[2025 Asia Construction Grand Awards] Korean Construction Industry Elevates Standards Amid Adversity

20th Asia Construction Grand Awards
Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award Goes to DK Asia and LH
Outstanding Technological Capabilities and Pioneering Spirit
Amid Prolonged Construction Market Downturn

At the 20th Asia Construction Grand Awards held this year, the prestigious Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award was given to DK Asia and Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH). The Seoul Mayor’s Award was received by Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH). Kumho Engineering & Construction, Daewoo Engineering & Construction, Doosan Engineering & Construction, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Lotte Engineering & Construction, DL E&C, Hanwha Construction Division, HDC Hyundai Development Company, and GS Engineering & Construction were honored with the Asia Economy Representative Award.

On September 24, Asia Economy held the 2025 Asia Construction Grand Awards ceremony at the Korea Press Center and announced the winners in each category. The Asia Construction Grand Awards recognize construction companies that have demonstrated outstanding technological capabilities and pioneering spirit, achieving competitiveness both domestically and internationally.

The domestic construction sector has been facing a prolonged downturn for several years, while the global construction market is also challenging due to heightened geopolitical risks and the strengthening of protectionist policies. Both at home and abroad, order volumes have decreased, construction costs have risen, and financial tightening has created a host of challenges. Additionally, a series of large and small accidents at some construction sites have led to unprecedented pressure to raise safety awareness. Despite these circumstances, Asia Economy evaluated and selected construction companies that have continued to strengthen their core competitiveness while fulfilling their roles in customer satisfaction and as responsible members of society.

DK Asia, which received the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award in the brand category, was highly praised for developing a residential town in Seo-gu, Incheon, promoted as the "first premium resort city in Korea." The company is developing a mini new city with approximately 36,500 households across three complexes under its proprietary apartment brand, Royal Park City. By collaborating with Samsung C&T Resort Division, DK Asia has enhanced landscaping within the complex and provided infrastructure reminiscent of theme parks, thereby increasing residential satisfaction and establishing the complex as a regional landmark.

LH received the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award in the architecture category. The public rental housing complex built in the Geomdan district of Incheon was recognized for incorporating design features uncommon in public housing, such as duplex terraces and protruding balconies. LH also aimed for harmony with the local community by lowering barriers to community facilities and creating shared parks, considering the concentration of low-rise residences nearby.

In the win-win cooperation category, SH’s redevelopment project in Dapsimni District 17, which received the Seoul Mayor’s Award, served as a successful model of public-private cooperation in a sector often plagued by delays. After being designated a redevelopment area in 2007, the project faced difficulties in securing funding due to a housing market slump, leading to the withdrawal of the construction company. SH took over comprehensive project management, reduced risks, and directly verified construction costs, minimizing disputes and completing the project in just over three years.

Nine companies received the Asia Economy Representative Award. In the brand category, four companies were recognized. Kumho Engineering & Construction was acknowledged for the rapid market success of its residential brand, Athera, introduced last year, which led to tangible results such as new contracts. Daewoo Engineering & Construction received high marks for regularly updating its apartment brand, Prugio, to actively reflect customer needs and market trends. Doosan Engineering & Construction enhanced resident satisfaction by making the specialized technologies of its residential brands, We’ve and The Zenith, more accessible to residents. Hyundai Engineering & Construction was highly praised for positioning its brand, Hillstate, as a lifestyle platform rather than merely a residential space.

In the smart residential category, two companies were awarded. Lotte Engineering & Construction was recognized for advancing beyond conventional senior housing to offer differentiated locations and services. DL E&C was acknowledged for introducing a residential platform system capable of accommodating diverse customer needs within living spaces.

In the design category, two companies-Hanwha Construction Division and HDC Hyundai Development Company-were honored. Hanwha Construction Division received praise for its impressive designs, such as glass balcony views, which are uncommon in regional areas. HDC Hyundai Development Company’s Cheonan I-Park City applied specialized curtain wall designs uniformly across two different complexes to create a continuous landscape. GS Engineering & Construction, which received the win-win cooperation award, was highly evaluated by the judges for contributing to the establishment of a sustainable culture in the industry through customized financial support systems for partners and annual partner reward programs.