Gwangyang's new landmark POSCO's 'Panorama Walk' is donated and handed over

The donation of ‘Panorama Walk’, an experiential sculpture created by POSCO in Gwangyang, Jeollanam-do, is being postponed.

Even though the company said it would build and donate facilities as a social contribution project, public opinion, led by the Gwangyang City Council, said that it should not be accepted immediately due to burdens such as operating costs.

According to Gwangyang City on the 13th, the Panorama Walk was installed at the top of Gubongsan Mountain in Gwangyang at a cost of 18 billion won by POSCO, following the 'Space Walk' in Pohang.

After a month of pilot operation starting from the 9th of last month, it transitioned to formal operation from the 9th of this month.

Over 62,700 people visited for 19 days, excluding closed days such as every Monday and days when the wind blows over 8 meters per second or rains, making its presence known as a new local attraction.

Panorama Walk is an atypical iron sculpture designed in the shape of a flame by world-renowned Spanish artist Manuel Monteserin and I&Architectes architectural firm, using the beacon fire tower on Mt. Gubong in the past as a motif.

It has a spiral track with a total length of 365 m, a width of 13 to 21 m, and a height of 27 m. If you add the height of Gubongsan Mountain of 473 m above sea level, it is 500 m.

It received favorable reviews not only for its formative beauty, but also for being able to feel dizzy while walking along the track and enjoying the open scenery of Gwangyang Bay, which combines mountains and mountain complexes such as Jiri Mountain.

POSCO attempted to donate the facility immediately after opening according to a prior agreement, but an unexpected response occurred.

Gwangyang City Council expressed the opinion that POSCO should operate it for the time being, considering cost burden, safety, and expertise.

Gwangyang City estimated that annual operating costs would be 350 million won, including labor costs such as on-site guides and nighttime lighting costs.

Although it is not a small budget for Gwangyang City, which is experiencing financial difficulties, it is evaluated that it is not an excessive burden to the point of taking on operations that were not included in the original agreement.

Some point out that the request to take charge of the operation of a sculpture after investing a large amount of money could set a precedent that discourages corporate social contribution activities.

During the pilot operation, 29 repairs were received, but all of them were minor and the facility received an A grade in a recent safety inspection, so there is no justification for delaying the transfer of operating rights.

Gwangyang City plans to submit a motion to accept donations to the city council in January or March next year.

Considering public opinion regarding the burden of operating costs, it was decided to pursue a plan to convert facility viewing to a paid facility.

The equivalent of the admission fee of 3,000 to 5,000 won is returned to visitors in the form of local gift certificates, and a portion is used to cover operating expenses.

An official from Gwangyang City said, "With the consent of the city council, we will complete the donation process and prepare a plan to revitalize the facility to operate it as a tourist landmark representing the region."