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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

POSCO Group does its best to develop technologies that contribute to safety and carbon neutrality. We introduce POSCO Group’s excellent new technologies to create a better world! In this edition, we introduce POSCO’s steel vertiport, an urban UAM takeoff and landing hub that not only has strength, durability, and cost effectiveness, but also incorporates prefab construction for enhanced usability.

With worsening urban traffic congestion and environmental issues around the world, urban air mobility (UAM) is gaining attention as a solution. The most notable UAM vehicle is the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL).

It requires a specialized structure, called a “vertiport,” for safe urban takeoff and landing of eVTOL. A vertiport is more than just a landing pad, it serves as an urban airport that provides terminal spaces for passenger boarding, as well as facilities for aircraft charging and maintenance, as a vital part of the UAM infrastructure.

In aviation, there is a critical time known as the “fatal 11 minutes when accidents are most likely to occur, which is 3 minutes during takeoff and 8 minutes before landing. UAM flights are also vulnerable to the turbulence created by airflows interacting with the vertiport during takeoff and landing, which poses a risk of collision with obstacles. This highlights the need for a vertiport structure designed with superior durability to withstand unexpected situations. Until now, aluminum has been the main material for vertiports due to its light weight and durable properties. However, aluminum was difficult to commercialize because it was expensive.

POSCO developed the “steel vertiport” with the goal of creating a lightweight yet robust vertiport using steel. By leveraging this material, they achieved a product with similar strength to aluminum, but with a thinner structure and at less than half the cost of aluminum alternatives. Furthermore, they incorporated PosMAC, POSCO’s high-corrosion-resistant steel, which has 10 times the corrosion resistance of conventional galvanized steel and significantly reduces maintenance concerns.

Vertiports that are typically installed on top of buildings, rather than on the ground, are referred to as elevated vertiports. These structures are characterized by modular assembly, minimizing the need for heavy equipment and assembly because materials must be lifted to higher floors. POSCO’s steel vertiport is designed as a 15-meter square platform divided into 18 modules, which are pre-fabricated in the factory and assembled on-site. This prefab construction method enhances the efficiency of both the installation and dismantling processes.

*Prefab (short for pre-fabrication): A construction method where components are manufactured in a factory beforehand and the structure is completed on site by assembly alone.

Steel Vertiport Technology Validated With Public Performance Testing

Last June, POSCO conducted the first-ever public performance verification of its steel vertiport in Goheung, South Korea. POSCO proved its technological expertise by successfully completing the entire process of the steel vertiport, from design to construction, for performance verification in only 20 days. It was a challenging feat, but POSCO was able to complete it within the tight timeline thanks to proactive collaboration with manufacturing plants and construction partners during the development phase. A key feature of POSCO’s steel vertiport is its enhanced construction efficiency, achieved by integrating DfMA* and modularization technologies. Let’s take a closer look at the public performance verification of POSCO’s steel vertiport.

*DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly): A design approach that considers the manufacturing, transportation, and installation of components and modules at the outset of structural or architectural planning.

During the public performance test, real-time data were collected to measure the durability of the steel as a 5-ton helicopter landed on the vertiport. Remarkably, the steel exhibited outstanding strength, with no deformation even to a tolerance of 1 cm. Observers from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and Lotte E&C consortium praised the steel vertiport and acknowledged its potential for application in the future UAM industry. Additionally, feedback from the helicopter pilot affirmed that the steel vertiport matched conventional helipads in terms of robustness, noise, and vibration, which once again showed the stability and superiority of POSCO’s steel vertiport.

Steel Vertiport Potential Recognized in the Global Market

The potential of the steel vertiport has been showcased not only domestically, but also internationally. At last month’s 2024 World Smart City Expo (WSCE) Vertiport International Forum, POSCO presented real-world applications of its steel vertiport design and received global attention to this innovative solution. Following POSCO’s presentation, there was a flurry of questions from the audience, including inquiries about commercial partnership opportunities. After the forum, a steel vertiport mock-up was displayed at the Airport Corporation’s promotional booth. This model, featuring a frame and columns integrated with POSCO’s high-strength trusses, attracted considerable interest from attendees for its structural performance as well as its architectural aesthetics and sense of openness.

▲ A virtual image of a vertiport ©Korea Airports Corporation.

Building a Sustainable Vertiport Operating System with POSCO’s Products and Solutions

Since a vertiport is a structure in its own right, it must also address the demand for improved energy efficiency, a focal point in modern construction. In light of this, POSCO is exploring options to integrate solar panels directly onto the vertiport and is evaluating the application of BIPV* systems, which would combine solar energy generation with the terminal’s exterior cladding. POSCO is also considering an innovative wind energy solution by harnessing the strong downdraft, or “downwash,” generated as helicopters descend. The implementation of such ideas will require the steel vertiport to have exceptional durability and structural integrity, and POSCO is committed to conducting thorough research to realize these concepts. With these advancements, POSCO’s steel vertiport is ready to shape the future of UAM infrastructure. We thank you for your support.

*BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic): A power generation system that seamlessly combines energy production with architectural design by incorporating solar modules as building materials.

Palbok-dong is a district in Jeonju, a city rich with history and culture. In the past, Palbok-dong was bustling when the industrial complex was booming, but now many people have left the village and empty houses have been abandoned for a long time. Is there any way to repurpose the vacant houses that are still useful?

In response, POSCO has set out to promote a project to revitalize vacant houses in Jeonju based on its management philosophy of Corporate Citizenship. Steel ContiNew is a project to repurpose four abandoned houses in Palbok-dong, Jeonju into new spaces.

POSCO provided about 40 tons of steel, the main material for remodeling the empty houses, free of charge. Also, POSCO’s major client companies, including INNOVILT, participated in the project by voluntarily supporting production and construction costs.

Steel ContiNew is an innovative campaign that leverages infinitely recyclable steel to repurpose deserted rural houses into sustainable spaces such as cafes and restaurants. The title Steel ContiNew cleverly plays with the similar-sounding words ‘still’ and ‘steel’ to symbolize the ongoing transformation of contemporary steel that will persist into the future.

This project employed customizable Pos-H welded beams as a key component in the foundational structural renovations of the vacant houses. Pos-H has the advantages of superior value and seismic performance compared to other H-beams and it can be manufactured in sizes that are optimized for customer requirements.

PosMAC, renowned for its exceptional rust resistance, was utilized for the roofs and exterior facades of the buildings. With a 20-year anti-corrosion warranty, PosMAC guarantees the long-lasting durability and enduring visual charm of the structures. A “solar roof” made with PosMAC can be laid over existing roofing so mounting is accomplished without support fixtures or other additional structures, enhancing stability and environmental friendliness.

In terms of interior materials, POSCO employed stainless steel Kinetic Walls to achieve a fluid and undulating visual effect. Additionally, PosART, a high-resolution inkjet printing technique on metal, was utilized to recreate the texture of materials like wood and marble. Features such as sink countertops, tables, benches, and lighting were also made with stainless steel to optimize hygiene and emphasize the aesthetic beauty unique to steel materials.

