POSCO TJ Park Foundation held a two-day workshop in Pohang from October 27 to 28 for 30 newly selected POSCO Global Scholarship in Korea Students. Students from 13 countries—including Nepal, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, India, Indonesia, China, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Türkiye, and Pakistan—participated in the program, creating a global atmosphere as they interacted and spent meaningful time together.

 

 

The workshop began with a visit to the POSCO History Museum, where the students explored exhibitions on POSCO’s founding background and its contributions to national industrial development. Under the theme “Challenges Amid the Impossible,” the museum presents photos, videos, historical documents, and records illustrating how POSCO built a world-class steel mill despite limited capital, technology, and experience when it was founded in 1968. The museum also features a section on the “History of Iron,” spanning from ancient iron civilizations to the modern steel industry, allowing students to gain broad insights into iron’s role in shaping human civilization and industrial progress.

 



After the museum tour, the students walked along the “Chaoreum Path,” a forest trail connected to the rooftop garden, and proceeded to the PR Pavilion. Designed in the form of an “infinite loop,” the PR Pavilion symbolizes the infinite recyclability and sustainable circular value of steel. Inside, interactive exhibits showcased POSCO’s eco-friendly steel technologies, future materials, and carbon-neutral initiatives, providing hands-on learning opportunities. The students also visited the “Hall of Honor,” which highlights the founders and distinguished figures who contributed to POSCO’s development, deepening their understanding of the company’s values and spirit.

 

The program continued with a tour of the Pohang Steelworks, where students viewed the vast site and production facilities from a tour bus. They learned about major steps in steel production—including the blast furnace, converter, casting, and rolling processes. Many students expressed their amazement, saying it was their first time witnessing a steel mill of such scale.



 

In the afternoon, a team-building program was held to strengthen bonds among the students. Teams were intentionally mixed by nationality to encourage natural exposure to linguistic and cultural diversity. Through mission-based challenges and cooperative games, students enjoyed opportunities to communicate, collaborate, and build friendships.

 



On the second day, the Foundation delivered an introductory session covering its history, scholarship programs, and practical guidance on living in Korea. A discussion session followed, where students shared their academic plans, adaptation to life in Korea, and future career interests, creating a valuable platform for open communication.

 

The subsequent special lecture focused on essential socio-cultural knowledge for studying and conducting research in Korea, along with universally required global business etiquette. Students practiced Korean greeting customs, non-verbal communication, participation etiquette for meetings and classes, business card exchange, email writing, and formal document expressions—paired activities allowed them to immediately apply what they learned.



 

The workshop concluded with a visit to Space Walk, a landmark art installation in Pohang. As students walked along the curved steel structure, they enjoyed panoramic views of the sea, the city, and the steelworks they had toured, marking a memorable finale to the two-day journey.

 

 

The Pohang workshop provided students with a meaningful opportunity to experience POSCO’s history, witness the steel industry firsthand, and acquire essential knowledge for life in Korea, while strengthening their capabilities as future global leaders. POSCO TJ Park Foundation will continue to support students through various programs to ensure they thrive in their academic and research endeavors in Korea.