- Participation from scholarship students from various Asian countries studying Master’s programs in Korea
- On-site experiences in Korean history/culture and POSCO’s history of success at Gwangyang Steelworks and surrounding areas

 

Posco TJ Park Foundation held a workshop for Asian students in Korea on April 6 and 7 at Gwangyang Steelworks and its environs.

 

A total of 46 Asian scholarship students undertaking their master’s or doctorate courses at 11 Korean universities including Seoul, Yonsei, Korea, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, and POSTECH. It was an instructive time in which the students learned the history of POSCO's growth along with Korean industrial development, from the founding of the first steelworks to becoming a global steel leader.

 

The workshop provided opportunities to understand Korean culture and interact with other scholarship students, with an introduction to the Foundation's scholarship student networking programs (Korean culture experience, graduating meeting, For Friends, and certificate conferment ceremony) as well as team-building activities to inspire unity, challenge, and community spirit among the students.

▲Asian scholarship students taking a group commemorative photo while visiting the POSCO Publicity Center inside Gwangyang Steelworks.

 

Nine students spoke on their varying experiences while studying in Korea with the topics of “My days studying in Korea are difficult, yet radiant”, “The taste of Korea in my memories”, “Freedom”, and “Road to Self-Discovery”. A student named Manav from Yonsei University spoke in fluent Korean, introducing life as an intern for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and drew student's attention by telling of thrilling moments from the viewpoint of the unified North-South team.

▲ After speeches by scholarship students from Asian nations participating in workshops for 2018 Asia Fellowship students, a group photo was taken.

 

In the welcoming address, POSCO TJ Park Foundation Executive Director Oh Dong-ho referred to the circumstances of Korea and other Asian nations at the time POSCO was founded and stated that “education” was the driving force which led Korea from a country without steel to a leader in the global steel industry. Director Oh expressed hope that the students would be inspired by their experiences in Korea to wield more and better influence as leaders in their home countries.

▲ Asian students participating in the workshop for students studying in Korea took a commemorative group photo after speeches were given.

 

This two-day overnight workshop included visits to the Suncheon drama set and Naganeupseong to explore Korean history and culture. Through this workshop, scholarship students gained an in-depth understanding of the history of POSCO and Korea and enjoyed meaningful time spent feeling proud of being Asia Fellows.
 
The Posco TJ Park Foundation has provided opportunities for some 352 students from 29 countries to learn through the Scholarship for Asian Students in Korea since 2005 and plans to continue fostering Asian talent in the future.