*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.

Are you curious about the lives of POSCO’s overseas expatriates who enjoy working and leisure in an exotic environment? POSCO Newsroom reports on the local lives of overseas expatriates. In place 4, we’ll introduce Yu-sang Lee, the leader who works at POSCO International’s Johannesburg branch.

Hello, my name is Yu-sang Lee, and I work at POSCO International’s Johannesburg branch. I was first assigned to South Africa in December 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic was nearing its end, and am now in my third year here. My primary responsibilities involve business development in the steel and raw materials sectors.

POSCO International operates a network in more than 80 locations globally, with branches in six countries in Africa, including South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco, and Egypt. Among these, our Johannesburg office has recently reestablished itself as the regional headquarters for 44 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa In this capacity, we play an important role in exploring and establishing POSCO’s presence in African markets.

*Nickel Briquette: Nickel powder is pressed into a briquette shape.

Our main business areas include developing steel, raw materials, food resources, and project ventures. We actively explore various business opportunities in Africa covering not only southern Africa, including South Africa, but also East Africa (such as Kenya and Tanzania) and West Africa (including Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana). We are committed to establishing the POSCO name and expanding our presence throughout the continent.

Twenty years ago, I had the unexpected chance to live in South Africa for about six months. Since then, South Africa has held a special meaning for me. Later, when I joined the company, my first overseas assignment happened to be in South Africa. Given my personal connection to the country, it felt like a remarkable opportunity almost as if it were meant to be. Over the past three years working here, I’ve seen firsthand the vast potential and opportunities in the African market.

Working in Africa is quite rare, so I had limited information before my assignment. Some colleagues offered humorous advice, saying, “Watch out for lions! I hear they sometimes walk around the streets!” Looking back, I can’t help but laugh. In fact, I found Africa to be surprisingly similar to Korea in certain ways. There is warmth and camaraderie among people, a love of music and food, and a strong respect for elders, so many aspects felt familiar. And, of course, there are no lions roaming the streets. Just like in Korea, you would have to go on a safari to see them!

Many people say Africa is a place where “nothing is impossible, but nothing is easy.” When I first arrived in South Africa, I often felt impatient and stressed, and struggled to let go of the fast-paced mindset typical of Korea. However, as I observed projects that I nearly abandoned eventually coming to fruition, I came to understand that working and thriving here requires patience and adaptability. I think my role as an expatriate is to balance Korea’s fast-paced efficiency with Africa’s more relaxed rhythm.

This balance requires mutual understanding fostered with regular open communication. In South Africa, there is a tradition called the “braai,” a weekend barbecue where friends and family come together to enjoy food and exchange stories. At our office, we often hold Friday braais to create a space for informal connections. As we grill meat, drink beer, and engage in casual conversation, we find that new ideas for work often emerge naturally from these interactions.

Besides security, another challenging aspect of life here are the frequent power and water outages. We experience scheduled blackouts ranging from 2.5 hours to as long as 12 hours every day. These outages have made me truly appreciate the simple continuity of electricity and water supply, something I took for granted in Korea.

Hearing this, many people might wonder, “How do you manage to live there?” But aside from certain issues, South Africa is actually a very appealing place. The skies are bright and clear nearly all year, and the people are warm and welcoming. Watching my children run freely in the vast outdoors gives me a sense of openness and peace that makes concerns such as power cuts and security feel like minor inconveniences.

▲ Image source (center) : Gold Reef City site (www.goldreefcity.co.za)

Many people mistakenly believe Johannesburg is South Africa’s capital. In fact, South Africa has three capitals: Cape Town for the legislature, Bloemfontein for the judiciary, and Pretoria as the administrative capital. However, Johannesburg is the country’s primary economic hub. Johannesburg naturally evolved into South Africa’s economic hub following the discovery of gold here long ago, and it continues that legacy.

This is why large corporations, including many international ones from countries such as Korea, have established a presence in the city. Johannesburg is also home to several notable attractions, including the Apartheid Museum, which chronicles South Africa’s democratic journey and the legacy of its first Black president, Nelson Mandela, and Gold Reef City, a theme park featuring the southern hemisphere’s largest roller coaster and a 60-table casino.

Beyond Johannesburg, South Africa offers other remarkable destinations. There is Table Mountain, named for its flat, table-like summit, and the Cape of Good Hope, a site many of us learned about in school as the point discovered by Portuguese explorers Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias.

Other spots less familiar to Koreans but popular with European travelers, include Camps Bay with its beautiful beaches, Chapman’s Peak Drive, a coastal road renowned for its beauty often featured in car commercials, and Boulders Beach, where you can see wild penguins.

South Africa also offers unique wildlife experiences such as African-style quad-bike safaris where you can follow animals off road, or even walking with elephants. I once participated in an elephant walking experience with my child, and it was unforgettable.

