Kwak Yeon-soo is a digital editor at The Korea Times creating, editing and curating digital content for the newspaper’s website, mobile app and social media. She previously covered a diverse array of cultural, political and business topics.
Hyundai, Kia extend support to fire-hit Gangwon Province
Employees from Hyundai Motor and affiliate Kia Motors prepare to wash blankets in a donated washing machine truck to help fire-affected areas in Gangwon Province, in this April 7 photo. / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
By Kwak Yeon-soo
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Hyundai Motor and affiliate Kia Motors will encourage employees to visit Gangwon Province to help struggling tourism in regions affected by recent wildfires, Korea's leading automakers said Wednesday.
This comes after the group made a 1 billion won ($879,415) donation to support residents who suffered losses in the fire.
The companies will distribute gift cards worth 150 million won from late April until late June to be spent in traditional markets, restaurants and supermarkets in Gangwon Province.
They will also provide accommodation for two nights and three days in Sokcho, Goseong County and Gangneung to help in the recovery of regions hit hard by wildfires.
The coastal forest fire broke out on April 4 and swept through Sokcho, Goseong County and Gangneung, killing two people, destroying more than 120 homes and forcing the evacuation of 4,000 residents.
Earlier, Hyundai Motor sent washing machine trucks to damaged areas and shelters. Each was equipped with three washing machines and three dryers, which enabled the cleaning of an average of 1,000 kilograms of laundry a day.
“We have been discussing practical measures to help the residents in the affected regions and decided to support tourism in Gangwon Province,” a Hyundai Motor official said. “We hope our program will help revive the local economy, which was hit hard by recent wildfires.”
Executives and employees from Hyundai Motor Group have been volunteering and donating regularly, in line with the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility.