GS and other Gangwon firms fight fine dust with a unique form of corporate giving

Public enterprises and mid-sized companies based in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province are continuing their distinctive fine dust corporate social responsibility initiative this year.

Gangwon Province is widely known for its clean air, and these companies are working to eliminate even the small amount of fine dust that remains — tackling what might be called the one blemish on an otherwise pristine environment.

Member companies of the Gangwon Fine Dust Corporate Social Responsibility Council include Korea South-East Power and Gangneung Eco Power in Gangneung; GS Donghae Power and Korea East-West Power in Donghae; Korea Southern Power and Samcheok Blue Power in Samcheok; Halla Cement in Gangneung; KGM C&E in Donghae and Yeongwol; Sampyo Cement in Samcheok; and Hanil Hyundai Cement in Yeongwol.

The council launched in October 2018 to reduce fine dust levels across the province and promote corporate social responsibility, bringing together 11 public and private participants — four power companies, five cement firms, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, and the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Social Welfare Council. Two additional power companies have since joined, bringing the total to 13 member institutions and companies.

From 2019 through 2025, the council used a combined 387 million won ($256,000) in donations to provide air purifiers, air filtration systems and fine dust masks on an ongoing basis to social welfare facilities and vulnerable households across the province.

This year, a recent working-level meeting finalized the 2026 fine dust social contribution project for vulnerable populations, with implementation set to begin shortly. Under relevant regulations, vulnerable groups include children, infants and toddlers, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or heart conditions — people particularly susceptible to fine dust exposure.

This year's initiative will draw on 110 million won in donations from participating institutions and companies, with plans to install fine dust barrier nets at two locations, distribute about 150 air purifiers and about 300 replacement filters, and supply about 6,800 fine dust masks.

The barrier nets will be installed at two social welfare and residential care facilities in areas where power and cement companies operate, helping protect the health of vulnerable groups and improve their living environment.

The initiative is widely regarded as a standout example of corporate social responsibility — one that addresses residents' most immediate needs without large expenditures and wins community goodwill through creative, practical ideas.