South Africa is also famous for its wine and steak. Although South African wine is not widely known in Korea, it is highly regarded for its quality and affordability, and those who try it here are often captivated. There are roughly 600 wineries in South Africa, and one of my favorites is Rust en Verde, where the wine-pairing steak menu is exceptional.

As an expatriate, I have a goal that I am deeply committed to achieving. I want to prove the old saying “Africa is a market of infinite potential and opportunity” with tangible business results. I hope that our initiatives will act as a catalyst to create opportunities to invest more resources and personnel and ultimately lead to additional success stories.

In South Africa, there’s a word that the late President Mandela cherished: “Ubuntu.” It embodies a sense of community and means “We exist through one another.” Unlike the past, when nations entered Africa only in search of resources, we now must recognize Africa’s potential for growth and work alongside its people to build a future together. Every member of our branch is committed to realizing the value of shared growth here in Africa and working tirelessly each day to foster this vision.

Are you curious about the lives of POSCO’s overseas expatriates who enjoy working and leisure in an exotic environment? POSCO Newsroom reports on the local lives of overseas expatriates. In Place 3, we’ll introduce Kyung-Eun Yoo from HR and General Affairs, and Ye-Sol Kim, an engineer in the Production Safety Department, both working at Ultium CAM, a joint venture between POSCO Future M and General Motors (GM) that focuses on the production of cathode materials for GM’s electric vehicles.

[Kyung-Eun Yoo] :  Hello, I am Kyung-Eun Yoo, an expatriate who has lived in Bécancour, Quebec, since July 29, 2023, and I work in the HR and General Affairs department at Ultium CAM. Ultium CAM is a joint venture between POSCO Future M and General Motors to produce cathode materials for GM’s electric vehicles. Ultium CAM is currently building a cathode material plant with an annual capacity of 30,000 tons, with the goal of completion by 2025.

Bécancour, where Ultium CAM is located, has strategically developed into a battery-specialized industrial hub known as the Société du parc industriel et portuaire de Bécancour (SPIPB). Ultium CAM is the first factory being established in this industrial park, and has received significant support and attention from the city.

In my role, I collaborate with local employees on HR planning, system operations, public relations, and government relations so that our expatriates adapt well and are focused on their work.

[Ye-Sol Kim] :  Hello, I am Ye-Sol Kim, an engineer who started my expatriate journey at Ultium CAM on the same day as Gyeong-Eun Yu. I am part of the Production Safety Department, responsible for sourcing the maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) materials needed for the operation of the plant. MRO encompasses everything from bolts and nuts to critical equipment components such as filters and meshes, all of which require periodic maintenance and replacement for smooth operations. I also oversee the review of local safety and environmental regulations and have recently been involved in training new local employees on process protocols.

[Kyung-Eun Yoo] : With a major in French studies, I was keen to find a company where I could use my language skills. That’s when I discovered POSCO Future M’s global talent recruitment program, which seeks to merge knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering to create new value. This program prioritizes overseas assignments for those with proven competence. I joined POSCO Future M with the hope of someday working at Ultium CAM, where French is the working language. When the opportunity arose, it felt almost destined, and I eagerly embraced the chance to contribute to the company’s growth with my French proficiency.

Although I had studied French extensively and believed I understood Francophone culture well, the strong affinity for the language in Quebec was initially a surprise. I realized that with Quebec’s prioritization of the French language as its foremost value and the legal requirement for global companies such as Ultium CAM to use French, the initial establishment of Ultium CAM might not be an easy process.

However, after speaking with locals and studying their history, I gained a deep appreciation for their efforts to preserve their linguistic and cultural heritage in a predominantly English-speaking country. I realized that truly understanding and respecting Quebec’s love for the French language could pave the way for Ultium CAM to become a beloved company in the region.

In North America, recruitment is often conducted on a rolling basis, so companies tend to use professional sites like LinkedIn for hiring rather than open recruitment or campus recruiting as is common in South Korea. Ultium CAM had relatively low recognition in the region, which posed a significant challenge as we deliberated on how best to raise the company’s profile. To raise Ultium CAM’s local profile, we organized various events in the Bécancour area to officially introduce the company to the community. At one such event, I had the honor of representing Ultium CAM and presenting our business operations entirely in French, given the limited English proficiency of the local audience.

We operated booths at recruitment fairs in Montreal and Trois-Rivières, and also hosted Ultium CAM hiring events throughout the Bécancour area. I mainly introduced our processes and products to local job seekers in French. During these events, I received numerous detailed questions about the characteristics of our products and the work environment, and the broad knowledge and experience I gained from the integration training after joining the company was very helpful.

