▲ Hanbando / Chairman Ahn Sang-gwon

Ahn Sang-gwon, Chairman of Hanbando, is famous for his deed of sharing things with people in need. It took us quite a while to convince him to sit at a table for an interview as he was shy enough to tell what his does for good. But the words have spread far and wide from mouth to mouth and he felt obliged to do it.

"It was just start of my small enlightenment that helping people in need was not about I'm rich or have a good heart but just sharing what I have with others which actually makes the giver feel more rewarded by the act in the end" said Ahn who runs a construction firm Hanbando in Jinju City, South Gyeongsang Province.

Apart from helping people in need, he has been actively engaged in various other socially-beneficial activities such as planting tress, remodeling wornout buildings, supporting children's center and village resting areas, and donating money to a football club. 

"I just see people and things that I might be of help to. I don't have to do this as I'm busy running my own firm but my heart tells me I must do something because at the end of the day that is what makes me happy and rewarded."

His firm Hanbando has a strong profile in the construction field with a number of excellent constructions including hotels in Jeju, golf courses here and there, and Prugio apartments in Jinju, Geoje, Changwon and Ilsan. 

"Building a building is not about building a concrete structure but creating a better living environment for humans and things surrounded by us. Naturally, safety comes top priority followed by eco-friendliness and convenience. It is also important to pour fair amount of profits into research and development as innovation comes right out of it."

He also pointed out rather irrational current regulations and systems that discourage constructors as it often lead to poor finish of the building. 

"Good buildings come from good regulations and professionalism of constructors. I believe building is a work of art that creates something from nothing and if the something is poor in result there is no point doing it. No matter what given situation it is, however, I believe a good constructor will do his job properly not matter what and prove it with result." PowerKorea.