The POSCO TJ Park Foundation actively supports the ‘Envision’ program, which organizes Vision Scholarship students into regional groups, allowing them to network autonomously. This winter, students from Metropolitan Group 2 planned and embarked on a workshop in Samcheok. Let's follow their journey together!

 

​Hello, I’m Kim Eun-som, a 17th-generation POSCO Vision Scholar. I am the leader of Metropolitan Group 2 in the Vision Scholarship regional networking program, ‘Envision.’ Through this initiative, our group members have been meeting regularly every quarter, and now we have been together for three years. To celebrate the graduation of our long-time senior scholars, we planned a winter workshop in Samcheok, Gangwon Province. Let me introduce our special journey! :)

​

The theme of this workshop was ‘sustainability.’ After participating in the 2023 POSCO Vision Scholarship Global Exploration program in Germany, I became deeply interested in small yet meaningful actions for environmental conservation. Inspired by this, I organized this workshop with a focus on sustainability and the environment. We carefully planned each activity so that it would not only be a celebration for our graduating seniors but also a meaningful experience for all participants.

 

Have you ever heard of the ‘Digital Tourism Resident Card’? Before diving into our itinerary, I’d like to introduce this system. The Digital Tourism Resident Card is a program supported and promoted by the Korea Tourism Organization to revitalize tourism in regions experiencing population decline. Those who obtain this card can receive various benefits, such as discounts on local tourism products. As regional depopulation becomes a growing societal issue, tourism plays an increasingly vital role. By visiting these regions, we can help sustain their economies and cultures, creating a positive cycle of support. With this in mind, we decided to visit Samcheok, one of the areas where the Digital Tourism Resident Card can be used.

 

 

Upon arriving in Samcheok, we first enjoyed a local specialty—Ongsimi (potato dumpling soup) and gamja-jeon (potato pancakes) for lunch. After an early morning departure, this warm and comforting meal, filled with the flavors of Gangwon Province, rejuvenated our team.

 

Next, we moved to a workshop studio to participate in a 'Beachcombing Art' one-day class. Beachcombing is a combination of the words ‘beach’ and ‘combing,’ originally referring to the activity of collecting driftwood and useful objects along the shore. More recently, it has evolved into an eco-friendly activity focused on removing marine litter and contributing to environmental conservation.

​

We visited a workshop in Samcheok called 'Gamsung Studio,' where we created art using upcycled marine debris. The experience of transforming waste from the East Sea into meaningful keepsakes was truly special! Each of us crafted unique items like keychains and bottle cap magnets while chatting with teammates. We were also able to use our Digital Tourism Resident Cards to receive discounts! This activity reminded us of the significance of environmental protection while giving new life to discarded materials.

 

 

Afterward, we visited Jukseoru Pavilion, a National Treasure and one of the eight scenic spots of the Gwandong region. Climbing the pavilion, we took in the breathtaking view of Samcheok while sharing conversations and taking a break. Then, we explored Samcheok Central Market, experiencing the charm of a traditional marketplace. We visited various shops, from youth-owned businesses to fish markets, and purchased ingredients for dinner and souvenirs. Instead of shopping at large supermarkets, we wanted to support the local economy by buying from traditional markets.

​

As evening approached, we moved to Chuam Beach, where we admired the iconic Chotdae Rock at sunset and made wishes. The sound of waves and the golden hues of the setting sun made us forget the winter chill, and we took plenty of photos, including shots of our upcycled keychains against the scenic backdrop!

 

 

Back at our lodging, we prepared dinner using the ingredients purchased from the market. Cooking and sharing a meal together made it all the more enjoyable. After dinner, we gathered around a campfire, roasting marshmallows and reminiscing about our journey. As a final touch, I had prepared small gifts and handwritten letters for my teammates to express my gratitude for their participation in Envision over the past year. I had personally picked out these gifts during a trip abroad a month ago, thinking of each member while selecting them.

 

 

The next morning, we woke up early to witness the sunrise over the East Sea. Unlike the coastlines of Pohang, Samcheok’s landscape features a beautiful blend of pine trees and rugged rock formations, making for a mesmerizing view. As we watched the waves crash against the shore, we reflected on the memories we had created.

​

Thus, our Samcheok Envision workshop came to an end. Using public transportation and walking whenever possible, minimizing waste, visiting traditional markets, and upcycling marine litter into souvenirs—each action reflected our commitment to sustainability. We hope our gathering served as a heartfelt send-off for our graduating seniors.

​

We deeply appreciate the POSCO TJ Park Foundation for their unwavering support, which enables us to continue these meaningful activities.