[One Thousand Characters a Day] Chairman Yoon Dong-han's 'Ubo Cheonri Donghaeng Manri' <1>

Editor's NoteThe book to be introduced this week to Asia Economy's 'One Day One Thousand Characters' readers is ＜Ubo Cheonri Donghaeng Manri (牛步千里 同行萬里)＞ by Yoon Donghan, Chairman of Korea Kolmar. Chairman Yoon emphasizes that the driving force behind founding the company in 1990 with just three employees and growing it into a leading Korean cosmetics and pharmaceutical company with sales of 3 trillion won by pioneering the ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) business model in the industry is precisely the 'power of Ubo Cheonri.' The meaning of 'walking a thousand li with small steps' reflects his management philosophy of steadily building an unshakable foundation for technology management aimed at becoming a 100-year company, step by step. Naturally, on that foundation, a 'company where good people stay long' is created. The philosophy of sustainable management, which means going far by going together, is the principle of Donghaeng Manri. Word count: 1039 characters.

You may have heard the saying that direction is more important than speed to succeed. I would like to add that the way you move toward that direction is even more important than the direction itself.

Now is the time to restore the right path (Jeongdo) that we have pushed aside ourselves by focusing only on speed and results. The Jeongdo I refer to means advancing while maintaining the original speed of the work you do and the dreams and goals you want to achieve.

Just because summer is good, rushing summer ahead as soon as spring arrives goes against the laws of nature. The same applies to work, dreams, and winning people's hearts. Everyone has their own unique pace. So, I hope you take time to think about the speed your life has.

A race is not only against others but also a battle with yourself. Marathon runners who run 42.195 km say the hardest part is 'the fight with oneself.' Likewise, we must race against the pace our own life originally has.

The reason I talk about 'a life cautious of speed' is because of the realization that nothing can beat steady small steps taken continuously without retreating. If someone asked me to pick one piece of wisdom I have gained in life, I would answer 'the power of Ubo Cheonri (牛步千里).' It means walking a thousand li with small steps. I believe that a life walking a thousand li with small steps holds greater value than a life running a hundred li like a rabbit.

(Omitted)

Just as an acorn's future is an oak tree, a stone's future can also be a tower. I think life is the same. If you do not keep the right path and try to take shortcuts, it may seem like you are doing things quickly at first glance, but in reality, it is not so. If you rush unconditionally, you may end up having to repeat the work you did from the beginning.

Then, what is a truly fast life? It is a long-lasting life. If you last long, not only will more people join you, but you will also accumulate diverse experiences.

Life is evaluated not by how quickly you achieved something but by how much you have embraced.

- Yoon Donghan, ＜Ubo Cheonri Donghaeng Manri＞, Guardian, 18,000 KRW