The biggest achievement of the Steel ContiNew project is that a village that was once desolate with abandoned houses has been repurposed into vibrant spaces with the use of steel, an infinitely recyclable and Sustainable material.

This is why the project to renovate vacant houses into new spaces is recognized for effectively solving problems faced by depopulated areas such as creating jobs, attracting more visitors, and revitalizing the local economy. Looking ahead, POSCO plans to actively participate in creating social value with steel based on its management philosophy of Corporate Citizenship.

What made you participate in the Steel ContiNew project?

POSCO has been making great efforts to create social values based on its management philosophy of Corporate Citizenship. This project was also part of the management philosophy. Recently, provincial areas have been facing many problems such as an increase in vacant houses due to depopulation and regional imbalance. So, I participated in this project to contribute to solving these structural problems in society using an Sustainable material, steel.

What did you pay the most attention to while you were working on this project?

Steel is a 99% recyclable material. Our main goal was to repurpose vacant houses into new spaces using steel, just as we reuse steel to make new products. We focused on remodeling several vacant houses to refresh the entire village, while trying to solve the problems faced by depopulated areas.

Steel was rarely used for the interior and exterior material in the past. So, with this project, we focused on publicizing new aspects of steel. Steel may have a cold and hard image, but with this project, we wanted to convey a message that steel actually has both sustainability and aesthetics.

▲The remodeled space will be a fine dining restaurant with an old-fashioned tavern concept, mainly serving Bossam(boiled pork belly wraps), jeon (Korean-style pancakes) and makgeolli (traditional unrefined rice wine).

This project has been recognized for its good achievements, such as job creation and revitalization of the local economy.

If not just one, but several vacant houses are renovated, the whole village will be full of vitality. A total of four commercial facilities have created employment, and the local economy is also expected to be revitalized thanks to a surge in visitors. I feel rewarded because this project seemingly provides a way to solve common problems faced by rural communities.

What do you think about the future of this place, revitalized by POSCO?

In the past, during the industrialization of Korea, economic growth was achieved with the support of basic industries such as steel and shipbuilding. Palbok-dong also had many residents living behind the industrial complex at that time. I hope that this project will serve as an opportunity to recapture past glory, revitalize the village, and attract more visitors and ultimately revive the local economy. I look forward to the continuing interest and support of many visitors even after the broadcast.

What part of the Steel ContiNew project did you participate in?

The INNOVILT is in charge of producing construction materials with POSCO’s excellent steel. We tried to show a new side of steel by supplying materials that are different from the cold image that steel had, such as a solar roof based on the photovoltaic system, PosART that prints various materials on steel sheets, and stainless steel that can be used for kitchen utensils and lightings.

Please explain in detail about PosART, which was applied as the main interior material in this project.

PosART is an inkjet printing technique for POSCO steel sheets that can recreate the patterns, colors, and textures of natural materials such as wood and marble. The advantage of PosART is that it can make architecture that feels natural without damaging nature, such as with logging or marble mining. In addition, it is customizable by designing the patterns desired by architects. I think this project is meaningful in that it has enhanced the public’s understanding of steel by introducing PosART, which recreates the colors and textures that architects want.

You must have been filled with emotion when you saw the vacant houses repurposed with POSCO’s technologies.

When I first visited this place, the village looked dilapidated with many vacant houses. But construction has been going on for several months, and now the whole village seems to be filled with vibrant energy. Just like the local residents who have high expectations for this project, I am also excited about and looking forward to the future of this place. We sincerely participated in this project and hope that this place will be loved well beyond a one-time event, for a long time to come.

How do you feel about participating in the project to revitalize vacant houses?

I am delighted to be able to publicize the aesthetics, eco-friendliness, and sustainability of steel through this project. Steel is all around us, but we just don’t recognize it. I hope that more people come to understand that steel, a crucial material for structuring spaces, can be utilized in a variety of aesthetically pleasing ways.

Please introduce your company, MBK.

MBK is a company that specializes in architectural exteriors such as facade construction, building assembly, consulting, and distribution of POSCO Steeleon’s products. In addition, we have contributed to the creation of a new architectural culture by participating in one-off projects conducted by architects on a pilot basis. This is why we participated in the Steel ContiNew project as an architectural exteriors company.

Please tell us about the exterior material from POSCO used in this construction.

One of the drawbacks of steel is rust. That was why it was rarely used as an exterior material in the past. However, the corrosion rate of steel has stabilized, so it is now widely used as an exterior material. It means that technology moves on. I think the biggest advantage of POSCO products is not only the excellent performance of steel, but also the ability to realize the patterns and designs desired by architects.

It seemed that the remodeled house was in perfect harmony with the hanok and the metal-like exterior building materials. What did you pay attention to the most?

House No. 4, which we were involved in, focused on preserving the peculiar atmosphere of the existing *hanok. We maintained the old wall on the outside of the building while trying to make it blend in naturally with the exterior materials.
*hanok: A type of traditional Korean house first designed and built in the 14th century during the Joseon Dynasty.

In addition, we put a lot of effort into ensuring that the architect’s intentions are well reflected in the work. After conducting several tests to realize metallic printed steel sheets with the hairline texture that the architect wanted, we finally achieved great results that everyone was happy with. I am glad that the architect’s intentions are properly reflected in the finished house.

▲ The old wall surrounding the building blends naturally with the hanok.

How do you feel about participating in this project?

It is said that there are many vacant houses due to rural depopulation. I think it is a big social problem. So, I feel pleased and rewarded that I have done my little bit and helped to solve social problems. In addition, as one of the people involved in this project, I expect that the broadcast will make the image of steel more friendly. I hope more people will be aware of the sustainability and diversity of steel in the future.

POSCO joins in solving social problems

Steel ContiNew is an innovative project that leverages infinitely recyclable steel to repurpose deserted rural houses into sustainable spaces such as cafes and restaurants.
The title Steel ContiNew cleverly plays with the similar-sounding words ‘still’ and ‘steel’ to symbolize the ongoing transformation of contemporary steel that will persist into the future. This is also in accordance with the project’s ethos of converting empty houses into environmentally-friendly and sustainable spaces.

At present, South Korea is grappling with notable societal challenges caused by a decline in population resulting from low birth rates, leading to a rise in the number of unoccupied residences, particularly in rural regions. POSCO launched the Steel ContiNew project to address this issue by using steel based on its management philosophy of Corporate Citizenship: Building a Better Future Together.
Steel ContiNew went beyond conventional building remodeling approaches by revitalizing an entire village, converting four deserted rural houses into vibrant cafes and restaurants.

Breathing new life into vacant houses with POSCO steel

POSCO has articulated the meaning of sustainability inherent in steel, and the unique aesthetic beauty that only steel materials can offer, through the application of its diverse steel products. These products, noted for their environmental friendliness, stability, and economic efficiency, have been extensively used in the interior and exterior of remodeled buildings.

▲Pos-H, our customized welded H beam product, was extensively utilized in the skeleton frame of the remodeled structures.

POSCO employed customizable Pos-H welded beams as a key component in the foundational structural renovations of the vacant houses. Pos-H offers superior value and seismic performance to other H-beams and can be manufactured in sizes optimized to customer requirements.

