The construction industry unveiled a future vision centered on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, despite facing challenges such as rising construction costs and a sluggish market. Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, attending his first official economic event since taking office, expressed strong support for expanding housing supply and promoting smart construction technologies to enhance the competitiveness of the construction sector.
The Korea Construction Association announced that the 36th 'Construction Day 2026' ceremony was held on July 9 at the CG Art Hall in Gangnam, Seoul. This year's event was themed 'Construction: A Promise for Our Dreams and Future.'
Approximately 350 high school and university students interested in construction attended the event. Government officials and industry leaders shared insights on the future of the construction sector, focusing on AI and smart construction technologies.
A special exhibition titled 'Future K-Construction' showcased AI, construction robots, and digital safety management technologies. GS Engineering & Construction presented automated rebar assembly machines and pipeline monitoring robots, while Hyundai Engineering & Construction displayed a tower crane remote control system and exterior painting robots. Daewoo Engineering & Construction exhibited unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and a multi-agent RAG platform, and DL E&C showcased smart safety equipment.
Innovative technologies from startups were also highlighted, including Eurobotics' industrial robots, HOP's quadruped robot (robot dog), Riops' robotic arms, and Hayes' dedicated waterjet systems. Participants had the opportunity to experience these future construction technologies firsthand.
In his speech, Han Seung-gu, chairman of the Korea Construction Association, emphasized the importance of the construction industry's role and the need to secure future competitiveness. He stated, "The construction industry employs 2 million workers and accounts for 15% of the country's GDP, making it a key national industry. It has contributed to regional economic revitalization, job creation, and improving the quality of life for citizens, achieving $1 trillion in exports, ranking third after semiconductors and automobiles."
He added, "As a core industry that has supported South Korea's growth and the lives of its citizens, the construction sector must become an attractive field that young people actively seek out. We need to adopt advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, and drones to innovate productivity and safety while securing future competitiveness through smart construction."
Prime Minister Han Seung-soo attended the ceremony as his first official economic event, expressing his commitment to supporting the construction industry. He shared a personal connection to the field, noting that his father worked as a public servant in local construction for over 30 years. He stated, "I will actively support the construction industry in overcoming challenges posed by low growth and economic downturns, including expanding housing supply, promoting smart construction technologies, and enhancing competitiveness in overseas construction. I will also work to improve the industry's structure to create safe construction sites that the public can trust."
During the ceremony, 107 individuals who contributed to the development of the construction industry received government awards and various commendations. The highest honor, the Gold Tower Industrial Medal, was awarded to Jo In-ho, CEO of Haekwang E&C. He was recognized for leading institutional innovations, including securing appropriate construction costs and improving unfair contract terms, as well as fostering professional talent through industry-academia cooperation and practicing fair trade and ESG management over his 40 years in the mechanical equipment industry.
The Silver Tower Industrial Medal was awarded to Choi Gil-hak, CEO of Seorim General Construction, and Choi Sang-dae, CEO of Daedong Construction. Choi Gil-hak was acknowledged for his contributions to national competitiveness through the construction of key national infrastructure such as roads, railways, ports, and energy facilities over 35 years, as well as for applying new technologies, promoting cooperation, ensuring safety, and contributing to local communities.
Additionally, the Bronze Tower Industrial Medal was awarded to Jang Heung-soo, CEO of Youngshin General Construction, and Lee Sa-cheol, CEO of Seonjin A&F. A total of 107 individuals were recognized for their contributions to the development of the construction industry, including three Industrial Medals, six Presidential Commendations, and six Prime Minister's Commendations.
Meanwhile, prior to the event, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a press conference titled 'Construction Day: Construction Workers' Press Conference' in front of the construction hall, urging collaboration and sincere negotiations with clients and main contractors to overcome the crisis in the construction industry.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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