Construction Industry Vows to "Eradicate Serious Accidents and Drive Smart Innovation" for the New Year

Han Seunggu, Chairman of the Federation of Construction Associations of Korea, stated at the New Year's Meeting for Construction Workers held on January 14, "Safety has become an issue of survival that determines not only regulatory compliance but also the very existence of companies and the future of the industry. To move forward on the path of sustainable growth, new changes and efforts are required."

Chairman Han diagnosed the industry as being in a crisis, citing a sharp rise in raw material prices, high interest rates, and a slump in the housing and real estate markets, which have all led to deteriorating profitability in the construction sector. He also noted that the number of construction companies closing down over the past year reached an all-time high. In this situation, he emphasized the need to eradicate serious industrial accidents and stabilize the market in order to revitalize the construction business.

On the 14th, attendees are participating in a New Year's rice cake cutting ceremony at the 2026 Construction Industry New Year's Gathering held at the Construction Hall. Provided by the Korea Construction Association

He went on to say, "We will enhance our safety systems to create an environment where workers can work safely, and we will work with the government and the National Assembly to establish an institutional foundation that ensures appropriate construction costs and timelines from the ordering stage, fundamentally reducing accidents. We will also provide stable housing supply and deliver the highest quality construction to increase public satisfaction with housing."

He added, "In line with technological changes such as the advancement of AI, we will integrate digital technologies to improve productivity, safety, and quality throughout the entire construction process, including design, construction, and maintenance, and transform the industry into a data-driven, intelligent sector. We will also promote youth talent recruitment fairs and smart technology field experiences so that the construction industry can become a future-oriented sector trusted by the public and a place where young people can realize new dreams."

In his congratulatory remarks, Prime Minister Kim Minseok said, "The history of Korean construction is, in itself, the history of Korea and the history of Korea's growth. We will work together for a new leap forward in K-Construction."

About 700 people attended the New Year's meeting, including figures from the construction industry, Prime Minister Kim, Kim Itak, First Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Maeng Sungkyu, Chairman of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, and other officials from the government and related sectors.