Hyundai Steel has produced one “Master Craftsman of Korea” and two “Outstanding Skilled Technicians” for 2024, as selected by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Human Resources Development Service of Korea.
(From left) Jung Woo-hyun, Cokes Process 2 Team; Na Young-jong, Hot Roll 2 Team; Kim Ju-ho, Material Analysis Team
Jung Woo-hyun, a supervisor from Cokes Process 2 Team, was selected as a “Master Craftsman of Korea,” while Na Young-jong from Hot Roll 2 Team, and Kim Joo-ho, a technical engineer on the Material Analysis Team, were selected as “Outstanding Skilled Technicians.”
Jung Woo-hyun made significant contributions to the development of coke production in Korea by stabilizing operations and automating equipment at Dangjin Integrated Steelworks. Responsible for seven patents, including one for a coke quenching device, he has achieved over 300 on-site improvements. In addition, he has published nine technical books that openly share the expertise he gained as an Industry Field Professor of Korea (designated in 2021), contributing to the training of future generations. In an acknowledgment of these efforts, he was selected as an Outstanding Skilled Technician in 2018 and named a Master Craftsman of Chungcheongnam-do in 2022.
Na Young-jong joined Hyundai Steel in 2005 and has been involved in the continuous casting process at the steelmaking plant and the hot rolling process. He has been certified as a master technician in rolling, casting, ironmaking, and steelmaking. In addition to his work, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering through the credit bank system from the National Institute for Lifelong Education in 2021. In 2023, he earned a master’s degree in engineering from Hanyang University’s Graduate School of Engineering and also received an award for his outstanding thesis.
From 2006 to 2013, Kim Ju-ho began working at the Hyundai Hysco CR R&D Center, where he was responsible for chemical composition analysis to develop high-strength, high-formability automotive GA outer panel steel and establish optimal composition systems. Furthermore, as a KOLAS chemical tester, he contributed to securing the international credibility and reliability of test results. He is currently in charge of operating chemical analysis equipment and conducting chemical analysis to address quality defects related to automotive outer panels.
2024 Skilled Technician Day Commemoration Ceremony
On August 29, the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Human Resources Development Service of Korea announced the selection of 76 individuals for special designations, including 13 Master Craftsmen of Korea, 6 Outstanding Skilled Technicians, and 4 Skilled Technology Inheritors, as well as 5 exemplary companies promoting skilled labor. The awards ceremony was held on September 9 at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul. Master Craftsmen of Korea are granted a one-time incentive of KRW 20 million, a master craftsman plaque, and an opportunity go on an overseas industrial tour. Outstanding Skilled Technicians receive a one-time incentive of KRW 2 million and tuition support for a bachelor’s degree program within seven years of their selection.