GS Caltex Foundation, the corporate social responsibility division of the oil refiner, won the grand prix at the Korean Mecenat program for its support for local culture in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, the Korean Business Council for the Arts said Thursday.

Haitai Confectionary and Foods was named the Cultural Contributor for its support of “gugak,” or traditional Korean music, while U.Square, a network of Kumho bus terminals, won the Cultural Management Award. Kim Kyeong-gon, chairman of Woojin Construction Co., was named the Mecenat of the Year for his contribution to the development of cultural infrastructure in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province.

GS Caltex opened Yeulmaru in Yeosu, where the company has a refinery plant. The culture complex held more than 70 events in the past year, drawing more than 74,000 audience members and 33,000 exhibition visitors. The foundation has also been supporting Yeosu Philharmonic Orchestra for the past five years, inviting underprivileged people to its concerts.

The Haitai Confectionary established RaGeum Orchestra for traditional Korean music and has hosted Changsinje, mixing traditional and contemporary music, for nine consecutive years. U.Square, where a bus terminal and musical facilities are integrated, has been hosting Kumho Junior Concert, introducing talented young musicians.

Jeonju-based constructor Kim Kyeong-gon established Woojin Cultural Foundation and has been supporting more than 1,500 local artists in realizing their artistic passions, the Mecenat association said.

The award ceremony is scheduled for Friday afternoon at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry building in downtown Seoul with the Korean Business Council for the Arts Chairman Park Yong-hyun, Culture Minister Yoo Jin-ryong and the head of the judging board Shin Su-jung attending, among others.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)