[Sponsored Report] Hyundai Steel opens educational space in Suncheon

Elementary school students participate in the H-Steel Atelier project by flying their hopeful messages. [HYUNDAI STEEL COMPANY]

Hyundai Steel Company has created a new culture and arts space at Suncheon Bay Ecology and Culture Education Center in South Jeolla, adding an artistic value to the recreational area.

On May 28, Hyundai Steel held a showcase of the iron public art project H-Steel Atelier and unveiled public art sculptures at the Suncheon Bay Ecology and Culture Education Center.

At the beginning of this year, Hyundai Steel selected three works, including “Steel Forest,” “Natural Painting” and “Song in the Forest.” This contest was designed to provide artists and citizens with opportunities to create and produce artwork and deliver a soft, friendly image of iron through their selected works.

This year, Hyundai Steel adopted the theme of “Nature’s Play Designed with Steel” to reflect the image of Suncheon’s ecology and culture and the geographical feature of the education center.

“The Wings and Hope,” a work that is inspired by hooded cranes, a symbol of Suncheon Bay, reflects the hope for the recovery of nature and life. Two hundred elementary school students in Suncheon participated in the H-Steel Atelier Project and wrote hopeful messages on the feathers of the hooded crane.

The Suncheon Bay Ecology and Culture Education Center, the only educational experience center in the Jeolla region, is scheduled to open in September.

The center is a multi-disciplinary learning space that can be used by students, faculty and the general public nationwide. It can also be used for various performances, fairs, creative experiences, large scale conferences and international conferences.

“This project is a social contribution project based on the matching grant fund, which was voluntarily raised by both Hyundai Steel employees and Hyundai Steel Company,” said Kim Won-bae, Hyundai Steel’s Suncheon plant manager. “I hope it can be good resting area for more citizens.”

H-Steel Atelier is a representative culture and arts social contribution project of Hyundai Steel. It established iron public sculptures at Hyundai Steel’s workplace to meet the cultural demands of the local community and provide creative opportunities for young artists. Last year, a total of five sculptures were set up at the Samsunsan arboretum in Dangjin, South Chungcheong.

By Shim Ji-yong [shim.jiyong@joongang.co.kr]