To reduce serious accidents at construction sites, safety investment must be seen not as an expense but as an essential investment, a view noted by experts. It was also emphasized that advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robots, and drones should be introduced on-site to address labor shortages, declining productivity, and safety issues together.
Han Seong-sook, head of the Korea Construction Association Federation, said at the "2026 Construction Day ceremony" held at Construction Hall in Gangnam District, Seoul, on the 9th, "Despite the tireless efforts of the construction industry, public trust in safety has not been fully restored," adding, "We must make safety the top priority and achieve the eradication of serious accidents."
Han said, "Safety is not a mere expense but the most certain investment to protect the lives of the public and the dignity of the field," adding, "We must break away from traditional construction methods and actively introduce AI, robots, and drones on-site." She continued, "We must open the era of smart construction that simultaneously solves chronic labor shortages, declining productivity, and safety problems."
She also mentioned the difficulties facing the construction industry. Han said, "High interest rates, reduced investment, rising construction costs, and excessive regulations are a heavy burden on corporations," adding, "Bold regulatory reform, institutional support, and strategic investment are needed."
At the event co-hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Construction Association Federation, about 20 members of the National Assembly, including members of the Land Infrastructure and Transport Committee, about 10 heads of construction-related organizations, and about 700 attendees including government award recipients and their families, attended, along with Prime Minister Han Seong-sook and Minister Kim Yun-duk of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
In her congratulatory remarks, Han Seong-sook said, "The government will work with construction professionals to build a smart construction ecosystem through advanced technology and innovation," adding, "We will actively support research and development investment and the creation of an industrial ecosystem for construction AI technology, talent development, and overseas expansion."
Han also emphasized improving the safety management system. Han said, "We must expand a prevention-centered safety system by ensuring smart safety management and clearly defining the safety responsibilities of each party in construction," adding, "We must improve outdated practices between prime contractors and subcontractors and enhance fairness to create an environment in which diligent corporations and workers are treated justly."
At the ceremony, a total of 107 commendations, including orders and citations, were awarded to those who contributed to the development of the construction industry. The highest honor, the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Gold Tower, went to Jo In-ho, CEO of Haekwang ENC, who carried out major national projects for 40 years and contributed to the development of the mechanical equipment field.
The Order of Industrial Service Merit, Silver Tower, went to Choi Sang-dae, CEO of Daedo Tokon, and Choi Gil-hak, CEO of Seorim General Construction. The Order of Industrial Service Merit, Bronze Tower, went to Jang Heung-su, CEO of Youngshin General Construction, and Lee Sa-cheol, CEO of Sunjin ANF.
A "Future K-Construction Special Exhibition" featuring domestic builders and innovative companies in smart construction was also held at the venue. Hyundai Engineering & Construction, GS Engineering & Construction, and Daewoo Engineering & Construction showcased smart construction technologies such as tower crane remote-control systems and pipeline monitoring robots.