▲The roofing and exterior walls of the remodeled structures used our corrosion-resistant galvanized steel plates, PosMAC, that are backed by a 20-year anti-corrosion warranty

PosMAC, renowned for its exceptional rust resistance, was utilized for the roofs and exterior facades of the buildings. With a 20-year anti-corrosion warranty, PosMAC guarantees the long-lasting durability and enduring visual charm of the structures. A “solar roof” made with PosMAC can be laid over existing roofing so mounting is accomplished without support fixtures or other additional structures, enhancing stability and environmental friendliness.

▲Kinetic walls made of stainless steel achieved a fluid and undulating visual effect.

▲Our high-resolution inkjet printing technique expresses the texture of wood, marble and other materials on the metal surface.

▲Pre-coated steel used in kitchen cabinets and walls.

▲Stainless steel used for countertops, tables, benches, and lighting highlight the hygienic quality and aesthetic appeal of steel.

In terms of interior materials, POSCO employed stainless steel Kinetic Walls to achieve a fluid and undulating visual effect. Additionally, PosART, a high-resolution inkjet printing technique on metal, was utilized to recreate the texture of materials like wood and marble. Features such as sink countertops, tables, benches, and lighting were also made with stainless steel to optimize hygiene and emphasize the aesthetic beauty unique to steel materials. “Pre-coated metal” was used inside counters and on walls to create a beautiful gold-rose look.

POSCO’s clients who actively participated in the ‘Steel ContiNew’ project

Steel ContiNew holds profound significance as it brings together diverse stakeholders throughout society to address pressing social issues such as rural depopulation and the increasing number of vacant homes

POSCO collaborated with MBC, a South Korean public broadcaster, in the project’s design and generously provided the primary steel materials necessary for the renovation of the vacant houses. POSCO’s client companies actively participated in the project by contributing funds for production and construction costs. Additionally, the local government of Jeonju-si provided the necessary sites and vacant houses for the remodeling process.

The collaborative efforts of diverse sectors in society have successfully transformed abandoned rural houses, left vacant due to declining birthrates and population relocation caused by the decline of industrial complexes in the 2000s, into sustainable spaces that embrace the environmental friendliness and aesthetic beauty of steel.

▲ An vacant house has been renovated with POSCO Steel.

Moreover, small business owners and local residents who were finding it difficult to make a living since the COVID-19 outbreak were provided with an opportunity to get back on their feet by being put in charge of running the cafes and restaurants. Abandoned houses, once considered eyesores, have been given a new lease on life through the use of steel. They have been transformed into tourist attractions that draw not only local residents but also people from all over the country.

POSCO Steel’s infinite power to create a sustainable world

As mentioned previously, Steel ContiNew has not only generated employment opportunities for the community but also played a significant role in fostering local economic growth. Most importantly, the project has brought hope to a village that was once desolated by abandoned vacant houses. Through the use of steel, an infinitely recyclable and eco-friendly material, these structures have been revitalized into sustainable spaces radiating renewed energy and vibrancy.

Looking ahead, POSCO is committed to making continuous and substantial efforts to ensure that such small sparks of change can spread throughout South Korea. This is because we believe that when the unlimited power of steel is combined with the warmth in people’s hearts, the world will become a more beautiful and sustainable place.

As “e-commerce” through online and mobile has become a trend due to Covid-19, warehouses are naturally increasing rapidly. In particular, the number of warehouses is increasing in the populous metropolitan area. I visited them myself because I heard that there are special warehouses.

As I left the Yangji IC in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, saw a large building with purple and blue colors in the distance. From a distance, it looked no different from the other warehouses, but when I saw it up close, I could see the uniqueness of this warehouse.

My my oh my! The building, which I thought had only two colors from afar, was emitting a variety of colors, such as yellow, green, blue, and purple like a chameleon depending on the viewing angle and sunlight.

Yongin/ Yangji Distribution Center with ‘Chameleon Diamond Panel’ of M Steel LLC selected by the 3rd INNOVILT Brand Committee in 2020. M Steel’s chameleon diamond panel has a distinct feature that shows off many colors and is made of POSCO’s ternary alloy coated steel, PosMAC, with high corrosion resistance. The two distribution centers’ ordering company is Wonjin Logistics and the constructor is Seyoung Construction.

I wonder why a construction company Seyoung Construction adopted the ‘Chameleon Diamond Panel’ as its building material, and what the client, Wonjin Logistics thinks it’s good from the user’s point of view.

l Why ‘Chameleon Diamond Panel’?

Constructors who dig the ground, lay the foundation, and build the building should consider various aspects, including specialized design, quality, construct-ability, workers’ safety, and more.

The constructor Seyoung Construction, a construction company specialized in building warehouses, not only considered the cost and construction period as top priorities for all material choices, but also considered maintenance as an essential factor, choosing materials cautiously.

Yongin/Yangji Distribution Center located in Yongin-si was ordered in turn-key base contract, whereas the contractor is responsible for both designing and building. It is a large distribution center that has cold-storage facilities, making 50 billion won scaled orders, unlike in the past when orders were about 10 billion won.

As demand for warehouses has increased recently, it has emerged as an asset that even considers leasing and operation in the long run, and the industry is also changing to the structure of preoccupying the location and use of warehouses in advance by institutions or large trust companies. As the value of assets is standing out, more and more people are trying to supplement their functions by using good materials rather than constructing only based on cost alone and have special characteristics of buildings for investors.

▲Director Jong-Mun Lim of Seyoung Construction

Jong-Mun Lim, director of Seyoung Construction explained, “If you look at other distribution centers around, there are a few buildings that have already begun to look faded and rusted 5 to 6 years after construction. The chameleon diamond panel is said to be resistant to corrosion by coloring the PosMAC, and guarantees 20 years of durability and even discoloration. That’s the reason why I chose it as an exterior building material.

It has become a definite differentiation by applying chameleon diamond panels to the exterior, improving durability with no wave phenomenon, and giving a solid appearance with various color changes.

However, like two sides of the same coin, there are some bad things behind good things, the time for architectural review. Cities with a population of more than 1 million shall follow the colors set considering the aesthetics of the city under the Landscape Act.

Director Lim said, ”Since industrial districts in large cities usually prefer achromatic colors, it would have been okay if it were a general material but the reviewers and civil servants were embarrassed because it was metal color that was not well handled by them,” Lim said. “It could have been easier if a player with high recognition or high public confidence had moved, but we visited several times and kept explaining about the material to get an approval of using this material ” he explained the difficulty of the material approval process.

So far, more than 200 buildings have been applied with M Steel’s chameleon diamond panels, including warehouses, hotels, and coffee shops.

Gil-Soo Han, CEO of M Steel said, “Right now, our wish is to apply chameleon diamond panels to large warehouses in the northern port of Incheon, which are about to be built. It is particularly suitable for coastal characteristics (humidity, salinity, wind pressure, etc.).” “We plan to continue to apply chameleon diamond panels to the exterior of various buildings to make them new landmarks in each region,” he added.

l Build a distinctive identity with a differentiated appearance

Wonjin Logistics, the ordering company, had a thirst for a warehouse filled with their own distinction and identity while doing the logistics business and the moment they saw M Steel’s chameleon diamond panel, they thought, “This is it!”

