Korea Specialty Construction Association marks 2nd Specialty Construction Day

The Korea Specialty Construction Association held its second Specialty Construction Day ceremony to discuss the role of specialty contractors and the future direction of the construction industry.

The association said it held the ceremony on Thursday at Maronier Hall on the fourth floor of the Specialty Construction Center in Dongjak-gu, Seoul. About 550 people attended, including lawmakers, central government officials, heads of construction-related organizations, heads of research institutions and specialty construction professionals.

The program opened with a performance, followed by a commemorative address, congratulatory speeches and awards for meritorious individuals. Deputy National Assembly Speaker Park Deok-heum, Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee Chairman Yu Eui-dong and Rep. Na Kyung-won gave congratulatory remarks. Bok Gi-wang, who leads his party's side on the committee, also spoke.

Yoon Hak-su, chairman of the Korea Specialty Construction Association, said in his address, "The starting point for resolving challenges in the construction industry and reforming the system is the field itself. Fairness and common sense are the surest standards for translating on-site difficulties into policy improvements."

He added, "Coexistence and shared growth must become the most important values in the construction industry. Let specialty and general contractors each demonstrate their own roles and strengths, and let all stakeholders in construction — manpower, equipment and beyond — respect one another's roles as we build a future of growth together."

The ceremony also honored individuals who contributed to the development of the specialty construction industry and to raising the association's standing. In the social contribution category of the Construction Merit Award, Kwon Jin-o, CEO of Youngin Industry Co., and Park Jong-shin, CEO of IL E&C Co., were selected. Lim Chul-gyu, CEO of Cheonji Development Co., was also selected. In the technical contribution category, Kwon Oh-bong, CEO of Ubok E&C Co.; Kim Eun-young, CEO of Okdang Industry Co.; and Oh Mun-taek, CEO of SJ Waterworks Co., received awards.

Special commemorative commendations went to Kim Jung-hee, CEO of KN Global Co., in the distinguished enterprise category, and Yoon Ki-hyun, CEO of Dawoo Industry Co., in the master craftsman category. Hwang Soon-bum, CEO of Cheonil ENS Co., received the commendation in the trailblazer category.

Alongside this, 18 individuals who contributed to the development of the specialty construction industry received merit commendations from the National Assembly speaker and deputy speaker. They also received citations from the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee chairman, the interior and safety minister, the Fair Trade Commission chairperson and the commissioner of the Public Procurement Service. Twelve members who contributed to the development of the construction industry and the association received construction development merit awards.

Through Specialty Construction Day, the association aims to promote the achievements and roles of its 60,000 member firms and 1.7 million specialty construction workers. It also seeks to share pressing issues facing the industry.

The association plans to pursue securing adequate construction costs, establishing fair trade practices, building a more rational production system, and creating a safer construction environment.

Meanwhile, Yoon said at a recent press briefing that the mutual opening of the general and specialty construction markets is deepening the financial strain on small and midsize specialty contractors. He urged reform of the system. "The specialty construction market has opened 56.7 percent, while the general construction market's opening rate stands at just 8.7 percent," he said.