SINCE 1971

Starting with the Steel Scholarship Foundation,
which pioneered the arduous reality of nurturing talent, we are taking a step forward as a compass for the future of South Korea and Asia

The late Chairman Tae-joon Park, founder of POSCO, launched the Steel Scholarship Foundation, the predecessor of the POSCO TJ Park Foundation, in January 1971 with seed money of KRW 60 million. This was 2 years before the steel mill first started its operation (July 3, 1973). The reason the late chairman established the scholarship foundation even before producing molten metal for commercial use was because nurturing talents was a desperate task for the Korean society.

In its early stage, the Steel Scholarship Foundation focused on providing scholarships for the local community and nurturing technical talents in the steel industry. Based on the Steel Scholarship Foundation, the late Chairman Park established 14 schools (kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high schools) and nurtured countless talents. In 1986, he also established Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), the first research-centered university in Korea, and developed it into a world renowned university, fulfilling his words of contributing to the nation's development in education.

In August 2005, the Steel Scholarship Foundation was reorganized into the POSCO TJ Park Foundation in commemoration of the late chairman to carry out diverse activities of corporate social responsibility in a systematic and broad way.

Tae-Joon Park

In the desolate and barren land of Yeongil Bay,
I dreamed of building the world's best steel mill.

I walked the path that no one had taken and spoke words that no one believed in.

Through the power of people, we achieved greatness.

I dedicate much of my time to solving human problems,
as I believe that only people can demonstrate creativity.

My soul is imbued with a newfound sense of purpose that we must elevate the science, technology, and education of our nation to the highest global standard.

청암 박태준 이미지
  1. 1927.
    1. 10

      Born in Dongrae County, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea

  2. 1948.
    1. 07

      Graduated from the 6th class of Army Officer Candidate School.

  3. 1968.
    1. 04

      CEO of Pohang Iron & Steel Co. (current POSCO)

  4. 1976.
    1. 10

      Director of the School Corporation Steel Academy

  5. 1981.
    1. 02

      CEO of POSCO

    2. 03

      The 11th Member of the National Assembly (13th-15th term).

  1. 1986.
    1. 02

      Establishment of POSTECH

  2. 2000.
    1. 06

      Appointment as the Prime Minister

  3. 2001.
    1. 06

      Appointment as Honorary Chairman of POSCO

  4. 2008.
    1. 06

      Inauguration as the Chairman of the POSCO TJ Park Foundation.

  5. 2011.
    1. 12

      Demise