Lee Seung-cheol, head researcher at Hanwha Ocean, and Kwak Young-bok, director of BlueCell Research Institute, were selected as recipients of the 2025 Engineer Award in South Korea.
The 'Engineer Award in South Korea' is awarded monthly to one engineer each from large and small companies to foster a culture that encourages technological innovation in the industrial field and to give preference to engineers. Recipients receive a Minister's Award from the Ministry of Science and ICT and a cash prize of 5 million won.
Lee Seung-cheol, head researcher at Hanwha Ocean, led the localization of the fuel supply system for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) propelled vessels and the development of the vapor gas liquefaction system used in liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage and transshipment facilities. The vapor gas liquefaction system is a device that liquefies vapor gas that naturally vaporizes due to heat influx during the transportation of supercooled liquefied natural gas.
Thanks to the development of the LNG vapor gas liquefaction system, it was possible to secure orders for LNG floating storage units (FSUs) worth 450 billion won, enhancing competitiveness in the global shipbuilding market through technological independence in the domestic shipbuilding industry.
Lee Seung-cheol stated, "I will do my best to contribute to the development of the shipbuilding industry in our country through the localization of key products for the development of decarbonized vessels, which is a global trend, and the development of differentiated products."
Kwak Young-bok, director of BlueCell Research Institute, successfully developed 5G RF wireless communication equipment based on radio frequency (RF) for the first time in South Korea. He was recognized for his contributions to enhancing the competitiveness of the wireless communication industry, achieving over 10 billion won in increased sales and more than $300,000 in overseas export results from 2022 to 2024.
Director Kwak Young-bok noted, "I will continue to strive to secure world-class wireless data consolidation technology not only in mobile communications but also in the K-defense sector," and added, "I will work to enhance competitiveness in both the domestic and overseas markets to contribute to the development of the wireless communication industry in South Korea."