Jeon Geun-sik, chairman of the Korea Cement Association, stated that overcoming the crisis faced by the cement industry, which is struggling due to severe construction market stagnation, requires an industrial transition and technological innovation based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
Chairman Jeon said during a commemorative speech at the '4th Cement Day' held on the 1st at 3 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Conference Center of The Federation of Korean Industries in Yeouido, Seoul, "Recently, the cement industry is at a significant turning point in which the industrial structure is rapidly being reshaped due to a combination of changes in the internal and external environment, including construction market stagnation, rising manufacturing costs, and intensified environmental regulations."
He noted, "We must seize this crisis as an opportunity for industrial transition and technological innovation based on ESG principles, accelerating research and development for carbon neutrality, including the expansion of blended cement, recycling of circular resources, and CCUS technology," and added, "We must do our best to realize both the sustainability of the industry and social value through various social contribution projects that actively promote coexistence with the local community."
He emphasized, "The practices and efforts we are building will ultimately lead to innovation in the cement industry, public trust, and a sustainable future."
According to the Korea Cement Association, this year's domestic cement market has retreated to levels seen in the 1980s, placing the cement industry in a crisis.
About 200 people, including CEOs and employees of the cement industry, heads of related industry organizations, and academic experts, gathered for the Cement Day event to strengthen unity in the cement industry and overcome its crisis.
The event included a reading of the joint declaration for Cement Day, followed by a signing ceremony of the declaration by representatives from Hanil Cement, Hanil Hyundai Cement, SAMPYO Cement, Asia Cement, and Sungshin Cement.
The declaration included commitments to accelerate research and development and innovation to achieve ESG management in the cement industry, aiming to expedite the realization of future-oriented eco-friendly construction materials. It also stated a commitment to proactively respond to the climate change crisis through the acceleration of carbon reduction technology development and to lead the establishment of a resource circulation society by actively introducing resource recycling systems. The policy also included efforts for cooperation with upstream and downstream cement industries and coexistence with local communities.
Lee Seung-ryeol, director of the industrial policy office at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, remarked during his speech that "Cement Day symbolizes the roots of our industry, which has driven Korea's economic growth" and said, "Now is a turning point where revolutionary changes are necessary in the cement industry, from digital innovation using artificial intelligence to optimization of production processes and reduction of carbon emissions."
Following that, Hwang Hae-jin, president of the Korean Ceramic Society, and Yoon Jong-seok, director of the Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology (KICET), also delivered speeches. Thomas Armstrong, editor-in-chief of Cemnet, who hosted 'Cemtech Asia 2025' last month in Korea, sent a congratulatory video for Cement Day.
Lee Cheol-kyu, chairperson of the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee of the National Assembly, expressed deep gratitude to the workers in the cement industry, stating in a congratulatory message, "You have laid the foundation for Korea's industrialization and have greatly contributed to the economy and society as a whole."
On this Cement Day, the government also presented awards to those who contributed to the development of the cement industry. Kim Hee-sung, executive director of SAMPYO Cement, who contributed to national greenhouse gas reduction and carbon neutrality policies through ESG management, and Sun Young-hyun, executive director of Hanil Hyundai Cement, who played a significant role in securing talented individuals by participating in collaborative research relationships and supporting industrial innovation talent development projects, were among the ten recipients of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy award. Awards from the chairperson of the Korea Cement Association, the chairperson of the Korean Concrete Institute, and the chairperson of the Korean Ceramic Society followed.
The Cement Day event was organized to remember the cement industry, which has contributed to national development as a foundational industry, and to enhance the pride of its employees. Cement Day was established on the 1st of July, commemorating the founding of the Korea Cement Association by its early chairpersons, and has been celebrated since 2022.
An official from the Korea Cement Association stated, "We plan to enhance the role of the cement industry, which is necessary for national economic development, and further elevate the status of the Cement Day commemorative event," and added, "We will strive to create a venue for encouragement and unity for the development of the cement industry, thus continuing sustainable development."