Jun 27 2007
With an intention of having deepened and expanded exchange between two companies, a children`s book for learning steel published by POSCO and Nippon Steel Corporation in early April of this year is bringing highly enthusiastic responses from the readers of both countries. This children`s book unfolds the history of steel-manufacturing exchange between ancient Korea and Japan in dialogues.
The story line goes that blacksmiths, described as goblin, produce cast iron in ancient Korea and disseminate it to Japan, and consequently, Japanese goblin, called `Oni,` comes to produce cast iron.
Especially, the fact that the whole story is written in both Korean and Japanese, so that the children of both countries can learn each other`s culture and language adds more meaning to the book.
Since the distribution at the end of April this year to teachers and students in their 6th grade of five schools within POSCO Educational Foundation, this children`s book has gained its popularity. Many of those who read the book agreed that they could newly learn about the history of steel through a uniquely designed small book.
Chae-hyun Jin, a student at Pohang Jecheol Seo Elementary School, said, after reading the book, `I could easily understand the history of steel-manufacturing exchange through the book filled with interesting texts and illustrations.` Another student called San-ha Kim expressed the feeling of pride, `I am very proud to know that steel-manufacturing technology was disseminated to Japan from our country.`
Moon-on Goh, the Vice-Principal of Gwangyang Jecheol Nam Elementary School, described his mood, `Since the book was designed not only to meet demands of children but it is also to provoke curiosity, both students and teachers like it.`
Meanwhile, Japanese children also showed their strong favor. A child lives in Iwate Prefecture, central Japan said, `I like this book because I can carry it wherever I go and read whenever I want. Since it was written in Korean also, it is very helpful for studying Korean.` Another student, who is a middle school student, expressed his hope for amicable relations between two countries, `After I read this book, I came to wish more about the better relationship between Japan and Korea.`
POSCO and Nippon Steel Corporation distributed 10,000 and 50,000 copies of this book, published in the portable and convenient pocket book edition, respectively.