Ultium CAM’s workforce is diverse, and not only has employees from Quebec, but also from Latin America, Asia, and other regions. As a result, effective communication requires genuine respect for different cultures, rather than just language skills. When I learn something new about Quebec culture, I usually share it by saying, “In Korea, we do it this way, but in Quebec, it is done like this, and this is one of the differences between our two cultures.” Alternatively, I might ask, “In Korea, we do it this way, how is it done in Quebec?” This approach helps spark conversations about the cultural differences between the two countries. I make it a point not only to engage in casual conversations but also to discuss work-related challenges with my colleagues with the aim of building strong rapport (mutual trust).

Additionally, I have gained insights into cultural differences that might be less familiar in Korea, such as a preference for cohabitation over marriage, a strong emphasis on privacy that makes people reluctant to share personal details such as age, marital status, or children, and various dietary practices driven by religious or personal beliefs. These cultural nuances have been thoughtfully integrated into our recruitment processes and HR policies to help us adapt our company’s systems to the local context.

In addition to Ye-Sol Kim and myself, four other colleagues from the interdisciplinary talent program (including Min-Young Bong in Maintenance and Hye-Yeon Lee in Technical Quality) are also part of the Ultium CAM team. Each of us serves as a bridge inside and outside the production, maintenance, and quality departments, while also supporting construction efforts. Using our overseas education and work experience, we provide interpretation in meetings and actively participate in on-site discussions with contractors and suppliers.

One of the most rewarding aspects of working at Ultium CAM is the opportunity to use our diverse experiences and knowledge in departments to overcome language and cultural barriers and unite as a cohesive team.

[Ye-Sol Kim] : I majored in French Language and Literature and Economics in college. Like Gyeong-Eun Yu, I joined POSCO Future M through the global talent recruitment program. Although I thought I could adapt well to life as an expatriate because I had many foreign friends, I was initially worried about forming professional relationships with foreign colleagues. However, my fluency in English and French helped me quickly bond with local employees through small talk. Indeed, nothing bridges social distances like sincere conversations.

Ultium CAM is currently building a plant with an annual capacity of 30,000 tons of cathode materials. It is receiving a lot of attention locally because it is a key player in the future electric vehicle battery industry and a Carbon Reduction, wastewater-free facility. My responsibilities include developing strategies for waste management with a focus on converting waste into resources rather than resorting to landfill or incineration. We are also negotiating with battery recycling companies to sell process waste containing valuable materials such as nickel and lithium.

I am also in charge of localizing the equipment and materials used in the plant. Ultium CAM is the first cathode material plant in North America, so it has been challenging to find suppliers that meet our specifications since there are few companies that specialize in electric vehicle battery materials in the region. To address this, I have been actively participating in local supplier exhibitions with the procurement team to find companies that can supply materials that meet our requirements. I was so engrossed in reviewing equipment drawings and manuals that the days flew by without even noticing.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Korea with local managers and engineers from Ultium CAM for a cathode material technology training program. We spent four weeks at the Talent Development Center in Songdo and Pohang, as well as at the cathode material plants. The employees who accompanied me and I had a very productive time touring the sites, asking questions, and exploring ways to establish a robust battery value chain in Quebec similar to those in Pohang and Gwangyang.

This technical training program was tailored to specific roles in operations, maintenance, and quality, so we were able to acquire the practical skills necessary for plant operations. It also provided a deeper understanding of POSCO Group’s corporate culture, which greatly enhanced our sense of belonging as POSCO members. As a Korean, I was genuinely surprised by how thoroughly the technical skills were taught during the training. The foreign employees said that they appreciated the opportunity to directly experience and understand the work environment and culture of a Korean company through the training. Now everyone is back in the country and working hard to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired from the training to the plant.

[Kyung-Eun Yoo] : Bécancour, where I work, is a small town. On my days off, I love exploring local eateries with colleagues and eating various local dishes. Its picturesque scenery and the laid-back, friendly nature of its residents make working here very enjoyable.

One spot I highly recommend is Coconut Bar, a long-standing pub in Trois-Rivières where many expatriates reside. This pub has been around for decades and holds the nostalgic memories of the mothers and grandmothers of local employees. When you enter, the staff greet you with Hawaiian-style flower leis, and the tropical décor, complete with statues and fountains, transports you from snowy Canada to a summer paradise. It is no wonder that local employees often say, “If you’re in Trois-Rivières, you must visit Coconut Bar.”

What makes Coconut Bar even more special is that we hold a welcome gathering there every time a new employee joins the HR and General Affairs team at Ultium CAM. The first day at a new job can be nerve-wracking, but sitting at the bar and chatting with colleagues helps break the ice and ease the tension. I vividly remember when my colleagues recorded a birthday video for my mother in French at Coconut Bar. It was the first time she received such a global birthday greeting, and she was absolutely thrilled, saying it would be a cherished memory for years to come.

While I thoroughly enjoy discovering new local delicacies, there are times when I miss Korean food. In that case, I either visit a Korean restaurant in Montreal or prepare Korean dishes with ingredients from a local Korean grocery store to share with my fellow expatriates. As we reminisce about our experiences in Korea and discuss all the things we want to do when we return, time seems to fly by.

