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๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Culture & Society

Yuhan Corporation Transforms Former Headquarters into 'Willow House' Cultural Space for 100th Anniversary

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Yuhan Corporation has opened 'Willow House,' a complex cultural space, in its former headquarters to commemorate its 100th anniversary.
  • The space features an experience exhibition hall, a cafe, a memorial hall showcasing the company's history and founder's legacy, and a vision hall displaying current products and company status.
  • Willow House embodies the founder's spirit of returning profits to society and serves as an open space for community interaction.

Yuhan Corporation, a pharmaceutical company celebrating its 100th anniversary, has transformed its former headquarters into a complex cultural space named 'Willow House,' opening its doors to the local community. The building, located in Daebang-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, served as Yuhan's main office and pharmaceutical production base for 35 years starting in 1962. The name 'Willow House' is derived from the company's symbol, the willow tree.

Upon entering the first floor, visitors are greeted by a large media art installation of a willow tree. The space includes an experience exhibition hall where visitors can receive mental health diagnostics and personalized tea recommendations through a future Naver reservation program. The second floor houses the 'Memorial Hall,' displaying Yuhan Corporation's history, the life of its founder Dr. Ilhan New, his will, and personal belongings.

The third floor features the 'Vision Hall,' which introduces Yuhan Corporation's current pharmaceutical products and business status, alongside the 'New Square,' a multipurpose space for various events and gatherings. The fourth floor offers a rooftop garden and a restaurant. Company executives, including CEO Cho Ok-je, attended the opening event.

"Founder Dr. Ilhan New emphasized that 'profits earned by a company must be returned to the society that nurtured it,'" said CEO Cho. "Willow House is Yuhan Corporation's small practice to carry on that spirit in today's way." The company stated that this space encapsulates Yuhan Corporation's history, present, and future vision, serving as an open venue for citizens and the community to connect.

The opening of Willow House marks a significant milestone in Yuhan Corporation's centenary, reflecting its commitment to social contribution and community engagement, aligning with the founder's long-held principles.

Founder Dr. Ilhan New emphasized that 'profits earned by a company must be returned to the society that nurtured it.' Willow House is Yuhan Corporation's small practice to carry on that spirit in today's way.

โ€” Cho Ok-jeCEO of Yuhan Corporation, speaking at the opening of Willow House
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.