Wonjin Logistics, a client who wanted a different characteristic from the existing standardized distribution center, used diamond chameleon panels instead of regular panels as exterior finishing materials and gave the distribution center an identity.

Wonjin Logistics said, “M Steel’s chameleon diamond panel’s color changing depending on light and angle of view was very eye-catching and we decided it after hearing that it was an INOVILT’s product that was officially proved to be excellent in POSCO’s raw materials.” “Thanks to its special appearance, it was born as a building where everyone looked back on, and we like it very much because it has an identity that reminds people of “Wonjin Logistics” when they think of that building even when they go down the street,” he said.

The result is complete satisfaction. Both distribution centers, which already have both large retailers, are successful in terms of operation and function, but they can also expect an increase in asset value as well.

Wonjin Logistics plans to additionally utilize the ‘Chameleon Diamond Panel’ as remodeling material for existing warehouses in order to have an identity of ‘Wonjin Logistics Warehouse’.

This M Steel episode is the result of INNOVILT Alliance’s efforts to pursue premium, the owner’s need to find identity, and the constructor’s need to make the drawing real.

‘Nae-Don-Nae-San’ reviews on INNOVILT will continue next time~~~

Finishing materials are used to complete the exterior part of a building. They serve to enhance the aesthetic features of the building as well as protect the surface from external impacts. The materials are categorized into interior and exterior material, roofing material, etc., according to their usage. Since finishing materials are exposed — thus visible and touchable — unlike structural materials, the context of a building can vary depending on which finishing material is used.

Jooshin Co., Ltd. specializes in producing and selling finishing materials optimized for various purposes, such as for exterior walls of buildings, interior, roofs, and so on. Founded in 2001, the company has worked on product development continuously and, as a result, grown into a small giant with more than 40 patents today. Behind the impressive performance, CEO Myeong-Woo Yoo’s management philosophy, change and innovation, lies.

▲ CEO Myeong-Woo Yoo explaining the management philosophy of Jooshin Co., Ltd.

“Jooshin does not develop a product unless a patent is a prerequisite. It means that we focus only on high value-added products that go beyond conventional products with new non-existent ideas. The conditions in the market change from day to day and demands from clients are becoming more challenging. That is why Jooshin aims to create new trends by grasping and responding to market changes.”

The persistent efforts did bear fruits. Currently, Jooshin Co., Ltd. stands out as a company leading the top 1% of roof and exterior market in Korea. In 2016, the company developed roof and exterior materials that adopt POSCO steel plate and SUPER ALCOSTA, a highly corrosion and heat resistant aluminum plated steel plate, and participated in major public projects, such as the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Stadium and Incheon International Airport. At the beginning of this year, seven of the company’s products were selected as POSCO INNOVILT products. As a result, it has become a single company with the most INNOVILT products. Among them, ZintaMax, the main product of the company, is the subject today.

l ZintaMax, The Beauty Imposed by Variations of Straight Lines

ZintaMax is a block-shaped finishing material that stretches out in a straight line. It can be installed on the exterior and interior walls of the building, on the ceiling, and all other places, excluding the roof. Since each finishing material has different strengths and employs different construction methods depending on where it is adopted, there aren’t many products that can be used for multiple purposes. On the other hand, ZintaMax is highly versatile as it can be installed anywhere a finishing material is needed with high strength and simple construction method thanks to PosMAC, its raw material.

Then what about the design? At first glance, you might think that simple straight lines and curves are all about the product, but many different kinds of design can be created by using ZintaMax. Its sizing can be flexible to fit for various purposes. For example, if you drill a hole and install it with lighting, it transforms into a decent interior material.

And this is not all. By utilizing the color printed steel product, which is a trend in the market these days, it is also possible to produce ZintaMax in diverse colors and patterns, such as yellow, blue, wood, and marble. POSCO’s PosMAC, the raw material of ZintaMax, goes under surface treatment at POSCO C&C and is then sent to Jooshin to be fabricated into the product. POSCO’s Jin-Ah Kim explained, “The color printed steel of POSCO C&C embodies the features of other materials almost perfectly so there is little difference in appearance from actual wood or marble. It is an Sustainable material that can realize the interior and exterior desired by clients without damaging nature.”

Another thing, with POSCO C&C’s Multi-Color Steel Sheet, more diverse designs can be created. Multi-Color Steel Sheet is a color steel product where multiple colors can be expressed simultaneously on a single-coil, and POSCO C&C is the sole domestic manufacturer. POSCO’s Jin-Ah Kim said, “When ZintaMax is made with these Multi-Color Steel Sheets, all the colors of the convex and concave parts can be expressed differently. The distinct and specialized design can satisfy the diverse needs of clients.”

l Design, Safety, Durability: 3-in-1!

ZintaMax, an innovative item in the conventional metal finishing material market, was born through collaboration between Jooshin Co., Ltd., and POSCO. While carrying out a joint study in 2019 regarding steel construction materials, Jooshin Co., Ltd., POSCO, and POSCO C&C came together to develop a finishing material with a unique design. Jooshin invested in facilities for production, while POSCO and POSCO C&C developed new colors and designs for the products. “No matter how good silk is, it can not be called a garment without proper altering. The case is the same here. Excellent products like the multi-color steel sheet and PosMAC will truly be acknowledged only when there are practical technologies to apply to buildings. POSCO and Jooshin worked on the details together, and ZintaMax is the result.”

Finishing material should be safe as well as aesthetically pleasing. How strong is ZintaMax against external stimuli, such as fire or corrosion? CEO Yoo proudly explained, “ZintaMax does not burn in fire and also has aesthetic features as well. These days, the incombustibility of finishing materials, like the roof and exterior materials, is being emphasized due to a series of fires that broke out in warehouses. Relevant laws have also been revised, banning the use of flammable finishing materials in buildings above three floors. ZintaMax is safe to use because it is made of POSCO C&C incombustible colored steel that does not ignite at high temperatures and generate less smoke and harmful gases.”

Since it is made of POSCO steel, the finishing material is also highly resistant to corrosion. “PosMAC, the raw material of ZintaMax, has a stronger plating layer than conventional galvanized steel, so it is highly wear-resistant and scratch-resistant. Generally, the cutting surfaces or parts that are scratched during installation gather rust. However, PosMAC has an oxide layer called Simonkolleite made by plating zinc with magnesium and aluminum. This layer prevents the corrosion of the surface as well as the machined parts.”

l INNOVILT ZintaMax: How Are They Made?

The aesthetic yet safe and durable ZintaMax. How is it made? The entire process was walked along with an explanation from Jae-Wook Yoo. He said, “The manufacturing process of ZintaMax is largely divided into three stages. The large steel coil that you can see over there is color printed steel made of PosMAC. POSCO’s PosMAC is coated at POSCO C&C and delivered here to Jooshin in coil shapes. The coil-shaped steel sheets go under an Uncoiler to make them flat. Next, they pass through the forming roll where they are shaped into desired forms. When they are put into the roller, the bumpy shapes of the ZintaMax are complete.” The manufacturing process was as simple as its construction method. The shortened construction period could also help reduce cost.

