Gwangyang Steelworks Evergreen Mural Volunteer Group Draws Attention with 50th Mural

Evergreen Mural Volunteer Group Completes Mural at Jungma Sarang Nursing Home

The Evergreen Mural Volunteer Group under POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks (headed by Ko Jaeyoon) held an event on November 14 at Jungma Sarang Nursing Home in Jungma-dong to celebrate the completion of its 50th mural.

Approximately 50 people attended the event, including Choi Daewon, Chairman of the Gwangyang City Council; Seo Youngbae and Baek Seongho, members of the Gwangyang City Council; Jeong Kyungsoo, Chairman of Gwangyang YMCA; Ha Taeu, Head of the Gwangyang City Resident Welfare Division; and members of the Evergreen Mural Volunteer Group.

On the 14th, the Evergreen Mural Volunteer Group from Gwangyang Steelworks held an event at Gwangyang Jungma Sarang Nursing Home to commemorate their 50th mural. Photo by Gwangyang Steelworks

The Evergreen Mural Volunteer Group was established in 2019 with the aim of making the world a more beautiful place through their mural painting talents. Centered around POSCO employees and their families, the group also includes SNNC employees and Gwangyang citizens, with about 37 members currently active. They have been beautifying the local community by painting murals in villages, schools, and social welfare facilities.

In particular, the 50th mural at Jungma Sarang Nursing Home drew attention for its theme of "memories," chosen because the facility is home to seniors with dementia, who tend to retain past memories relatively well.

The mural features scenes symbolizing major stages of life, such as streets where friends played together during childhood, boys and girls in school uniforms, time spent with children, and the peaceful daily life of old age. These images are intended to help the seniors naturally recall their own lives, providing emotional comfort and happiness as they view the mural.

During the event, an award ceremony was held to recognize past contributions. Kang Seonghwan, leader of the Evergreen Mural Volunteer Group, and Lee Kangbok, former leader, received commendations from National Assembly member Kwon Hyangyup.

Kang Seonghwan, leader of the Evergreen Mural Volunteer Group at Gwangyang Steelworks, said, "I feel a great sense of fulfillment when I see old and damaged walls and gray fences transformed into vibrant paintings and the residents' expressions brighten. Mural volunteering goes beyond simply improving appearances; it enhances the quality of life for our neighbors. With the belief that even small brushstrokes can bring about significant change, I will continue our volunteer work with a sense of mission."

Meanwhile, since 2014, Gwangyang Steelworks has established volunteer groups with the aim of utilizing the knowledge, skills, and experience of its employees to benefit the local community. Over the past 12 years, the number of volunteer groups has grown, and now 50 talent-based volunteer groups are spreading happiness throughout the region.