홈 About Taekwang History
Footsteps of Taekwang

Footsteps of Taekwang

Challenging spirit alone will do.

The keyword that describes Taekwang is CHALLENGE

Founder Lee Im-Yong (1921-1996) whose penname was Ilju established Taekwang Industrial in 1950 and developed it into a preeminent group in Korea.
With his commitment to rebuilding the nation through industrial development, he served as a great asset in realizing the industrialization within Korea. With strong determination and conviction, Taekwang has overcome an extraordinary flurry of crises and adversities to remain faithful in business and kept its commitment for integrity and transparency in business. The fire incident at its Donglae plant in Busan in 1985 was especially regarded as an unprecedented incident at that period of time. On top of Founder Lee’s strong commitment to 'not take away anyone's job position,‘ even after such a disastrous accident, all employees were united in one to restore and bring back the plant to its original condition within only one year from the incident.

In 1970s, Taekwang took bold steps to be the industry leader through business diversification. It was the blueprint that encompassed the current business portfolio of the group, which specializes in fiber & petrochemical industry, broadcasting (t-broad, Tcast, etc.), and finance (Heungkuk Life Insurance, Heungkuk Fire & Marine Insurance etc.)

Since then, Taekwang became the number one in terms of profitability and stability amongst 50 major conglomerates in Korea, undoubtedly demonstrating itself as the representative group.

Taekwang has moved forward by overcoming difficulties and realizing greater plans. Taekwang has opened up a new era through its fearless challenging spirit. Taekwang is growing brilliantly in everyway just like its name, ‘Taekwang’ suggests, which means great light.

Think big and freely.

The history of Taekwang is written in growth through INNOVATION.

The history of Taekwang is the history of growth through innovation. Taekwang’s subsidiaries make progressive movements through open communication, transparent and out-front budget management, and impartial organization management, which all add up to become the driving force for continuous growth.
During 1990s, Taekwang jumped into the petrochemical industry. Completing the vertical integration of fiber and petrochemical, Taekwang’s advancement into technology-intensive industry allowed Taekwang to maintain its constant growth during the IMF Era unlike most other Korean firms that were struggling during this period of time.

Moreover, Taekwang group has expanded its business into broadcasting & telecommunications, media, and total financial services in late 1990s.

Taekwang’s subsidiary, t-broad, is Korea’s largest MSO and it provides a total media solution from cable television, high-speed Internet, and to telecommunications services. Heungkuk Finance Group, including Heungkuk Life Insurance and Heungkuk Fire & Marine Insurance, provide one-stop total financial services that include insurance, securities, asset management, deposit, and loan services, fulfilling its role as a trusted partner for many customers.

An icon for ceaseless efforts for new challenge and innovation, Taekwang is now taking a big leap forward to become the corporate giant in the 21st century. Look for the bright future of “TAEKWANG” as it establish its own way ahead.

Fruit from the forest must be shared.

Taekwang's SHARING is directed at you.

Taekwang practices warm-hearted sharing with its neighbors. Opened and the one that cherishes culture and art: Taekwang Taekwang is the business entity that fulfill its corporate social responsibility toward neighbors through delivering happiness that culture and art bring about.
When Taekwang was achieving its brilliant growth in 1970s, Founder Lee Im-Yong whose penname was Ilju, had a firm belief that "Fruit from the forest must be shared," and this in turn established IljuSehwa Educational Foundation in 1977. Then, Sehwa Girls' High School, Sehwa Girls' Junior High School, and Sehwa High School were established consecutively.

Since he established ILJU Academy and Culture Foundation in 1990, the Taekwang Group has been donating more than 2 million dollars each year in carrying out various public-benefit projects in education and cultural activities. In 2009, the Group established Sehwa Art and Culture Foundation and expanded its support for culture and arts.

Heungkuk Finance Group’s Shinmun-ro Office is an exhibition venue that is open for public itself. The Sehwa Museum of Art, located on the 3rd floor of the building, is used as a public venue where anyone can visit and enjoy sophisticated artworks.

Furthermore, Taekwang Group is determined to share the delight through artworks by presenting various artworks by worldly renowned artists, such as Jonathan Borofsky’s "Hammering Man ― 2002" and Fré Ilgen ‘s "Your Long Journey ― 2008" that have become Korea's representative public artworks and the landmarks for Gwanghwamun area.

The Group is putting in endless efforts for returning corporate profits to the society through developing culture and arts by founding Korea’s best women’s volleyball team, Pink Spiders and Cinecube, Korea's representative cinema, dedicated for artistic movies.