What is unique is that most of these processes are performed directly on site. It is a differentiated part from general finishing materials that are transported to the construction site after making finished products at the factory. Director Yoo Jae-wook said, “Because we look at the building to be applied in the field and make it right away, it can be constructed without any length limitation.”

l You Can See ZintaMax Here!

Buildings adopting ZintaMax can easily be found around us. Starbucks, the mega-franchise coffee shop, is an example. The recent Starbucks coffee shop that opened in Gimhae adopted a wooden pattern ZintaMax to the front of its exterior wall. On the outside, it looks just like wood. “If the walls were made with real wood, the processing cost would have been high, and there must have been a fair amount of logging.” On the side and back walls of the coffee shop building, a dark-gray zinc pattern ZintaMax was applied. The entire building demonstrates the attractive features of the color printed steel sheets that can embody all materials and colors without any restrictions. The charms of ZintaMax can also be seen in other various buildings, including the Gwangyang POSCO Childcare Center and the Sharp Gallery in Seoul.

Export prospects also look bright. Jae-Wook Yoo said, “We have received positive responses from Southeast Asian clients for suggesting wooden patterned ZintaMax. ZintaMax, which has both the durability and design features of steel, will serve as a definite alternative in Southern Asia where the deformation of construction wood is frequent due to hot weather.” He also added, “Although all discussions have been temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect tangible results soon.”

l Jooshin & POSCO, “Standing Out by Working Together”

If there is a single word that binds Jooshin and POSCO, it would be “First Mover”. Jooshin has been expanding the use of not only PosMAC but also PosPVD, a next-generation surface-treated steel plate developed by POSCO, in the steel construction material market. Regarding the cooperation between the two companies, Jae-Wook Yoo stated, “Working with POSCO Group, I could feel the passion that the entire group has for developing new products. They are eager to lead the market and do not hesitate to try out different attempts. Just like a pioneering leader. Such features fit well with the identity of Jooshin, which is to pursue creativity and innovation.”

Jin-Ah Kim also responded, “Whenever we find clients who are worried about how to construct with colored steel, we show them ZintaMax. ZintaMax is proactively applied to projects of POSCO E&C, and so it is not an exaggeration to say that it is growing together with POSCO Group. Jooshin always stimulates us with new ideas making us wonder where else we can use POSCO products in such a variety of ways.”

With the INNOVILT Alliance, the synergy shown by the two companies is expected to expand further. Both companies are working together on the R&D of a louver^* with non-flammable performance. Conventional wooden louvers are flame-retardant, but not non-flammable, so if this collaboration is successful, a safer louver can be introduced to the market. ^*louver: interior wood material used to prevent glare.

CEO Myeong-Woo Yoo commented that INNOVILT Alliance is a strategy of going together. At the end of the interview, he said, ”I’m excited for POSCO’s challenge to create a new structure with partner companies. Though the way of going together might not be easy, I am looking forward to the future that Jooshin and POSCO will create together.”

※ This content was produced in compliance with the COVID-19 quarantine guidelines before ‘Social Distancing Step 2.5’ was imposed.

Jecheol Industrial Co., Ltd. is located in Gyeongsangnam-do Province. On arriving at the plant, there were rainwater storage tanks, well over the height of an adult, laid out in the yard. Since they were made with PosMAC, which is corrosion-resistant steel, it looked magnificent even in the rain. POSCO Newsroom sat down with Kwon-Duk Seo, CEO of Jecheol Industrial Co., Ltd., Director Sung-Yeal Bae, and POSCO’s Yu-Rae Jo and listened to the story of PosMAC rainwater storage tank produced by Jecheol Industrial Co., Ltd.

l The World’s Only Manufacturer of PosMAC Rainwater Storage Tank — Jecheol Industrial Co., Ltd.

▲ Kwon-Duk Seo, CEO of Jecheol Industrial Co., Ltd., introducing the PosMAC rainwater storage tank

Founded in 1999, Jecheol Industrial Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer specialized in corrugated steel pipes. Since its establishment, it has been producing more advanced corrugated steel pipes through continuous R&D resulting in several related patents. Among them, “PosMAC Rainwater Storage Tank” would be the most focalized product of the manufacturer. PosMAC stands for POSCO Magnesium Aluminum Alloy Coating. It is a ternary alloy coated steel composed of zinc, magnesium, and aluminum, and it is 5 to 10 times more corrosion-resistant material than conventional galvanized steel. All products produced by Jecheol Industrial, including PosMAC rainwater storage tanks, use PosMAC steel as a raw material.

“Jecheol Industrial has never used any other material but POSCO steel products ever since its establishment. This shows how much we trust its quality. Before PosMAC, we used galvanized steel sheets produced by POSCO, and as PosMAC — an upgraded material — was developed, we changed all our raw material to PosMAC,” said Kwon-Duk Seo, CEO of Jecheol Industrial Co., Ltd.

PosMAC rainwater storage tank is an sustainable rainwater harvesting system jointly developed by POSCO, Jecheol Industrial, and RIST (Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology). Since PosMAC is a highly corrosion-resistant material, it has proved to be the perfect material for building a rainwater storage facility. PosMAC rainwater storage tanks are used for two purposes, one is rainwater utilization, and the other is stormwater management.

If the purpose is to collect, purify, and reuse rainwater, a rainwater utilization facility could be installed. Whereas if it is to retain water to prevent stormwater runoffs, a stormwater management facility is what does the trick. The reservoirs that we can see easily around factories and apartments are an example of stormwater management facilities. However, these reservoirs are hard to manage. Garbage piles up around them and they act as a breeding spot for larvae of pests, such as mosquitoes. By installing a stormwater management facility underground in the form of tanks, the surrounding environment becomes cleaner, and the surface can be used for various purposes, such as parking lots or green areas.

Jecheol Industrial is the only company in the world that produces PosMAC rainwater storage tanks. CEO Kwon-Duk Seo said, “We have seen some cases of rainwater storage tanks that use corrugated steel pipes overseas. However, they were made with galvanized steel and none of them used PosMAC.”

The company’s deep ties with POSCO and its passion for technology development played a key role in making Jecheol Industrial the world’s only PosMAC rainwater storage tank manufacturer. POSCO enabled the company to pioneer a new path with this rainwater storage tank. It was in 2001 when POSCO first knocked on the door of Jecheol Industrial in an effort to co-create a rainwater storage tank that meets the relevant requirements of Korea. Jecheol Industrial, POSCO, and Korea Institute of Construction Technology (KICT) put their heads together to develop the technology. The material for the new product was changed from galvanized steel to PosMAC, and it went through numerous trials and errors and several tests as well.

It took ten years for the prototype of PosMAC rainwater storage tank to be materialized. Director Sung-Yeal Bae said, “I remember the day we buried the 500-ton PosMAC rainwater storage tank prototype in Seoul in 2011. It marked the beginning of PosMAC rainwater storage tank. After inspecting the system in collaboration with RIST, we were able to handle trouble-shootings one by one, creating the product that it is today.”

