Gijang-gun Announces Results of 'Military Artisan Selection Project'... Driving Regional Technology Development

‘Jeontong Gisul Bunya’ Kim Sang-ho, ‘Sukryeon Gisul Bunya’ Lee Jeong-rae Selected

Fostering Pride and Confidence in Technicians, Contributing to the Preservation of Traditional Culture and Industrial Development

On the 30th, Gijang-gun, Busan, officially selected Mr. Kim Sang-ho in the traditional technology field of wood lacquer craft and Mr. Lee Jeong-rae in the skilled technology field of beauty as the ‘2024 Gijang-gun Masters (匠人).’

Gijang County selected the 2024 Gijang County Artisans and awarded them certification plaques (from left: Artisan Kim Sang-ho, County Governor Jeong Jong-bok, Artisan Lee Jeong-rae). Provided by Gijang County

The ‘Gijang-gun Masters Selection’ project was launched for the first time this year to recognize residents with outstanding skills as masters, fostering pride and self-esteem among technicians, and contributing to the inheritance of traditional culture and industrial development.

Through a public announcement in October, five applicants applied across four occupations in two fields. After on-site evaluations and deliberations by a review committee composed of Korean masters and experts, two final candidates were selected.

Mr. Kim Sang-ho, the representative of the wood lacquer craft occupation selected as a Gijang-gun Master, has operated a workshop for over 20 years, producing and exhibiting traditional craft cultural products that combine woodcraft with mother-of-pearl lacquer inlay. He also established the Gijang Craft Association and actively conducts craft experience programs and lectures.

Mr. Lee Jeong-rae, the representative in the beauty occupation, has been engaged in the beauty industry for over 30 years. He participates as a technical instructor for training juniors and as a judge in various beauty competitions. Additionally, he consistently volunteers beauty services for vulnerable groups in the Gijang-gun area.

Governor Jeong Jong-bok stated, “With the selection of Gijang-gun Masters this time, skilled artisans in various fields are expected to take pride and create a synergistic effect on the development of local industries.”

On the 30th, the county office presented certificates and plaques to the two Gijang-gun Masters and plans to invite them as instructors for future county-led education and training programs to actively support the activities of the Gijang-gun Masters.