This file photo shows an apartment building that partially collapsed during construction in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Jan 11, 2022, leaving six workers dead and another injured. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 8 (Korea Bizwire) – Leading construction organizations in South Korea have launched a new initiative to improve the industry’s public image, which has been tarnished by repeated incidents of substandard work, safety violations, and corruption.
The Korea Federation of Construction Associations announced on November 7 that it held its kickoff meeting for the “Construction Industry Image Improvement Council” in Gangnam, Seoul. The council brings together 15 experts from industry, academia, research institutions, and government agencies.
The coalition will be co-chaired by Lee Jin-sook, former president of Chungnam National University, and Chung Choong-ki, president of the Korean Society of Civil Engineers. A working-level coordination committee will be established to oversee key decisions, develop an image improvement roadmap, and monitor progress.
Four specialized subcommittees have been created to focus on specific areas: institutional reform, social contribution and integrity, technological innovation, and labor conditions improvement. These groups will work to develop detailed action plans and identify priority initiatives.
During the inaugural meeting, participants discussed the current state of the construction industry’s image, the council’s structure and operations, and major activities planned for the year. Short-term goals include creating a new name and slogan for the council to foster a more positive industry image, launching an idea competition to reduce falls at construction sites, and developing models for social contribution.
“It’s disappointing to see young people leaving the construction field, despite the industry’s significant contributions to our national economy,” said Han Seung-gu, chairman of the Korea Federation of Construction Associations, during the meeting. “We must work together to make the construction industry more attractive to young talent.”
The council plans to hold its official launch ceremony at the Smart Construction Expo opening ceremony on November 20.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
