Choi Kwangseok of Gwangyang Steelworks Wins Gwangyang City's 'Volunteer King of the Year' Award

Employees of POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks (headed by Ko Jaeyoon) and their family members were recognized for their contributions to spreading a culture of sharing and improving community welfare, receiving volunteer awards at the '2025 Gwangyang Volunteer Night' held at Gwangyang City Hall on December 9, 2025.

Notably, six out of the ten award recipients were employees of Gwangyang Steelworks or their family members, drawing significant attention.

On the 9th, at the '2025 Volunteer Night' held at Gwangyang City Hall, Sang-guk Choi, Manager of the EIC Technology Department at Gwangyang Steelworks, received the Outstanding Volunteer Individual Award. Provided by Gwangyang Steelworks

원본보기 아이콘

The event was held to honor individuals and organizations who have devoted themselves to sharing, to reaffirm the value of volunteerism, and to promote the spirit of giving within the local community.

The Volunteer King of the Year award went to Manager Choi Kwangseok of the Ironmaking Department at Gwangyang Steelworks. As the head of a wallpapering volunteer group, Choi Kwangseok has been dedicated to improving the living environments of low-income households in the region for over 20 years since 2005, earning high praise for significantly enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable groups.

In addition, his wide-ranging contributions to the community were recognized, including coal briquette sharing activities, installing boilers for elderly people living alone, supporting COVID-19 prevention efforts and donations, and replacing floor coverings in local villages.

Sangguk Choi, Manager of the EIC Technology Department (Hope Tree Woodcraft Talent Volunteer Group), was awarded the individual prize for his achievements in collaborating with fellow volunteers to craft various wooden furniture such as desks, dressers, and bookshelves, which were then donated to low-income families and local welfare facilities.

Consistent efforts to improve the local environment were also highly praised. Through joint and regular volunteer activities, the group carried out environmental clean-up projects and took the lead in raising awareness about environmental protection by organizing volunteer programs that encouraged participation from all generations, from youth to seniors.

The Areumduri Nanum Food Talent Volunteer Group received the Outstanding Group Volunteer Award in recognition of their talent-based contributions to the community.

By participating in various events held in Gwangyang, operating food trucks, and providing coffee, coffee bean bread, and snacks to local residents, they greatly enhanced the festive atmosphere and provided generous support to ensure events were more vibrant and fulfilling.

Other awardees included Myunghee Guk (Dongsamo Volunteer Group), who has worked to deliver side dishes and kimchi to households with disabled members; Kyungmi Woo (Jungma 112 Bicycle Volunteer Corps), who has led school violence prevention campaigns and youth guidance activities; and Jeomsuk Lee (Traditional Play Culture Talent Volunteer Group), who contributed to the psychological healing of seniors through traditional play culture talent donations at welfare facilities and senior centers. Family members of Gwangyang Steelworks employees were also honored for their dedication to the community.

Choi Kwangseok, who was named Volunteer King of the Year, stated, "I believe this award was only possible because of the fellow volunteers who have worked alongside me so far," and added, "I will continue to do my best to share happiness with more neighbors through culture and sharing."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.