Yoon Youngha in Barbering, Lee Mihwa in Beauty
Anticipation for Succession of Traditional Skills and Local Industrial Development
Gijang County (Mayor Jung Jongbok) has selected Yoon Youngha, a master in the barbering field, and Lee Mihwa, a master in the beauty field, as the '2025 Gijang County Masters.' On December 30, the county awarded them the 'Gijang County Master Certificate' and a plaque of recognition.
From the left, Yoon Youngha's father-in-law, Jung Jongbok, mayor of Gijang County, and Lee Mihwa's father-in-law are conducting the certificate and plaque awarding ceremony for the Gijang County father-in-law. Provided by Gijang County
The 'Gijang County Master' system was established to foster pride among residents by recognizing those with outstanding skills as masters, and to promote the succession of local traditional culture and industrial development. Following its inaugural implementation last year, this year marks the second selection of masters.
In October, the county invited applications from traditional and skilled technicians who have worked for more than 15 years in 99 occupations across 39 fields. After on-site inspections and a selection review by a panel of experts, two final masters were chosen.
Yoon Youngha, selected as a master in the barbering field, is a highly skilled technician who has worked in the industry for over 60 years. He obtained the national barber license in 2012 and was recognized as an Excellent Skilled Technician by the Ministry of Employment and Labor in 2024. He currently operates a business in Jeonggwan-eup, where he is also dedicated to training the next generation through technical lectures and sharing his expertise.
Lee Mihwa, selected as a master in the beauty field, has worked in the beauty industry for 27 years in Wonnae-ri, Jangan-eup. Drawing on her extensive field experience, she contributes to the development of the beauty industry by giving technical lectures and serving as a judge at beauty competitions. She is also actively engaged in various social contribution activities, including volunteer work and participation in local events.
Mayor Jung Jongbok stated, "The skills and passion of our masters are valuable assets that will lead the future of Gijang County. I hope that, through this selection, skilled technicians in various fields will take pride in their work and create a synergistic effect for the development of our local industry."
The selected Gijang County Masters will receive a total of 4 million won (2 million won per year) in technical incentive payments over two years and will be invited to serve as instructors in county-organized education and training programs, officially representing Gijang County as masters.
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