CEO Kwon-Duk Seo added, “The technology that we possess is something that has been accumulated over such a long period of time. It cannot be copied by any other company. Moreover, our company also holds more than ten patents related to rainwater storage tanks.”

l PosMAC Rainwater Storage Tank: Easily Constructible, Economical, and sustainable

While the capacity of rainwater utilization facilities is usually 500 tons or less, stormwater management facilities boast its large-scale capacity, with total capacity reaching at least 1,000 tons. Jecheol Industrial mainly produces rainwater storage tanks for rainwater utilization facilities and stormwater management facilities of up to 3,000 tons.

The most common rainwater storage tanks in Korea are made of plastic and concrete. CEO Kwon-Duk Seo emphasized, “PosMAC rainwater storage tanks are more easily constructible, economical, and sustainable compared to the others.” He also brought some data to prove it. Based on the data, there are three main advantages of PosMAC rainwater storage tanks. The first advantage is its constructability. Let’s say that we are constructing a rainwater storage tank with a capacity of 1,000 tons. In this case, a plastic tank requires 15 days and a concrete tank may consume 40 days for installation. However, for PosMAC rainwater storage tanks, it takes just six days.

The second advantage is that it is economical. Since PosMAC rainwater storage tanks have a short construction period, the overall construction cost is also about 30% lower than others. In addition, the PosMAC rainwater storage tank is easy to maintain and doesn’t require additional waterproofing work. Plastic tanks have a complicated internal structure, which makes maintenance difficult, and partial repair is also hard in case of damages. Concrete tanks require regular waterproofing work since water leaks frequently through the gaps in the connection.

The third advantage is that it is sustainable. Steel, the material used to make PosMAC rainwater storage tanks, can be recycled over 99%. It is in contrast to plastic and concrete tanks that are disposed of as wastes. CEO Kwon-Duk Seo remarked, “Does it make sense to use concrete or plastic materials that pollute the environment in making rainwater storage tanks eventually built to protect the environment?” On acknowledging its distinctiveness and economic feasibility, Korea Land and Housing Corporation selected the PosMAC rainwater storage tank as the “LH Excellent New Technology of 2019.”

l From PosMAC Steel Plates to INNOVILT Rainwater Storage Tanks

Then, how is this award-winning rainwater storage tank made? PosMAC rainwater storage tank goes through eight stages of production. First, POSCO’s PosMAC steel sheets are cut and processed at the Coil Center into skelps — steel cut into strips. When these coil-shaped skelps arrive at Jecheol Industrial, they go under an Uncoiler, making them flat. Next, they are formed into wave shapes, and these wave-shaped PosMAC plates are gradually rotated to create a cylindrical rainwater storage tank. The cylindrical tank is cut according to the size required by the customer. After this, a cover or a partition wall is welded to the end and other subparts are produced as well. The completed rainwater storage tank and its parts are shipped after final inspection, and they are assembled and installed on-site. See the video showing the entire manufacturing process of the PosMAC rainwater storage tank.

PosMAC rainwater storage tanks help prevent drought and flooding that have become frequent recently due to climate change. In the event of a drought, the collected rainwater is utilized for bathroom, landscaping, and emergency use. In the case of heavy rain, the rainwater is stored temporarily and discharged later to prevent flood damage.

l PosMAC Rainwater Storage Tank, Is It Stable?

PosMAC rainwater storage tanks are assembled and installed on-site, then isn’t there any risk of water leakage? Welding seems like a safer option than the method of bolting when connecting the tanks. CEO Kwon-Duk Seo replied, “There is no risk of water leaking because the rubber used to seal the bolt and nut joints does not react to water. Related research and verification have shown that the bolt and nut joints using this material would last about 100 years.”

As the conversation continued, the topic moved on to water quality. Jecheol Industrial, together with POSCO and RIST, conducted a hydroponics test using PosMAC rainwater storage tanks at the Protected Horticulture Research Institute of the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science (NIHHS) in 2018. The test result revealed that the rainwater quality collected in the PosMAC tank was similar or even better than groundwater and tap water. There was no trace of any E. coli or heavy metals as well. CEO Seo explained, “Rainwater is usually contaminated by sunlight and changes in temperature. PosMAC rainwater storage tanks are buried underground. Sunlight can’t reach there, and the temperature change is negligible, so the chances of contamination are fairly low.”

▲ Source: Test result of the hydroponics test using water from PosMAC rainwater storage tanks at the NIHHS Protected Horticulture Research Institute (December 4, 2018). Melon A, which showed better growth, was grown with rainwater from the PosMAC tank. Whereas, melon B was grown with groundwater.

l PosMAC Rainwater Storage Tank: Beware of Fake Products!

As mentioned earlier, Jecheol Industrial is the only company in the world that produces PosMAC rainwater storage tanks. These days, however, there are some fake products that mimic PosMAC rainwater storage tanks. These products use aluminum or zinc galvanized steel that are not as corrosion resistant as PosMAC is. They also adopt welding methods to connect each steel sheet instead of inserting rubber materials, thus damaging the inner layer. In short, the material degrades the durability of the product, and the processing method also downgrades stability.

Why is the company so sensitive to fake products? Is it just because they are competitors? The answer is no. CEO Seo replied that this was because it could cause customers to misunderstand Jecheol Industrial’s genuine products. When rainwater storage tanks are made in the form of corrugated steel pipes with aluminum or zinc galvanized steel, they are bound to be oxidized over time. The misunderstanding begins here. The moment people start to think that corrugated steel tanks rust easily, the negative image will spread in the market, and this will affect PosMAC rainwater storage tanks as well. In response to these worries, Jecheol Industrial put the phrase, “Beware of fake products” on the main page of its website, emphasizing the distinctiveness of PosMAC rainwater storage tanks.

CEO Seo said, “The PosMAC rainwater storage tank looks similar to other corrugated steel tanks, but it is a completely different product — from raw material to structure, function, and installation method.” POSCO’s Yu-Rae Jo added, “In addition, PosMAC rainwater storage tank is an INNOVILT product, guaranteed by POSCO. You can see it on the inspection certificate of the PosMAC rainwater storage tank.”

l The Synergy Between POSCO & Jecheol Industrial Continues

▲ The INNOVILT Alliance mark placed on the wall of Jecheol Industrial Co., Ltd.

POSCO and Jecheol Industrial are tied as INNOVILT Alliances. Ever since the PosMAC rainwater storage tank was selected as an INNOVILT product, inquiries from customers have been rising. CEO Seo said, “As POSCO guarantees product quality with the INNOVILT Alliance, customers trust our products more, and employees are able to sell them with more confidence.”

POSCO’s Yu-Rae Jo also expressed his gratitude. He said, “Last year, the cumulative sales of PosMAC exceeded 1 million tons. The reason how PosMAC could shine brightly in such a short time is that many companies like Jecheol Industrial credited and utilized PosMAC. In the conservative construction market, it isn’t easy to choose new material over conventional ones. But Jecheol Industries believed in us and used PosMAC from the very beginning. I think that such cases have come together and enabled us to cumulative sales of one million tons.”

