Se-yung ChungPONY CHUNG
1928-2005 / born in Tongcheon, Gangwon-do
Honorary Chairman Se-yung Chung,
was a businessman who left bold traces in Korea’s auto industry.
In an era when wigs and shoes where the major export items,
he dreamed of exporting automobiles.
Philosophy
His belief that the “future is not something we wait for, but something we make.”
has been proven through automobiles and his dynamic life.
-
Innovation
In order to develop original
technology, he created Korea’s
first locally made car, ‘Pony’. -
Challenge
Despite difficult circumstances,
he fulfilled his goal with steadfast
will and passion. -
Integrity
His motto was that the sense
of ethics and responsibility makes
a company more competitive. -
Talent
He had a deep affection towards
his employees, thus provided them
an environment where they can
improve their potential.
Pony Chung’s Life
- 1928Born in Tongcheon, Gangwon-do
- 1953Graduated from Korea University (B.A. in Political Science & International Relations)
- 1954Admitted to Columbia University, NY, US
- 1955Transferred to Miami University, Ohio, US on a full scholarship
- 1957Graduated from Miami University, Ohio, USA (M.A. in Political Science)
- 1965Appointed as first head of Hyundai E&C’s Thailand branch and won the construction contract for the Pattani-Narathiwat Highway Project
- 1967Founded Hyundai Motor Company and was inaugurated as its first president
- 1974Participated in the Turin International Auto Show with Korea’s first locally made car, Pony
- 1976Started to mass produce the Hyundai Pony and began exporting the model to Ecuador
- 1977Chairman of the Korea–British Economic Cooperation Committee (1977–1995)
- 1983Named as the Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- 1985Received the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit Award from the Government of Korea
- 1986Named as one of the “Hidden Heroes of the Industry” by New York Times
- 1986Received an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Miami University, Ohio
- 1986Began exporting the Hyundai Pony Excel to the US
- 1987Inaugurated as Chairman of Hyundai Group and HMC (1987–1995)
Vice President of the Federation of Korean Industries (1987–1997) - 1991Developed Alpha Engine and Transmission, Korea’s first independent engine
- 1993Chairman of the Korea University Alumni Association (1993–1999)
- 1995Received Asia’s Top Businessman of the Year Award from Automotive News
- 1996Received an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from Yonsei University
- 1997Received an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from Korea University
- 1998Received the Order of Civil Merit (Mokryeonjang) from the government of Korea Chairman of the Korean–American Association (1998–2002)
- 1999Inaugurated as the Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Development Company
- 2005Passed away at age 78
