Ochang, a small town in Chungcheongbuk-do province, has been dubbed the heart of LG Energy Solution and the mecca of rechargeable batteries.
What is life like for LG Energy Solution employees in Ochang?
We interviewed employees there to learn about everyday life in Ochang.
Q. Could you introduce yourself briefly?
(Specialist Jae-beom Yoon, Production Management Team, Automotive Production Center)
Hello, I am Jae-beom Yoon from the Automotive Production Center’s Production Management Team.
(Associate Joo-hee Kim, ESS Technology Team, Process Technology Center)
My name is Joo-hee Kim, and I am in charge of automobile and ESS-related tasks in the Process Technology Center’s ESS Technology Team.
(Associate Myung-Jun Kim, Safety and Health Team, Environmental Safety Division)
My name is Myung-jun Kim, and I work for the safety and health team in the environmental safety division.
Q. Could you tell us about the Ochang site?
(Associate Myung-Jun Kim, Safety and Health Team, Environmental Safety Division)
The Ochang site includes a main building, Mobility and IT Battery Buildings 1, 2, and 3, Automotive Battery Buildings 1 and 2, and an ESS Building with ESS facilities. To brag about one thing, I believe the Ochang business site is better landscaped than most parks. There is a large pine tree on the main building side, and when colorful flowers bloom around it in the spring, it feels like a theme park!
(Specialist Jae-beom Yoon, Production Management Team, Automotive Production Center)
Honestly, I expected it to feel like an old factory complex. However, I recall my first impression of the Ochang site being very positive, as it had a pleasant and well-organized appearance. The working atmosphere is just as good!
Q. How was the office space updated?
(Appointment Jae-beom Yoon, Production Management Team, Automobile Production Center)
Additionally, there are now more areas for team meetings, as well as an open lounge where employees can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee in the middle of the office.
(Associate Joo-hee Kim, ESS Technology Team, Process Technology Center)
It is now easier to move between the two Automotive Battery Buildings thanks to the bridge that connects them. There is also a shelter in the center where people can rest, which is convenient.
Q. I heard there are several rest areas. Could you please introduce them?
(Associate Joo-hee Kim, ESS Technology Team, Process Technology Center)
In the past, I would typically take a break in the cafeteria’s rest area, but lately, I prefer to unwind in the lounge, where I can chat with my teammates over a cup of coffee.
(Specialist Jae-beom Yoon, Production Management Team, Automotive Production Center)
I’ve heard that a large number of people frequent the bookstore. A separate reading area in the bookstore is ideal when you only have a few minutes to read.
Q. What is the cafeteria like at the Ochang plant?
(Associate Myung-Jun Kim, Safety and Health Team, Environmental Safety Division)
I’ve been living alone in Ochang since I moved out, and I couldn’t help but worry about what to eat. The cafeteria serves three meals a day as well as a late-night meal. The best part is that everything is free!
(Specialist Jae-beom Yoon, Production Management Team, Automotive Production Center)
I agree with you. It sometimes serves Korean hot pot for late-night supper, which is very tasty. A selection of healthy salad menus is also available for dinner.
Q. Lastly, I’m interested in the healthcare facilities for the employees’ health.
(Associate Joo-hee Kim, ESS Technology Team, Process Technology Center)
We have a fitness center. We also have table tennis and billiards areas. After lunch, I enjoy playing a simple game of table tennis with my teammates.
(Associate Myung-Jun Kim, Safety and Health Team, Environmental Safety Division)
Anyone can receive therapy because physical therapists work on-site. We also have a counseling center where you can get advice on company life or your career.
(The story of Ochang employees’ leisure time that boasts 100% satisfaction continues in Part 2.)