Founded in 1957, the Hyosung Group has since established its business presence in various fields, including chemicals, machinery, information technology and construction. However, the volunteer efforts by the company's employees have contributed just as much to its reputation.
Hyosung has recently been strengthening its community work, which includes helping the elderly and children with disabilities in neighborhoods near the company's headquarters in Mapo, Seoul.
Hyosung employees are also involved in managing educational programs for mentally disabled children, cleaning cultural sites like Changdeok Palace and providing regular assistance to farming families in need of help, as well as other charity efforts.
One of the company's biggest charity programs is the ``Rice of Care'' movement, in which employees voluntarily donate part of their wages. The money, combined with a matching amount of company funds, is used to buy rice for elderly residents in Mapo, who mostly live alone and are in need of economic help.
Last winter, Hyosung Vice President Lee Sang-wun joined 260 employees and volunteer workers to make kimchi for more than 7,000 people, including elderly residents, disabled children and households with minimum income.
Employees at Hyosung's branches in Changwon, Ulsan, Anyang, Eonyang and Gumi are involved in helping agricultural communities in these areas. Aside from helping in the fields, employees also buy agricultural products from local farmers, including rice, grapes and tomatoes, providing them with an important source of income.
Employees of Hyosung Chemicals PG also visit the Jeongmun School, a school for the handicapped, four times a year and provide various educational programs.