[Ye-Sol Kim] : Living as an expatriate often brings a variety of new and diverse experiences. It can sometimes be hard to navigate new procedures and processes at work, but the everyday moments and memories I have made along the way make each day enjoyable. We currently work out of temporary offices because the Ultium CAM office building and cafeteria are still under construction. We all bring our packed lunches and eat together, and one day, a local colleague who noticed that I was eating cup noodles every day surprised me with a generous serving of a local delicacy, salmon marinated in maple syrup. Although the idea of sweet syrup on fish seemed odd at first, it tasted far better than I expected. In return, I prepared a Korean dish to share with my colleagues, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

It frequently snows in Bécancour because winter lasts for about half the year. I wasn’t particularly fond of winter in Korea, but since I moved here, I have come to appreciate the season by snowmobiling, cross-country skiing in the parks, and ice skating on the frozen lakes with my colleagues. During the summer, I often play pickleball, a sport introduced to me by local staff. It is a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and I find that hitting the ball with the paddle is a great way to relieve stress.

[Kyung-Eun Yoo] : POSCO Future M’s Ultium CAM is currently in the early stages of plant construction, so it is not well recognized locally. As a member of the HR and General Affairs team, my goal is to make sure that everyone in the Bécancour area knows about Ultium CAM. We will hire more employees after the plant is completed, and my biggest goal is to build a unique organizational culture at Ultium CAM that blends Korean and Quebecois cultures with the participation of all employees.

Finally, for those considering a career at POSCO Future M Ultium CAM, I encourage you to face the challenge with confidence. While there may be difficulties, the new and exciting experiences will far outweigh them. So, to all of you, Aie du courage (have courage)!

[Ye-Sol Kim] : Engineering work tends to have a clear direction regarding problems and solutions. It requires extensive on-site experience, including a deep understanding of equipment and processes, as well as the ability to handle and resolve a wide range of issues, so I continually study whenever I get the chance. I will continue to do my best in Canada until the Ultium CAM plant, which I have watched from the construction phase, is successfully completed and begins producing 30,000 tons of cathode material annually.

Do you wonder about people active in POSCO’s overseas corporations in various countries? POSCO Newsroom presents vivid stories of employees of POSCO’s overseas operations. In Place 2, we will meet Marisol Soldevilla, the leader of the Order Management Team of the Process Management Department at POSCO-Mexico.

Hi, I am Marisol Soldevilla, the leader of the Order Management Team of the Process Management Department at POSCO-Mexico, which was established in the Industrial Port of Altamira, Tamaulipas, Mexico, in December 2006. POSCO-Mexico manufactures galvanized steel sheets for automobiles and home appliances using a hot-dip galvanized steel sheet process called Continuous Galvanizing Line (CGL). The production capacity increased from 400,000 tons per year in 2006 to 500,000 tons per year after adding a second production line in 2014 to meet the increasing demand. It now has a total annual production capacity of 900,000 tons. We supply our products to Nissan, Volkswagen, GM, Honda, and Chrysler in Mexico and automobile manufacturers in the southern United States.

POSCO-Mexico highlights the growth of Mexico. We are writing a success story centered around the Port of Altamira, the best logistics center in Latin America, by creating jobs and developing human resources. POSCO is committed to realizing its corporate value of pursuing social responsibility and public interest. We are continuing our efforts for shared growth with local communities and giving back to society, such as creating volunteer groups to improve the quality of life in the local communities.

I joined POSCO-Mexico on October 1, 2010, 4 years after I moved to Altamira, Tamaulipas from another region. Before joining POSCO-Mexico, I worked in the logistics of exporting and importing synthetic rubber to and from Asia, Europe, and the United States at a petrochemical company. I also had experience managing contracts with land and sea transportation companies.

Before moving to Altamira, I only knew that POSCO was a Korean company that manufactured steel sheets for automobiles. Residing in Altamira, I learned that POSCO was the first steel maker in the metropolitan area and that the company provided its employees with various opportunities to develop expertise. Having dreamed of developing work capabilities and skills to become a professional, I was convinced that joining POSCO was a new challenge and opportunity.

After joining POSCO-Mexico, I worked in the purchasing department, managing suppliers and utilizing my previous work experience. My work mostly involved purchasing raw materials such as chemicals, zinc, and packaging. After working in purchasing for two years, I moved to the logistics department, where I was responsible for managing the rail and truck transportation of rolls for export.

I manage the production plan, an important task that establishes work plans based on sales, raw materials, and delivery dates and ensures production without setbacks. I am proud that I am POSCO-Mexico’s guardian to fulfill promises strictly and protect customer trust and high quality.