Director Sung-Yeal Bae also added another story. It was about how Jecheol Industrial was able to resolve a client complaint with help from POSCO. He explained, “PosMAC tends to lose its gloss when exposed to excessive heat. In the early stages of development, a customer saw this and filed a complaint suspecting that the product was from stock and not newly made. At the time, the problem could be solved by showing the material related data that POSCO had provided. Since the data is from POSCO, a reliable company, we are receiving great help in terms of reliability.”

▲ (From left) POSCO’s Yu-Rae Jo, Jecheol Industrial Director Sung-Yeal Bae, and Jecheol Industrial CEO Kwon-Duk Seo looking at the PosMAC rainwater storage tank

Jecheol Industrial and POSCO are currently envisioning a new project. They are working on a strategy to create a demonstration case of a “river type corrugated steel tank” that is installed along a stream to prevent the stream from drying out or flooding. They are also working on the research and development of an “underground joint zone,” an upgraded version of the PosMAC rainwater storage tank. It seemed apparent that when the two join forces, the PosMAC market and the rainwater storage tank market will continue to expand. Using POSCO’s Sustainable steel to make tanks will benefit society as well — since it will help resolve water shortages and also protect the environment.

POSCO got to meet with this superstar and decided to build the one and only ‘Pengsoo House’ using POSCO’s premium steel products for construction. Let’s take a look at this behind-the-scenes story below, written by Pengsoo’s huge fan, POSCO assistant manager Choi. 

My Special Story — I Love Pengsoo!

First of all, I would like to thank all POSCO and EBS staff for giving me a chance to be a part of this project. It’s just like a dream come true for me! Let me tell you my dramatic story.

I’m Deuk-Yong Choi working at the POSCO Construction Steel Materials Marketing Office. I joined the company in 2014 and have been working here for six years. I saw Pengsoo for the first time when its video turned up as a recommended video on YouTube. I didn’t know then that I would become such a huge fan. After watching one episode, I was totally into it — watching episode after episode. Even now, I squeeze in time to watch Pengsoo’s video during lunch break or before going to bed. If someone asks me why I keep watching it, I answer, “Just watch one and you’ll know.”

Pengsoo’s charms? Where do I even begin? I put on a smile and get comforted by just looking at Pengsoo. Pengsoo made me do things that I’ve never done before. My desk at the office looked so much better after I covered it with photos of Pengsoo!

POSCO Builds Pengsoo House!

One day, the company Communication Office gave me a call. It was the most surprising call I’ve ever got at work. “Mr. Choi, could you build Pengsoo a house using INNOVILT?”

At the time, I was busy preparing for the launch of INNOVILT — POSCO’s premium brand of construction material. Meanwhile, the Communication Office was working on a project to build a house for Pengsoo. They said that it was harder than expected since they wanted to display Pengsoo’s picture on the outer wall of the house. Actually, Pengsoo lived in a small prop room which was sad for me to watch. And now I was given the opportunity to change that!

I could build an igloo for Pengsoo since it’s from the Antarctic, but I wanted to make a house made of the best steel possible. I hurried to the EBS headquarters to meet Pengsoo. Seeing Pengsoo asleep in its space — the prop room — I became so excited about this project.

The Story Behind Pengsoo House

As soon as I returned from the call, I gathered my team members working together with me on INNOVILT. INNOVILT, as mentioned earlier, is a premium brand of construction material. Why did a steel company make a brand of construction material? These days people consider various criteria carefully, for example, environmental standard, when purchasing even household items. However, in the case of construction material, there isn’t much information on even basic items — such as structural materials and interior and exterior materials. That is why POSCO came up with this premium brand that uses construction materials made of POSCO’s high-grade steel so that consumers can easily recognize it.

My team worked together for a few days to handpick and design the best products for building Pengsoo House.

The design was revised over several times so that all the four sides of the house could display the photos of Pengsoo well. Pengsoo is 210cm tall, so to fit Pengsoo in, the house had to be built five meters high. For this task, ‘PosMAC’ was considered suitable to build the structural frames, and ‘PosART’ — a steel plate where Pengsoo’s picture could be printed — was selected for the exterior. Both products are currently awaiting evaluation to become INNOVILT products.

Now, let me give you a little explanation regarding the details of Pengsoo House.

The Frames of Pengsoo House: PosMAC Stud

PosMAC Stud was adopted as the frame for Pengsoo House. PosMAC is normally called ‘rust-free steel’ in POSCO. PosMAC processed into ┌┐shape is PosMAC Stud, and when these┌┐shaped pillars are weaved together, they enable Pengsoo House to become much stronger. Compared to other materials, PosMAC is more resistant to earthquakes and fires. It is also distinctively space-efficient, making it a perfect choice for GIANT Pengsoo House.

 The Interior & Exterior: Pengsoo’s Face Using PosART

Next, the interior and exterior materials — the highlight of Pengsoo House! The exterior needed a photo of Pengsoo and the interior was to be colored with yellow, the signature color of Pengsoo. Most of all, we needed a technology that could display Pengsoo’s photograph in real life high-resolution and fortunately, PosART made this possible. With PosART, I could make a Pengsoo face panel as seen below.

Pengsoo House is in the lobby of EBS headquarters. I took several trips there and kept working on PosART day and night, worried the quality might not come out as planned. After spending a whole weekend, finally, I could get to work on the exterior wall with PosART printed with Pengsoo’s picture.

Come and Visit Pengsoo House!

2 December 2019. A day I will never forget. It’s the day I showed Pengsoo its house for the first time. Pengsoo visited the site while we were working on the exterior wall. Pengsoo came wearing a giant safety helmet and it was so cute! Pengsoo checked out the house and shook it to see if it was strong enough and — Wow! My heart was trembling, not the building. Pengsoo even gave me a massage on my shoulders. The moment Pengsoo touched my shoulders, I almost melted. ⋛⋋(・ꃪ・)⋌⋚

After Pengsoo House was complete, Pengsoo threw a housewarming party, and other EBS characters came to visit. Everything felt surreal. Watching Pengsoo look so happy, I thought maybe this was why I’d entered POSCO.

I believe that everyone is special. And although Pengsoo is a trainee who hasn’t even made a debut, it still deserves a nice house to live in.

Pengsoo is my lifetime friend, and steel is my job for life. I’d built a house for my lifetime friend with steel that I sell! What a story! All my coworkers envied me when they heard my story. This is truly a memory I’d cherish my whole life. I want to thank POSCO for giving full support and making this happen.

To see the whole footage of Pengsoo House and the housewarming party, check out the following videos (Korean).

Around these roadside trees, however, sidewalk blocks are often found to be misplaced or even broken. The recent typhoon Lingling turned so many street trees in Korea, upside down inside out.

Korea’s epic poem Yongbieocheonga features trees with deep roots that never sway, even in the face of the strongest winds. But outside the poem, keeping the trees steady and strong requires an actual solution. In POSCO’s partnership with its customer, MYSTECH Co., LTD., there might be an answer the industry has been looking for. Meet PosMAC Barrier, the result two companies’ latest collaboration, at POSCO Newsroom.

