The coastal path which winds along the azure-blue sea and white sandy beach of Taean, Chungcheongnam-do is breathtaking in its beauty with black pine trees lining the road there. This is where all the new members of AMOREPACIFIC Group who joined the company in winter 2015 came together to clean up the local environment. They picked up the trash from the coastal path while enjoying the walk with their new colleagues.

On Saturday morning at the height of the new-employee training program, 125 new AMOREPACIFIC Group members set off on the journey to Taean, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea, excited at the prospect of walking along the coastal path while doing something positive to clean up the environment as part of the company's natural ecology protection efforts. This is how they came to first glimpse the coastal waters of Taean.

"Taean has worked tirelessly to overcome the tragic oil spill of 2007, with this beautiful coastal path built as a result. Many people over the years have come down to Taean to clean up the sea that once seemed almost irreparable. I hope that the new members of AMOREPACIFIC Group once again realize the precious value of nature while caring for it here at the coast, and that they can experience for themselves that, together, they can do anything, no matter how tough."

Han Seung-rin, AMOREPACIFIC L&D Center Talent Development Team, expressed hope for the newcomers. This program was undertaken in partnership with the Korean Biodiversity Foundation. AMOREPACIFIC Group has carried out many programs, but this was the first time that such a big number of people (125) came forward together to clean up the environment. This was a great opportunity for new members of AMOREPACIFIC Group to realize the value of nature. New members went down to Hagampo Beach in their twos and threes. Perhaps it was because of their enthusiastic zest. There was a spell of unseasonably warm weather in the area, contrary to the anticipated hard freeze.

New members arrived at Hagampo Beach (meaning Crane Rocks Beach in Korean), where the shapes of rocks left visible at low tide resembled red-crowned cranes. As the new members walked down, the W-shaped beach with Hag Rock at the center spread out before them. Located in the northernmost tip of Taean Seashore National Park, this area offers a grand spectacle with small islands that stand in harmony with the sea. But, it still suffers from the trash people discard into the sea. New members came forward and picked up the trash on the beach.

"I was surprised that there was a lot of trash everywhere. I tried to pick up as much trash as I could, thinking that our little effort would add up to help restore the natural beauty of the beach."

"Through the natural ecology protection efforts undertaken on the beach, I was able to realize how important it is to keep the environment clean. I will pay closer attention to develop more eco-friendly products."

New members said that it was great to clean up the environment together, while enjoying the ocean view.

In summer, Taean is a riot of colors with red sweetbriers in full bloom while, in winter, it offers a scenic view of white snow-covered black pines. Here's hoping that the footprints in the sand of the 125 members who helped out here has enhanced the beauty of the cost at Taean.