Once I became a POSCO-Mexico member, I knew my confidence was correct. POSCO provided its employees many opportunities to improve their job capabilities and supported them in working under better conditions. Employees gained confidence and showed positive performance under the support of a stable company and were given opportunities for promotion.

POSCO-Mexico has created a collaborative work environment based on an organizational culture of members being considerate and communicating smoothly with each other. Employees can demonstrate their creativity, autonomy, and flexibility and achieve big and small results in their work thanks to the fun and supportive atmosphere. The company recognizes its employees’ achievements and encourages their continued growth.

I will introduce various programs that POSCO-Mexico carries out every year to support the healthy lives of its employees.

People with diverse cultural backgrounds work together at POSCO-Mexico. Cultural communication skills are the basic requirement for working in such a multicultural environment, and a soft attitude to communicate in situations that require cooperation and efforts to adapt to rapidly changing situations are also necessary. When I first worked with Korean employees, I was refreshed by their attitude of communicating directly and clearly and explaining necessary information efficiently and concisely. It is because Mexican employees tend to share various stories that may have nothing to the necessary information.

If any Korean employee wants to work at POSCO-Mexico, I advise them that it is important to learn Spanish and actively participate in smooth conversation and communication! I am studying more in Korea to improve my understanding of Korean culture. I am also learning the attitude of admitting mistakes and being punctual.

I am especially interested in Korean culture and trying to understand it better. I learned Korean to communicate smoothly without misunderstanding with Korean employees and made frequent opportunities to eat Korean food. Food best reflects the culture of a country! For example, I often drank Americano without sugar, which many Koreans enjoy. I also practice segregated trash collection and recycling like Koreans. As I studied Korean food and culture, I naturally got to understand Korean history, customs, and traditions.

Those in Korea may get closer to their POSCO-Mexico colleagues while eating traditional Mexican food.

I am a working mom who is raising a child while working. Maintaining a life balance takes a lot of effort for a working mom, but it is not impossible. I do my best at work, and when I am home, I think of my family’s happiness first. When my son comes home from school, I work out with him to relieve stress and then have a talk.

As in Korea, family is very important in Mexico, and there are many occasions when families gather. We keep a strong family relationship by gathering for christenings, weddings, and sports such as soccer. I also visit Altamira’s attractions with my family and have a good time whenever possible. I will now talk about the attractions of Altamira.

Due to the nature of the steel industry, there are many male leaders, but POSCO-Mexico recognized the experience and leadership of female employees like me without prejudice. I set my principles as a female leader and have always focused on them at work. I often communicated with my team members to fulfill my role as a focal point and built solidarity by taking an interest in my colleagues. I also focused on cultivating team members’ emotional intelligence to coordinate relationships among them and developing collaborative competency so that they can cooperate systematically and soundly.

Moreover, I maintained an attitude of thinking and acting in flexible and adaptable ways and kept an open mind about innovations and operational changes. POSCO-Mexico recognized my efforts and encouraged and supported me.

I intend to continue to work hard and become a leader who is a stepping stone for the growth of my team members. I want to create a rational work environment where my colleagues can freely present their ideas rather than just follow my opinions because I am their leader. I will communicate with my team members more often to implement new processes or ideas to increase the company’s profits. Of course, developing my work capabilities further and playing an active role as an expert at POSCO-Mexico is important! I will come out of the comfort zone before anybody and take a challenging path to achieve all these dreams.

In that sense, the Global Leadership Course for New Officials I received from POSCO in Korea this year was truly special.

During this training, I learned how to lead POSCO-Mexico employees and immerse them in their work. The training in Korea took place in May, but I had studied the roles and responsibilities required of a leader and how to adapt since March. I changed my mindset through the daily letter and learned leadership skills in many areas by watching video materials. In Korea, I was able to objectively reflect on how my actions affect my team members, identify improvement directions, and determine the optimum means of implementation in the future.

The leadership training in Korea was an opportunity to meet global leaders from many countries and form a network with them. Understanding each other’s tendencies and exchanging diverse opinions made me see many things differently. Thank you, POSCO Group, for giving me a useful experience and an opportunity to grow into a leader! Please watch as I contribute to creating an even better future for POSCO-Mexico.

Are you curious about the lives of POSCO’s overseas expatriates who enjoy working and leisure in an exotic environment? POSCO Newsroom reports on the local lives of overseas expatriates. In Part 1, we meet Don-Gun Kim, an resident engineer working at Renault in France.

Hi. I am Don-Gun Kim, a resident engineer who has been working as an expatriate at the Renault Tech Center in Guyancourt, a suburb of Paris, since November 2021. POSCO Group has maintained a close cooperative relationship with Renault Group in the steel sector since 2014, and is gradually expanding the scope of technological cooperation to include secondary battery materials and hydrogen. Our cooperation extends beyond producing cars with reduced environmental impact. We are actively working to expand our efforts in developing sustainable materials, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions and promote a more environmentally responsible car market.

