Lotte Corporation, 15 Lotte affiliates based in Ulsan, and employees of the Lotte Foundation conducted a large-scale joint environmental cleanup around Ulsan Science Museum on April 29, marking the museum's 15th anniversary. The event was the group's third consecutive year of integrated social contribution activities, following efforts at Taehwa River National Garden in 2024 and Gangdong Mongdol Beach in 2025, reaffirming Lotte's commitment to shared growth with the local community.
This year's venue, Ulsan Science Museum, holds particular symbolic meaning as a space infused with the late Honorary Chairman Shin Kyuk-ho's deep affection for his hometown. "I hope the talented youth of my hometown Ulsan can freely nurture their dreams in science," Shin said when he donated 24 billion won of his personal assets in 2011 to build the museum and transfer it to the city. The gathering of 50 employees from affiliates that form the backbone of Ulsan's economy — including Lotte Chemical, Lotte Fine Chemical, Lotte Department Store, and Lotte Hotel — at this founder's legacy site carried deep significance as they practiced the shared value of environmental preservation.
Lotte's commitment to Ulsan extends beyond one-off events into systematic and sustained support. From 2016 to 2025, Lotte invested a total of 18.9 billion won, or approximately 1.9 billion won annually on average, in social contribution activities for the Ulsan region over the decade. Lotte Corporation led the expansion of care infrastructure by establishing "mom-friendly playgrounds" and "mom-friendly dream lofts" in Nam-gu and Ulju-gun. Affiliate-specific contribution activities tailored to each company's characteristics are also actively underway, including Lotte Fine Chemical's "Box Garden Campaign" and Lotte Department Store's support for underprivileged groups. Notably, during the Ulju wildfire damage in March last year, 13 affiliates voluntarily delivered relief supplies to help overcome the crisis.
Going forward, Lotte plans to use this cleanup activity as a starting point to explore mid-to-long-term social contribution directions for future generations in cooperation with Ulsan Science Museum. The company plans to pursue multifaceted collaboration by combining the capabilities of its affiliates and foundation, with the goals of supporting basic science education for local youth and spreading eco-friendly values.
Lotte's commitment to environmental practices is also extending into business innovation. Lotte Fine Chemical is leading the transition to a hydrogen economy by expanding clean ammonia infrastructure with Ulsan as its base. Lotte SK Enerroot's hydrogen fuel cell power plant "Ulsan Hydrogen Power" recently began commercial operation, making substantive contributions to carbon reduction.
"Our employees are deeply reflecting on the spirit of hometown love that our founder embedded in Ulsan Science Museum," said Yang Ho-cheol, chairman of the council of Lotte affiliates in the Ulsan region. "We will continue to walk alongside Ulsan citizens at the closest possible distance and serve as a steadfast partner in opening a better tomorrow for the region."
