Groundbreaking ceremony for Mediheal EES (Earth and Environmental Sciences) Hall to further research into basic sciences and future global environment
Oh-Sub Kwon, CEO of L&P Cosmetics, donated 12 billion won to Korea University.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Mediheal EES (Earth and Environmental Sciences) Hall took place at 2pm on January 9th at Korea University.

With six above-ground and two basement stories, the 7,153㎡ building will house research facilities for studies on global environmental changes and various spatio-temporal environments in order to find ways to improve and recover the environment.

Considering the geographical features of the construction site and efficiency in the flow of human traffic, the lower floors will have various amenities and passageways, whereas the upper floors will be equipped with laboratories and professors’ offices, ensuring practical use of the space. In addition, each floor will have a lounge in which people can relax. 

It will be designed as a green-certified, energy efficiency-certified building with natural ventilation and air exhaust systems, high-tech IT facilities, and use of renewable energy, reducing building maintenance costs and energy costs. 

In November 2016, Oh-Sub Kwon, CEO of L&P Cosmetics, donated 12 billion won to Korea University. L&P Cosmetics is the owner of Mediheal, one of the most popular cosmetics brands and mask pack makers in Korea. Kwon earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Department of Geology (currently the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences) at Korea University. In his heart, he always regretted not continuing his studies in geology and changing his career to the beauty industry. Then, in 2016, the year that Korea University marked its 111th anniversary, he decided to make a donation for the students at his alma mater. The donation will be used for the construction of the Mediheal EES (Earth and Environmental Sciences) Hall. Korea University said it will honor his wishes and continue to strive to become a global university, nurturing pioneering intellectuals by providing high-quality research and education.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, President Jaeho Yeom of Korea University said, “The Mediheal EES (Earth and Environmental Sciences) Hall will replicate the spirit of the College of Science of Asan Hall—contributing to the development of basic sciences—and will serve as an exemplary case of a new paradigm for the sustainable development of universities and industry-university collaboration in the 21st century. The future of a university depends on knowledge creation. We can facilitate knowledge creation by nurturing individuals who are capable of solving complex and complicated problems in creative ways. I believe Mediheal EES (Earth and Environmental Sciences) Hall will be an incubator of talented young researchers in basic sciences who will contribute to the global society. We’ll make sure that President Kwon’s donations will be used in the best possible way.”

▲ Aerial view of the Mediheal EES (Earth and Environmental Sciences) Hall