I joined POSCO’s Gwangyang Forming Research Group (formerly the Automobile Processing Research Group) in 2010 and have been working at the Songdo Steel Solution Research Institute since 2012. Anyone who enjoys challenges and romance would dream of working and living abroad at least once. I also thought working overseas after joining POSCO would be a good idea. I realized that I would need experience in a variety of fields to do so, and I was dispatched to the Automotive Materials Solutions Group in 2018, even though I was still affiliated with the research center.

After I started working with Renault Nissan and continued working in Songdo, I naturally had the opportunity to challenge myself as an expatriate overseas. I heard that many people applied for the Renault resident engineer position, but I was selected to work as an expatriate at the Renault Tech Center in 2021 in recognition of the work I had performed over the years.

Renault’s departments have different policies, but the one I belong to operates on a flexible work schedule. Anyone can commute to work according to their schedule between 7 AM and 8 PM as long as they keep a 35-hour work week. This policy was created after the COVID-19 pandemic: if you work at the office for at least two days a week, you can work from home for the remaining days. As you may have expected, I work according to POSCO’s working hours. I stay home on Fridays unless Renault requests a meeting. Even the cafeteria is closed that day because most employees are not in the office (Smile).

You might think that I am fluent in French since I am an expatriate in France. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Most of my colleagues are French, but we communicate in English. I wanted to learn French when I arrived in France, but it took work. So, I can only say hello or simple greetings. One useful expression is “Je ne parle pas français,” which means “I don’t speak French.” Everyone understands it well, although my pronunciation is poor. It is very useful when I receive an advertising call since they hang up immediately.

My colleagues are mostly French or Canadians. I am the only Korean there. I was initially worried about how to deal with them, but I found that French people are friendly. The American teacher who teaches me English says that Korean and French people are surprisingly similar in many ways. He thinks we are very curious about each other and like talking.

I think it is really true. They enjoy talking over coffee breaks, and I get more information and ideas during tea time than during meetings. Since business meetings are official events, expressions are limited, and thoughts are bound to be rigid. However, as we chat about personal matters, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed, and better ideas emerge. I have this kind of occasion more often. I learned about the overall need for materials for eco-friendly cars through conversations with Renault colleagues and held an event called POSCO Group Tech Day at Renault on November 16, 2023. Moreover, as communication became smoother, we had opportunities to supply new materials and strengthen collaboration between technology and sales in various areas.

People who are thinking about becoming an expatriate often ask, “Will I adapt well to a foreign country?” I had the same question at first. But people are similar wherever you are. I was initially shy, and they seemed uncomfortable talking to me, so I approached them proactively, said hello, and started talking to them, and from then on, everyone started to treat me comfortably. There was a time when I said I wanted to go on a trip to Annecy, France, and a co-worker with whom I was not very close told me it was his hometown and led me to his desk. I followed him, and he unfolded a map and explained the attractions I should visit. I remember him patiently answering all the questions I had.

It is not easy to find a place to live, go to the hospital, and find a school for your child in France. You have to have a phone number and bank account to get a house, but you need a home address to get a phone number and bank account. Being a foreigner in an unfamiliar place and solving these things one at a time was difficult. We all know that these procedures are carried out very quickly in Korea. Sometimes, I wondered why everything was so slow and frustrating. I received a lot of help from the Korean community whenever I faced a difficulty. There was a lot of information on how to get to the hospital and how to get the items I needed, which was very useful in helping me adapt to local life. Asking colleagues was also helpful. You can obtain useful information by actively asking questions and seeking opinions on things related to the local area.

The most important thing in expatriate life is family. If you have children, it is no exaggeration to say that their school life determines your quality of life. Expatriates send their children to international schools, except in English-speaking countries. Since the official language of international schools is English, teaching them the language in advance will help them gain confidence in school life.

It is a word that represents French culture, which is related to understanding and accepting differences. French people say that even when they cannot go to work because the subway workers are on strike, it should all be for a reason, and they do not complain since they believe that it will help them in the end. I am not sure if that is true…(Smile)!The phrase means “It depends” in English and is often used to explain the slow French administrative services. It may take 4 weeks or even 4 months to produce a single document, and you will get the answer “Ça dépend” when you ask how long it will take. It also means not to worry about it, accept it and wait if it is not very important in your life. It should be noted that “not very important tasks” include administrative services such as obtaining a driver’s license or residence permit. The culture encourages you to pay more attention to the people around you and enjoy a happy life than trivial things. Of course, the reality is quite different. ^^

① Tourist attractions in Paris

France is the world’s no.1 tourism country. It is not an exaggeration to say that France has the most cultural heritage in the world. In addition to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, and the Palace of Versailles, you can also see Giverny (Monet’s garden), Van Gogh’s tomb, and Disneyland within an hour’s drive. I remember going to see an exhibition of the Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests’ Zen Teachings, the world’s oldest extant book printed with movable metal type, at the National Library in Paris. I wonder if there could be a better education than getting an annual membership to the Musée d’Orsay or the Louvre Museum and taking your child there every weekend. Of course, it is not easy to visit them once a month.

