"We are looking for master craftspeople who have been quietly pouring their sweat into industrial workplaces."
The South Jeolla-Gwangju Integrated Special City announced Tuesday it will select its "2026 South Jeolla-Gwangju Integrated Special City Master Craftspeople" to recognize skilled technicians with the highest level of expertise in industrial settings.
This year, up to 10 master craftspeople will be chosen from 92 occupations across 38 fields.
Applicants must have worked in the relevant field for at least 15 years, resided within the South Jeolla-Gwangju area for at least three years or worked at a business located in the city for at least three years, and possess recognized skilled technical expertise.
The city will form an evaluation committee of specialist members, accept applications through Friday, and then conduct document reviews and on-site inspections before proceeding to interviews and a final deliberation and vote.
Those selected will receive the title of "South Jeolla-Gwangju Integrated Special City Master Craftsperson," along with a certificate and commemorative plaque.
To support the transmission of skilled techniques and technological advancement, recipients will also receive a technology promotion grant of 2 million won ($1,490) per year for five years, totaling 10 million won.
Kim Hyeong-seong, head of the city's Small and Medium Venture Enterprise Division, said the city would "discover and honor outstanding skilled technicians who have driven industrial development across the region," adding that it would "support technicians who have long dedicated themselves to industrial workplaces so they can take pride in their work and pass their skills on to the next generation."
sij@heraldcorp.com
