Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon delivers a commemorative speech at a ceremony to mark the 72nd anniversary of Construction Day at the Construction Hall in Nonhyeon-dong, Seoul, on June 20.

Chairman Yoo Joo-hyun of the Federation of Construction Associations (FCA) speaks at the 2019 Construction Day anniversary event. (Photos: FCA)

The Korean construction industry marked the 72nd anniversary of Construction Day at the Construction Hall in Nonhyeon-dong, Seoul, on June 20.

The anniversary event, held under the theme “Korean Construction Industry Finds the Answer through Innovation,” looked at the new future perspective of the industry and suggested innovation on the part of those in the industry at an era of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Among roughly 1,000 people on hand at the event were Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, Minister Kim Hyun-mee of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), Chairman Yoo Joo-hyun of the Federation of Construction Associations (FCA), and Chairman Park Soon-ja of the National Assembly Land,, Infrastructure and Transport Committee.

In his commemorative speech, FCA Chairman Yoo said, “Multiple unifcorn companies, posting more than 1 trillion won in sales using innovative technologies, have sprung up in major foreign countries.”

The construction industry will redouble efforts such as the enhancing of the competitiveness through convergence of industries through the industry’s employing of changes and innovation, making worksties safe, diversifying construction markets and the establishment of demand-oriented futuristic procurement regime, he said.

In his congratulatory speech, Prime Minister Lee said and he extended praises for the achievements the construction industry has made for the past 72 years. He urged the industry to strive to make it construction that improves the quality of lives.

Orders and other government prizes were presented to 140 people who were awarded for contributing to the development of the construction industry.The Order of Industrial Service Merit, Gold Tower went to Honorary Chairman Lee Kwang-rae of Woomi Construction.
CEO Ko Tae-shik of Joon J&C was honored with the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Silver Tower while Senior Executive Vice President Kim Hyo-jin of Hanwha E&C was presented with the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Bronze Tower.

The winners of Industrial Service Merit, Steel Tower were Senior Executive Vice President Cho Sung-jin of Daewoo E&C, CEO Kim Tae-kyung of Sukpa Construction, and President Cho Chung-hwan of Duckheung Construction.

Over the past 70 years, the construction industry carried out miracles, building and solidifying the foundation for the industrialization of the country, laying the groundwork for the economic ascent of Korea.

Through the construction of major facilities crucial to Korea, including social infrastructure, like highways, residential homes and convenience facilities, the industry has been faithfully fulfilling its duty to improve the people’s welfare and help stabilize their livelihoods. But the industry is struggling to cope with changes and challenges in Korea and abroad.

An MOLIT official said the government gives words of encouragement to those in the construction industry, a key national infrastructure industry of the nation, and one of the nation’s representative job creation sector, and it urges the industry to lead the 4th Industrial Revolution by innovating technology and production structure and grow into a safe industry. The government will continue to endeavor for innovation of the industry, the official added.