② Tourist attractions outside of Paris and Europe

You can easily travel to Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium by car from Paris. It takes 10 hours to travel to Barcelona and 15 hours to Rome. You can visit most countries in Europe within 4 hours by plane. You can travel to countries that have joined the Schengen Agreement* without separate passport verification, so it is worth taking full advantage of it if you are stationed in Europe. I went to the Netherlands to visit the Yi Jun Peace Museum in the Hague and the painting by Rubens that Nero and Patrasche, the main characters in the movie The Dog of Flanders, last saw.

*Schengen Agreement: An open border treaty providing for visa-free travel between member states of the European Union (EU)

③ Bread
Bread can be categorized into three types in French: Pain (bread like baguettes), Viennoiserie (Viennese pastries like croissants), and Pâtisserie (pastries and cakes like cakes and macarons). French people are very proud of their bread. Soon after I arrived in Paris, colleagues asked me if I had found my own bakery. I wondered why they were asking this question, but it wasn’t long before I found my own bakery. I thought bread was bread and how could one differ from others, but I completely changed my mind after trying baguettes made in Paris. Moreover, the price was unbelievably cheap at around 1.2 euros, so it was very satisfactory. There are many kinds of bread other than baguettes, and I encourage you to enjoy them.

④ French wine tour
France has many famous wine-producing regions. Bordeaux, the farthest city from Paris, can be reached in about 6 hours by car, and other places such as Champagne, Loire, and Burgundy can be reached in 3 to 5 hours. So, if you are at all interested in wine, I highly recommend enjoying various wine tours on weekends!

⑤ Course meal for fine dining and raclette
Fine dining course meals are expensive in Korea at 200,000 to 300,000 won, but they are not as expensive as you might think in France. Course meals priced around 100,000 won are wonderful, so I recommend visiting local restaurants even without Michelin stars. Many tourists visit Paris, so it sells a variety of meals. Personally, I recommend raclette, a winter food most Europeans enjoy. It is a leading Swiss cheese dish, along with fondue, made by dipping potatoes, vegetables, ham, etc. in melted cheese. Casual dishes include onion soup, veal, duck, etc. Try them whenever you get a chance.

On April 15, I attended the Expatriate Leadership Course Before/During Assignment held at POSCO Group University. I received specialized training in leadership, global negotiations, and communication during the 5-day program. Most expatriates work alone, and talking or asking about the head office is difficult. However, this program was a good opportunity to satisfy the thirst for information about changes and trends in Korea and the head office. The content, which helped you to change your thinking to a discussion/participation type and refresh your future career vision, was a big professional and psychological help.

When I return to the Songdo Steel Solution Research Institute, I plan to conduct research and development for technological cooperation and sales expansion with customers. The global capabilities and negotiation skills acquired through this training program will greatly help me to communicate and work with customers. The Expatriate Leadership Course Before/During Assignment is an integrated program and was great because I was able to communicate with people working or planning to work in other countries, share local experiences, and empathize with them. I was very proud to be able to convey our experiences vividly to junior expatriates.

I now have about a year left in my expatriate position. I plan to achieve good results at Renault in the time remaining. Personally, I want to make many good memories with my family. I will travel often and capture the scenery around France in my heart so I can smile later and say, “I made these memories in France.” This was Don-Gun Kim, a POSCO special correspondent currently working as a resident engineer at Renault in France.

Greetings. I am Rawin Imchalee Dave, the General Manager of Production Department at POSCO-TCS in Rayong, Thailand’s largest industrial complex. As a manager overseeing factory production, I am responsible for everything from operational status to equipment troubles, managing non-conforming products, and on-site safety activities. Additionally, as a department head, I also delve into my employees’ concerns and personal issues. Living by the motto “Don’t fear failure and always be ready to take on challenges,” I would like to introduce you to my rewarding journey at POSCO-TCS!

The happiest moment of my life was when I got accepted into the POSCO GMP (Global Mobility Program)*. Growing up watching Korean movies and dramas, I have always wanted to visit Korea. The news of being selected for this program, which allowed me to participate in training programs in Korea, filled me with immense joy. During my four months in Korea, I deeply learned about POSCO’s history, steel production technology, and equipment technology. I also created unforgettable memories with my GMP colleagues and the Gwangyang Works Surface Treatment Department employees. This experience nourished my growth as the General Manager of Production Department of POSCO-TCS and immensely helped me understand Korean culture.

