Birth of Gimhae City's Master Artisans... Ceramic Artist Kang Hyoyong and Metal Craftsman Heo Geontae Recognized as Masters

Heo Seong-gon, Mayor of Gimhae (center), is presenting certificates to master craftsmen Kang Hyo-yong (fourth from left) and Heo Geon-tae (second from left) and taking a commemorative photo. (Photo by Gimhae City)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kang Woo-kwon] Gimhae City in Gyeongnam announced on the 12th that it has selected the region's outstanding skilled technicians as the '2020 Gimhae City Master Craftsmen,' becoming the first basic local government in the province to do so.

The inaugural Gimhae City Master Craftsmen are two masters: Kang Hyo-yong in the ceramics production category and Heo Geon-tae in the metal crafts category. On the 8th, the city held a certificate and master craftsman plaque awarding ceremony for them in the mayor's office. Those selected as master craftsmen receive a research activity incentive of 3 million KRW annually for two years, totaling 6 million KRW.

The city promoted the selection of local master craftsmen to discover and nurture skilled technicians in the region and to create a society where technicians are respected, as descendants of Gaya, which prospered through iron culture. Following the enactment of related ordinances in May and a public announcement in June, a total of nine applicants were received across eight occupations in four fields. Subcommittees by field, including experts, conducted a first document screening and a second on-site evaluation, recommending two candidates from two fields to the selection committee.

The final selection was made at the Gimhae City Master Craftsmen Selection Committee held on the 25th of last month. To ensure a more professional and fair evaluation, three Korean Master Craftsmen were included as selection committee members.

Kang Hyo-yong, master in the ceramics production category, has inherited the skills from his predecessors and has been engaged in ceramics production for over 50 years with his son, continuing the family tradition of ceramics production across three generations.

Heo Geon-tae, selected in the metal crafts category, has operated a gemstone appraisal center for over 20 years, independently honing gemstone and precious metal processing techniques. He has won various awards, including the Encouragement Award at the 2013 Korea Craft Competition and the Grand Prize at the Gyeongsangnam-do Craft Competition.

Mayor Heo Seong-gon of Gimhae said at the master craftsman plaque awarding ceremony, "I am honored to discover and select Gimhae's outstanding skilled technicians, true descendants of Gaya. At a time when local technicians are facing many difficulties due to COVID-19, I hope this serves as a small encouragement and support for you all."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.