Posco and the city of Gwangyang in Jeonnam-Gwangju unveiled Panorama Walk, a massive interactive steel sculpture atop Gubongsan, on Thursday, turning the former beacon site into a new cultural landmark overlooking Gwangyang Bay.
Unveiled to mark Gwangyang Citizens’ Day, the installation combines the steelmaker’s industrial identity with the city’s history, landscape and culture.
The project dates back to a 2022 agreement between Posco and Gwangyang to develop Gubongsan as a tourist destination. Experts, local officials and residents participated in the planning process through an advisory panel, online surveys and committee of local residents.
Posco CEO Lee Hee-geun, Gwangyang Mayor Park Seong-hyun and Gwangyang City Council Chairman Lee Gi-yeon attended the unveiling. Posco will transfer the sculpture to the city and hold a public open day Friday featuring photo sessions, busking and calligraphy activities.
Inspired by Gubongsan’s former beacon station, Panorama Walk resembles a rising flame. The 27-meter-high structure features a 365-meter, seven-turn walking path, offering panoramic views of Gwangyang Bay and the surrounding mountains. It measures between 13 and 21 meters wide.
Posco used corrosion-resistant stainless steel for durability, while artist Manuel Monteserin and I&Architects participated in the design.
The steelmaker plans to connect Panorama Walk with Park1538 Gwangyang, its nearby cultural complex that opened in April last year. The complex houses a promotional hall, education center and Posco Museum of Art Gwangyang, combining exhibitions on the company and steel industry with cultural programs.
The museum is currently hosting “Panorama Walk: The Infinite Light” through Nov. 28, documenting the sculpture’s development. Posco also plans to link the two attractions with regional events, including the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival.
The project builds on Posco’s efforts to create cultural landmarks in regions where it operates. In Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, the company opened Space Walk and Park1538 in 2021. Space Walk won the Presidential Award at the Korea Space Culture Awards in 2023 and surpassed 4 million cumulative visitors this year.
Posco also operates cultural spaces at its Seoul headquarters. The Posco Center lobby permanently displays “Steel, Steel, Steel,” a media installation by Nam June Paik and Shigeko Kubota, while the Posco Museum of Art offers free exhibitions and programs, including showcases for emerging artists.
jyoungseon8@heraldcorp.com