The most memorable part of the GMP training was learning about POSCO’s history and Korea’s industrial development at the POSCO History Museum. I was genuinely moved by the story of how POSCO produced steel in Korea, which was then an industrial wasteland, laying the groundwork for the growth of other industries. Hearing the stories of the POSCO founders who succeeded in producing their first steel, I would recall the “Miracle of Yeongil Bay” whenever I faced challenges in Thailand, inspiring me to redouble my efforts. Also, visiting the National Museum and Cheomseongdae in Gyeongju and experiencing Korean history and culture left me with joyful memories.

My first encounter with POSCO employees wasn’t through the GMP program. I joined POSCO-TCS in 2016 and then went to POSCO India PC CGL to benchmark the factory’s equipment commissioning and mass production operations. Even then, I learned much from the POSCO expatriates and local employees at POSCO India PC, including operational know-how and equipment management techniques. After returning to POSCO-TCS, I was a commissioning engineer responsible for equipment installation and testing. My colleagues from POSCO India PC and GMP have continuously stayed in touch, supporting the successful operation of POSCO-TCS. The strong camaraderie, sense of belonging, and overwhelming feeling of professional growth I experienced then are still vivid in my mind.

POSCO-TCS, established in 2016 in response to the demands of global automobile manufacturers, operates as a premium galvanized steel sheet producer in Rayong, Thailand’s largest industrial complex. As the person overseeing production at this plant, which boasts an annual capacity of 450,000 tons, I manage the entire production process, from inspecting product and material conditions at the stockyard to ensuring that the final output meets the specifications required by our clients.

In March 2022, POSCO-TCS signed an MOU to supply 24,000 tons of sustainably produced galvanized steel sheets annually to Sahaviriya, a leading steel company in Thailand. Founded in 1983, Sahaviriya is Thailand’s largest hot-rolled steel producer, with a capacity of 5 million tons annually. I distinctly recall the time our team put their heads together to optimize the operational process, aiming to supply galvanized steel materials reduced in carbon to Sahaviriya through cold annealing technology. The thought of increasing the use of sustainably produced steel materials in Thailand’s construction industry and contributing positively to the environment filled me with pride. Our goal this year is to unearth various improvement projects with my team, identify waste factors at the site, and reduce costs to enhance the profitability of our automotive steel plate products. Additionally, we plan to create a safer working environment where employees can work with peace of mind in continuous collaboration with the safety department.

Having experienced various tasks, from material procurement to optimizing operational processes and product quality control, I understand that each task has unique challenges. Currently, I believe the most demanding task is on-site safety management. Our dedicated safety department supports many aspects, from employee safety training and inspection of unsafe facilities to identifying and preventing early signs of various accidents. Safety, directly linked to colleagues’ lives, is of utmost priority and demands a profound sense of responsibility from all factory members.

We conduct annual safety innovation training and a Golden Bell contest at POSCO-TCS. Participating in practical safety training and preparing for the Golden Bell contest with my colleagues through study groups proved much more effective than studying safety theories and cases alone. Particularly memorable was the post-contest discussion last year, where representatives from each department came together to renew our work safety standards and critical practices, consolidating them into a booklet and further reinforcing our commitment to safety.

The myriad colleagues at POSCO-TCS with whom I work in the field are the solid pillars that have enabled me to work, grow, and take on new challenges. We strive to collaborate and grow together, serving as role models for one another.

I am particularly grateful to Jang-hoon Song, who completed his four-year tenure as a Production and Quality Coordinator at POSCO-TCS this January and returned to the Pohang Works, and Tae-young Kong, the current Equipment, Safety and Innovation Coordinator.

Once, we had to bring in a new piece of equipment from a supplier to the factory. Installing this new equipment and getting it operational involved a complex process with many unfamiliar elements, presenting significant challenges. There was also an incident where part of the galvanizing equipment was replaced, leading to errors and damage to the machine. I remember spending two days wrangling with Korean employees, using body language to facilitate communication during that time. Precise communication was necessary, even translating various technical terms for discussion. We anticipated that resolving this unexpected problem, compounded by communication issues, would take over a week. However, thanks to the Korean expatriates’ passionate focus and leadership, we solved the problem in just two days.

The greatest joy in my life is spending time with my beloved family. In 2020, I married Bo, a colleague in the Quality Technology Department at POSCO-TCS! I’ve heard there are many couples within POSCO. While working at the same company as your spouse may have its downsides, for me, in these sweet early days of marriage, going to and from work together every day is true happiness.

Especially last August, the birth of our beloved son has brought us immeasurable happiness. POSCO’s maternity leave and childbirth support policies are much more generous than those of other Thai companies, allowing us to welcome our child with peace of mind. Although I’m still a novice father facing many challenges, I’m doing my best, just like I’ve been responsible for looking after my employees as a department head. At work, I strive to be a reliable manager, and at home, a loving husband and a wonderful father.

What I really want to achieve!