▲ The aftermath of the recent typhoon Lingling

l Water Supply: the Key to Urban Forest Maintenance

From 1988, Korea carried out extensive afforestation policy, especially for roadside trees — and since 2000, the country has been planting 600,000 roadside trees every year, accelerating the progress of the country’s urban forest landscape project. However, planting trees is one thing, maintaining is another. In 2017, Korea Land & Housing Corporation released a new study on the reasons behind roadside trees defect in Gyeonggi Province. The study revealed over 35% of trees defects were due to water shortage.

Underground water shortage causes abnormal growth in roots as they outstretch themselves for an alternative water source. These roots soar above the ground, breaking down the sidewalk blocks. Or, these roots overgrow underground, making the ground uneven.

With sufficient water supply, a tree grows countless fine roots. These fine roots firmly ground the tree. Otherwise, a tree solely relies on the main root with no firm grip. A strong typhoon like Lingling could topple over such trees.

When tree roots are not kept under control, they can damage underground utilities like sewer pipes. Worse, it could cause dangerous sinkholes. Maintaining roadside trees require a huge financial commitment in the form of taxes — proper water supply can help deal with many problems in maintaining roadside trees.

l PosMAC Barrier, a Sustainable Solution Recycles Rainwater

So, how to keep the trees hydrated? POSCO, together with its client company MYSTECH CO., LTD., is providing an innovative solution with the PosMAC Barrier, a tree barrier made of POSCO’s high-strength and corrosion-resistant PosMAC. PosMAC Barrier protects rainwater storage and water tank.

Under the leadership of CEO Jin-Hwan Kim, MYSTECH CO., LTD. was founded in 2002. The company produces specialized products for roadside facilities such as sewer covers and protection plates for trees. POSCO’s relationship with the company dates back to 15 years ago when the two companies’ R&D endeavors led to the creation of sewer coverage that prevents odor — across the globe, the first of its kind. After the years of focused work on developing an eco-friendly technology for tree growth, MYSTECH reached out to POSCO in 2017.

POSCO’s collaboration in MYSTECH’s research can be attributed to the high bar set for the material. Since MYSTECH’s rainwater storage tank stays underground, it must withstand the underground pressure and resist corrosion. An ordinary steel plate would require much thicker coating, making it difficult to manufacture. Stainless steel could have been the alternative material if it weren’t for its high cost.

Enter PosMAC, rust-free and one of POSCO’s WTP (World Top Premium) products which provided just the right solution for MYSTECH’s dilemma.
*PosMAC: POSCO Magnesium Aluminum Alloy Coating

PosMAC is a ternary alloy coated steel composed of zinc, magnesium, and aluminum. When exposed, the coating forms a highly stable and dense film layer called “Simonkolleite.” This means the product creates an extra protective layer, a ternary alloy layer whose density much higher than that of conventional galvanized steel sheet. PosMAC is 10 times more corrosion-resistant than conventional steel.

The high-strength PosMAC’s tensile strength is 400Mpa or up. Because of this, PosMAC can hold rainwater for a long time even in the corrosive environment such as soil or chloride-rich roads. It is also strong enough to withstand root pressure. To ensure optimal design and development of the product, POSCO provided full support to the R&D endeavor by forming a research team with MYSTECH and the RIST (Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology).

Gwang-Ho Ko of POSCO Construction Steel Solution Group summarized the strength of the PosMAC Barrier: “It is a strong and eco-friendly steel product that addresses the fundamentals of urban forestation. The Barrier controls the uplifting of tree roots and recycles stored rainwater to provide water to the roots when needed.

l Two Years of Testing Proves, “PosMAC Barrier Saves Trees”

Above the ground, the only visible part of the PosMAC is its main body and the cover, but underneath the ground, there is a water tank.

When it rains, rain accumulates in the tank, and a water discharge pipe located towards the direction of root discharges rainwater, providing much-needed water to the roots during the periods of water shortage. The filter located in the upper body guards off foreign substances, and a water inlet allows in additional water supply when necessary. The water tank can hold 45 liters of water per unit and can be selectively installed from one side to four sides. One set of the water tank can hold up to 180 liters of water.

POSCO and MYSTECH completed the commercialization and the patent registration (patent 10-2108-0162207) for PosMAC Barrier. Over the past two years, the product received rigorous testings to help verify how much it contributes to tree growth. PosMAC was installed for the tree on the verge of perishing, and the trees with too many roots also received the Barrier treatment.

The result was incredible. After two years of installation, it was clear PosMAC Barrier made huge difference. PosMAC Barrier even revived dying trees, sprouting green leaves shortly after the installation.

l PosMAC Barriers to Go Nationwide

Last April, a policy seminar at Korea’s National Assembly introduced PosMAC Barrier as an ideal steel solution to address climate change. The seminar generated momentum in raising awareness on how water shortage could trigger damages to urban forestation. It also created opportunities for PosMAC Barriers — numerous local governments are turning to the product as a solution to deal with damaged roadside trees.

Since then, the PosMAC Barrier has been installed for 255 trees across Korea. POSCO and MYSTECH are currently conducting pilot projects in collaboration with Seoul, Jeonju, Suwon and Korea Forest Service. Local governments are currently undertaking urban forestation projects and POSCO is proactively supporting its client companies to meet the growing demands across the country.

A local government official said, “Conventional tree barriers merely set boundaries for the tree protecting them from the footsteps of pedestrians or vice versa. As the need for proper management and tree growth escalate, we’re realizing that PosMAC Barrier is providing an excellent solution.”

He added, “Urban forestation can truly benefit from this kind of innovative brand-new technologies. Not only does PosMAC provide sufficient hydration to the trees, but it’s also extremely cost-efficient. Compared to conventional tree barriers, the cost difference is minimal.”

In collaboration with MYSTECH, POSCO is putting forward eco-friendly marketing to expand the application of POSCO’s LID (Low Impact Development) steel products. As part of the plan, the company is carrying out a marketing strategy to install POSCO Barrier in the landscaping businesses of large construction companies as well as for public roadsides facilities.

MYSTECH CEO Jin-Hwan Kim said, “The roots of roadside trees trapped underneath concrete pavement suffocate and perish. Every year, precious resources are being wasted just to remove these dead roots.”

He continued, “Time and again, our collaborative research demonstrated that PosMAC provides a nip-it-in-the-bud solution to this problem. Now, it is time for us to see beyond the domestic market and head to the global stage. We are set to establish PosMAC as the go-to steel product when it comes to environmental sustainability.

Right next to POSCO Center at the heart of Seoul’s Gangnam district, PosMAC is protecting trees. With deep faith and confidence in the product, the company installed PosMAC for dying trees. Needless to say, PosMAC saved the dying trees!

Roadside trees are essential elements of urban living. Unlike other urban facilities, it breathes and brings life to cities, so it requires more sustainable and long-term management. PosMAC Barrier, POSCO’s sustainable steel solution, is bringing life and vitality to roadside trees and thus, urban life.