent. If you have time for canoeing or kayaking down the river, the experience will blow your mind. I strongly recommend the place for those who want to enjoy the nature and relaxation, away from busy schedule of city tourism.

Q. How do you feel for being selected as Global Storyteller?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]S[/dropcap]ince 2009, POSCO China has been publishing online monthly journals to deliver various social activities the firm is engaging with. My daily routine is to release corporate news for the journal to both public and POSCO China’s employees. I gather interesting stories from across the country and edit them into four columns; POSCO Family News, Vocational Guidance, Social Focus and Lifestyle. From the experience with the monthly journal, I learned further about the importance of corporate’s contribution towards socially vulnerable groups. Also, my team leaders and colleagues at all level continuously support me at POSCO China. Love and great energy from all these activities and people inspired me to let others know about POSCO China’s enthusiasm. I’d like to thank ‘Hello, POSCO’ for providing me opportunities to share our stories and make new friends globally.

Q. Do you have any unique stories to share with ‘Hello, POSCO’ about POSCO China or its employees?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]I[/dropcap]’ve been eyeing POSCO China’s social activities since I had heard that ‘Hello, POSCO’ was officially launched because it could be a great channel to deliver our story at global level. Recently, POSCO China is preparing for planting trees in the second half of April. I would like to pick this story as my first article posted on ‘Hello, POSCO’.

Q. You majored in mass communication which could come in quite handy when telling stories. Do you have any past experience of writing essays or contributing to newspapers?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]W[/dropcap]hile I was studying the subject, mass media’s various features with a wide focus on different means of expression caught my attention. Personally, I prefer adding images alongside with texts I write. That’s why I always carry my camera with me to capture images. Images can be utilized to generate appealing and authentic reports.

For my career as a journalist, I was an intern journalist at CCTV during the Beijing Olympics. We worked closely with volunteers to televise the event nationwide. It still remains as a marvelous memory.

Q. How did you get selected as ‘Global Storyteller’?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]A[/dropcap]ctually, I am a dispatched employee from POSCO headquarters in Seoul. I joined POSCO in February 2010 and was working at the Steel Business Department in Seoul. In August 2011, I was dispatched to POSCO India as a global agent along with other Korean colleagues of my Indian project team. When POSCO India received the idea of “Global Storyteller”, one of my seniors approached me and said that the management had decided to put up my name since I am Indian and also have living and working experience in Korea.

Q. Do you have any unique stories to share through POSCO Blog about POSCO India or its employees?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]I[/dropcap]t is difficult for me to say yet as it would be my first time to write for blogs. But I am very excited for this responsibility and believe that I will be able to share unique and interesting stories with our global POSCO Family members.

Q. We will be hearing a lot about POSCO India and its surrounding environment from you. Are there any cultural conventions or social backdrops of India that we might need to be aware of before listening to your stories?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]O[/dropcap]f Course there are. India has always fascinated foreigners as a unique example of achieving national unity with diverse social groups. It has always been a melting pot of stupendous paradoxes, extremes, diverse-cultures, religions, languages, food and ways of living. Therefore, I feel that there is a plenty of interesting issues to talk about.

Q. How did you get selected as ‘Global Storyteller’?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]I[/dropcap]’m in charge of translating relevant articles or documents and upload them to POSCO Vietnam’s English website (http://poscovietnam.com). I also have an experience of teaching English to POSCO Vietnam employees for a long time. I guess these are the reasons why I was selected as POSCO Vietnam’s Global Storyteller.

Q. Do you have any unique stories to share with ‘Hello, POSCO’ about POSCO Vietnam or its employees?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]I[/dropcap]’m afraid we haven’t engaged with any special activities or events as it’s still quite early in 2013. However, I’ll do my upmost to keep ‘Hello, POSCO’ posted with our fabulous stories.

Q. We heard you are a fluent English speaker and very popular amongst colleagues. What’s the secret?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]I[/dropcap]majored in English so when my colleagues ask for helps in terms of language, I’m more than pleased to assist their needs. Some other secrets regarding my popularity? I won’t tell you.:)

Q. How did you get selected as ‘Global Storyteller’?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]T[/dropcap]he nature of my work here involves building business partnerships with various local people working in diverse industries. I thought it could be a great asset to develop interesting stories with ‘Hello, POSCO’ as a Global Storyteller.

Q. I heard Indonesian cuisines are similar to Vietnamese or Thai, but with its own unique taste. Can you introduce your favorite local dish?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]I[/dropcap]ndonesia is a multicultural nation formed by about 360 different tribes. Therefore, each province has their own distinctive food but I would say it’s quite similar to Korean as there are dishes cooked with rice and fermented beans. ‘Cabe’ is a local chili breed, much spicier than Korean red pepper. Once you taste Cabe, it could be quite addictive. My favorite ingredient is ‘Sambal’, a chili based sauce like Korean red pepper paste. Sambal tastes fantastic if you have it with vegetables. If you are in Indonesia, try out local cuisines and their traditional food culture.

Q. How did you get selected as ‘Global Storyteller’?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]A[/dropcap]lthough it hasn’t been a while since I joined POSCO Japan, I can speak fluent Korean and understand Korean culture well. That’s the reason how I got picked up by the project.

Q. Do you have any unique stories to share with ‘Hello, POSCO’ about POSCO Japan or its employees?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]I[/dropcap]’d like to introduce POSCO Japan’s role and its operations. Also, I want to let people know about Japan.

Q. I heard your Korean language skill is extraordinary. Was there any motive or background behind your fluency?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]M[/dropcap]y mother is Korean so I was raised to speak both Korean and Japanese when I was a kid. On the top of that, I earned my undergraduate degree in Korea and learned a lot about the language. But, I wouldn’t say my Korean is that good. It’s just slightly better than other Japanese.

Q. How did you get selected as ‘Global Storyteller’?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]I[/dropcap]’d like to make a contribution for breaking the wall between Chinese and Korean cultures through sharing stories about China’s local innovation case studies and POSCO QPSS’ labor-management culture.

Q. Do you have any unique stories to share with ‘Hello, POSCO’ about POSCO QPSS or its employees?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]I[/dropcap] have the same name as the Head of POSCO QPSS in China. As you can probably guess, there have been tons of funny stories around this. Also, I’d like to honestly share the stories of the corporate’s innovative activities, social contributions, community groups and the employees’ thoughts.
Q. You must be looking forward to your position as the Global Storyteller. How will you engage into the project?

[dropcap style=”3″ size=”4″]I[/dropcap] want to be a passionate Global Storyteller delivering the news, filled with love and our warm sentiments from Qingdao.

With the Global Storytellers, POSCO’s way of global communication will be faster, wider and more amusing. If you have been following our tracks with ‘Hello, POSCO’, you must be aware that POSCO is continuously working on reaching every corner of the globe. So, keep your wondering eyes on our first Global Storytellers as they will keep us posted with the intriguing stories exceeding anyone’s expectations.