CHANGWON — Three of the 10 people named Korea Master Craftsmen this year came from South Gyeongsang Province, the most of any region in the country.
South Gyeongsang Province said on the 26th that three skilled workers from the province were among the 10 people selected as 2026 Korea Master Craftsmen by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Human Resources Development Service of Korea on the 21st. They are Kim Yong-kyung in machining, Kim Cheon-guk in materials testing, and Kang Tae-gu in sheet metal and plate work.
The Korea Master Craftsman program recognizes people who have worked in industry for at least 15 years and made significant contributions to advancing skilled trades and raising the status of skilled workers. Recipients are awarded a certificate and insignia in the president's name and a master craftsman plaque, along with honors and support that include a one-time cash award.
Kim Yong-kyung worked at Doosan Enerbility for 38 years, drawing on skills accumulated in the manufacturing of nuclear equipment and gas turbines to file patents and standardize processes.
Kim Cheon-guk has worked in metal materials testing for more than 28 years, contributing to technological competitiveness through efforts such as localizing large gas turbines, developing 3D printing processes, and setting his own standards for testing methods used to win small modular reactor (SMR) orders.
Kang Tae-gu worked at Samsung Heavy Industries for 31 years in special vessels and the shipbuilding and offshore sectors, contributing to productivity gains and improvements in quality and processes.
All three selected this time previously held the title of South Gyeongsang Province Master Craftsman. The province runs the program to identify outstanding skilled workers in local industry and to promote the transfer of skills and the encouragement of skilled trades.
"Producing the most Korea Master Craftsmen in the country is the fruit of the passion and effort of our skilled workers," said Kim In-soo, director general of the province's economy and trade bureau. "We will strengthen honors and support so that our outstanding skilled workers can take pride in their work."
