The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and the Federation of Korea Construction Associations held a ceremony pledging to advance the construction industry's future in the AI era.
MOLIT and the Federation of Korea Construction Associations said they held the "2026 Construction Day" ceremony under the theme "K-Construction Building the Future" at the Construction Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 9th.
At the ceremony, Land Minister Kim Yoon-deok said the ministry would create safer construction sites by expanding AI-based smart safety management and a prevention-focused safety system.
MOLIT and the Federation of Korea Construction Associations held the ceremony to encourage the dedication and hard work of construction workers and to instill pride. The Construction Day ceremony, which began in 1981, marked its 36th edition this year.
Construction Day was designated to commemorate June 18, 1962, the founding date of the former Ministry of Construction. This year's event, however, was held on July 9 in consideration of internal circumstances of the organizer, the Federation of Korea Construction Associations. Last year, it was held on August 27.
This ceremony presented new goals and directions, reflecting a pledge that the construction industry would also leap forward as a future industry by expanding AI infrastructure construction and AI technology adoption, amid a situation where artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated into industries worldwide.
The event was attended by some 700 people, including Prime Minister Han Seong-sook, about 20 lawmakers such as members of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, about 10 heads of related organizations including Yoon Hak-soo, chairman of the Korea Specialty Contractors Association, as well as government award recipients and their families.
At the ceremony, a total of 107 awards were presented to honorees who made significant contributions to the development of the construction industry, including orders and medals of merit, Presidential Citations, Prime Minister's Citations, and Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Citations.
The Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit (1 award) was received by Cho In-ho, CEO of Haekwang E&C, who successfully carried out major national projects over 40 years and contributed to the development of the mechanical equipment sector. The Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit (2 awards) was presented to Choi Sang-dae, CEO of Daedo Togeon, and Choi Gil-hak, CEO of Seorim General Construction, who contributed to balanced national development through specialty and general construction. The Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit (2 awards) was received by Jang Heung-soo, CEO of Youngshin General Construction, and Lee Sa-cheol, CEO of Seonjin A&F, who contributed to the development and competitiveness enhancement of the construction industry.
In addition, the Industrial Service Medal was received by three people including Son Dong-chan, CEO of Daeho General Construction; the Presidential Citation by six people including Park Chang-soo, head of Myeongjin Development; the Prime Minister's Citation by a total of six people including Song Byeong-cheol, CEO of Ulsan General Construction Machinery; and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Citation by a total of 87 people including Oh Song-hoon, CEO of S2 Construction.
As a side event, a "Smart Construction Technology Gallery," featuring domestic construction firms and innovative companies in the smart construction field, was exhibited to allow attendees to experience the digital transformation of the construction industry and the future of smart construction technology, including AI, robots, and automation technology. Through a screening of a theme video, a time was also arranged to specifically illuminate the future the construction industry aims for and to share efforts and pledges to expand into a future industry centered on people and safety.
There was also a moment of silence for workers who died in industrial accidents at construction sites, followed by a time to reflect on the pledges of construction workers to eradicate industrial accidents and establish a safety culture.
Minister Kim Yoon-deok said, "I commend the hard work and dedication of construction workers who are building Korea's tomorrow at construction sites around the world, and to prepare for the future of the construction industry, we will actively promote R&D investment and the creation of an industrial ecosystem tailored to each stage of AI technology development, talent cultivation, industry fostering, and overseas expansion."
