The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and the Korea Construction Engineers Association are holding the "2026 Construction Engineers' Day" ceremony on the afternoon of Wednesday at the Construction Hall in Seoul.
The ceremony was organized to recognize the contributions of construction engineers who have advanced construction technology, and to reaffirm commitment to digital transformation and the expansion of smart construction technology in the construction industry. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok is participating via a congratulatory video message, and approximately 1,000 attendees are expected, including MOLIT Minister Kim Yun-deok, National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee member Son Myung-su, and heads of construction-related organizations.
At the ceremony, government commendations (12 recipients) and ministerial citations (30 recipients) will be awarded to 42 individuals who have contributed to the advancement of construction technology. The Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, the highest honor, goes to Seo Jin-cheol, CEO of HK Architects, who designed major facilities including Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 Transportation Center and the KTX Yongsan and Osong stations. The Industrial Service Medal will be presented to Yoo Kwang-san, CEO of Yukwang Construction, and Lee Sang-hak, CEO of Dongil Engineering. Presidential citations will be awarded to four recipients including Lee Ji-young, a center director at Korea Expressway Corporation.
A seminar on "Smart Construction Innovation" will also be held ahead of the ceremony. Kim Jeong-ryeol, a professor in the School of Architecture at Inha University, will present on "Construction Robotics and AI Technology Trends and Construction Innovation Strategies," while Park Jong-won, a principal researcher at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, will present on "Innovative Construction Site Technologies Using Robots."
Minister Kim Yun-deok is expected to say, "An era is opening where advanced technology and systems will support on-site safety," adding, "We will expand demonstration opportunities so that companies with innovative technologies can showcase their capabilities, and actively support their entry into overseas markets."
Construction Engineers' Day was designated to commemorate the restoration of Hwaseong Haenggung, a UNESCO World Heritage site designated in 1997, which was restored on March 25, 1998. The annual ceremony has been held every year since 2001. A live online broadcast will also be provided for construction engineers unable to attend in person.