"Modular Construction: Shorter Timelines and Enhanced On-site Safety"
Introduction of Modular Production Certification System
Legal Basis for Providing Incentives
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that it will hold a public hearing at the National Assembly on December 18, ahead of enacting the "Special Act on Supporting the Promotion of Modular Construction."
Modular construction is an innovative technology in which the main structural components of a building are pre-manufactured off-site, such as in a factory, and then assembled on-site to complete the building. This approach shortens construction time and enhances safety by reducing high-altitude work. However, the activation of modular construction has been limited because most construction standards and regulations are tailored to on-site construction. The Ministry expects that the enactment of this special act will clarify related regulations and help foster the modular industry going forward.
The forthcoming special act will provide clear definitions for modular construction. It will also establish a five-year basic plan and annual implementation plans for the promotion of modular construction, and create a legal basis for setting up a Modular Construction Review Committee to decide on key matters. The act will include provisions for developing customized standard criteria covering all stages of construction, including design, construction, supervision, and cost estimation. The public sector will be encouraged to take the lead in adopting modular construction. The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will be empowered to designate modular construction promotion zones and support the development of infrastructure and demonstration projects.
A certification system will also be established to ensure quality. The ministry plans to introduce a modular production certification system that evaluates the manufacturing systems and quality management capabilities of factories producing building modules. It will be mandatory to use only certified modules for public buildings above a certain scale.
A modular construction certification system will be operated for buildings that use certified production modules. The level of modular technology will be evaluated and graded, and buildings that achieve a certain grade or higher will be eligible for various incentives and regulatory exemptions.
Kim Gyu-cheol, Director General for Housing and Land at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, "This will be an opportunity to fundamentally address the various challenges that have hindered the promotion of modular construction so far," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure that the special act is enacted as soon as possible."
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