Social Contribution
Organization
POSCO develops and implements social contribution strategies based on identified local needs and social issues. The Social Contribution Group leads this process in close coordination with relevant departments at the Pohang and Gwangyang Works.
Operational Status
CSR Strategy
POSCO concentrates its social contribution efforts on initiatives that promote the sustainable development of local communities, foster a participatory culture that enables executives and employees to fulfill their social responsibilities, and expand opportunities for future generations and persons with disabilities.
Contribution to the Local
POSCO contributes to the development of sustainable communities by leveraging its capabilities and resources to support various local initiatives, including infrastructure development and community-based projects.
Sister Villages
Since forming its first sisterhood with Hagwang Village in Gwangyang in 1988, POSCO has established partnerships with 208 villages and local organizations near its operational sites. Through these relationships, POSCO engages in volunteer activities such as assisting with farming and supporting vulnerable groups.
Free Meal Centers
Since launching its first free meal centers in Pohang and Gwangyang in May 2004, POSCO has expanded the program to five locations (three in Pohang and two in Gwangyang). POSCO supports the centers by providing operational funding and encouraging volunteer participation by executives and employees.
Arts & Culture Facilities
POSCO operates a variety of cultural and artistic facilities for local residents, including Hyoja Art Hall in Pohang and Baekwoon Art Hall in Gwangyang, which hosted 34 events last year with a total of approximately 61,000 participants. POSCO also manages other cultural assets such as the Pohang Hwanhoe Park Space Walk, Park1538 in Pohang and Gwangyang, POSCO Art Museum, and Pohang-Gwangyang Soccer Stadium, and professional football teams such as Pohang Steelers and Jeonnam Dragons. Additionally, POSCO plans to install an interactive art installation at Gubongsan Mountain in Gwangyang in 2026.
Employee Volunteering
In 2024, POSCO executives and employees averaged 22.0 hours of volunteer work per person, while 95% of the workforce contributed 1% of their salary to the POSCO 1% Foundation—underscoring the company’s distinctive culture of volunteering and shared giving.
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Skill-Based Volunteer GroupIn 2014, POSCO launched the Talent Volunteer Corps to leverage employees’ professional skills and expertise beyond general volunteering activities. In 2024, the Traditional Play Cultural Heritage Talent Volunteer Group and the Landscape Maintenance Talent Volunteer Group received the Jeollanam-do Governor’s Award and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Volunteer Achievement Award, respectively, in recognition of their contributions to the community.
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Global Volunteer WeekSince 2010, POSCO has designated a Global Volunteer Week, during which employees around the world engage in various volunteer activities across regions where the POSCO Group operates.
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POSCO 1% FoundationThe POSCO 1% Foundation, established in 2013, is a nonprofit organization funded by employee donations and matching contributions from the company. It undertakes various projects to address community issues and, in 2024, received the Minister of Strategy and Finance Award, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Award, and the Speaker of the National Assembly Award in recognition of its efforts.
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Future Generations and the Disabled
POSCO operates various programs to support children, youth, and persons with disabilities, including the operation of a college student volunteer group, fostering youth and community talent, and expanding employment of the disabled.
BEYOND, a College Student Volunteer Group
Founded in 2007, BEYOND is a volunteer organization composed of university students, with a cumulative membership of 1,557. The group supports vulnerable communities and promotes ecological conservation through various activities in Korea and abroad.
POSCO EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
Established in 1971, the POSCO EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION operates a network of 12 schools—kindergartens, elementary, middle, and high schools—in Seoul, Pohang, Gwangyang, and Songdo, providing children and youth with access to high-quality education.
POSCO TJ PARK FOUNDATION
Originally launched as the Steel Scholarship Foundation in 1971, the POSCO TJ Park Foundation now supports a range of domestic and international scholarship programs—including the POSCO TJ Park Prize, POSCO Asia Fellowship, POSCO Science Fellowship, and POSCO Youth Fellowship—to cultivate talent in local communties and across Asia.
POSCO TJ PARK FOUNDATION Prize and Fellowship Programs
| Category | Key Achievements (Cumulative) |
|---|---|
| POSCO TJ Park Prize | · 63 persons in 4 categories (science, community development and philanthropy, education, and technology) |
| POSCO Asia Fellowship | · Scholarship for Asian Students Studying in Korea: Awarded to 532 students from 33 countries · Scholarship for Asian Universities: Awarded to 5,664 students across 16 countries · Scholarship for African Universiies: Awarded to 180 students across 4 countries · Asia Opinion Leader Fellowship: Awarded to 60 students across 10 countries |
| POSCO Science Fellowship | · 513 scientists |
POSCO Youth Fellowship | · POSCO Vision Scholarship: Awarded to 636 community college students |
POSCO HUMANS, a Social Enterprise
POSCO established POSWITH in 2007, Korea’s first subsidiary-type standardized workplace for persons with disabilities, and rebranded it as POSCO HUMANS in 2013. The social enterprise supports stable employment and safe working environments for employees with disabilities by providing protective equipment and access to professional rehabilitation counselors. Since 2021, POSCO HUMANS has been recognized as a Certified Community Contributor for four consecutive years by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Metrics and Targets
Performance
Performance of employee volunteer activities
| Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Total Volunteer Hours | 390,081 hours |
| Average Volunteer Hours per Employee | 22.0 hours |
| Employee Participation Rate in Volunteer Activities | 72.1% |
Number of Skill-Based Volunteer Groups | 114 groups |
Total Number of Volunteers | 12,774 employees |
Social Contribution Expenses (2024)
POSCO 1% Foundation Performance (POSCO Group)
| Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Employee Engagement Rate | 95% |
| Number of Participating Group Companies (Donors) | 37 companies (39,402 donors) |
| Cumulative Donation Amount | KRW 106.2 billion |
Number of Beneficiaries | 67,653 individuals |