"Seeking Unsung Master Craftsmen of Jeonnam"

by Sim Jinseok

Published 17 Sep.2025 11:16(KST)

Up to Five Selected Annually
Across 92 Occupations in 38 Fields Including Mechanical Design

Jeollanam-do Master Craftsman Logo. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province announced that it will be accepting applications for the Jeonnam Master Craftsman program until the 30th, in order to honor and recognize skilled technicians who have demonstrated the highest level of expertise and have been dedicated to the industrial field within the province.

The Jeonnam Master Craftsman program has been selecting honorees to enhance the pride of skilled workers in the province and to promote the development and transmission of skilled techniques. Each year, up to five individuals are chosen from 92 occupations across 38 fields, including mechanical design, shipbuilding and aviation, information technology, design, and culinary arts.

Eligibility requirements are as follows: applicants must have been registered residents of Jeonnam for at least five years as of the announcement date; must have worked in the relevant field at a local business for at least five years; must have at least 15 years of experience in the occupation for which they are applying; and must possess a high level of skill, having made significant contributions to the advancement of regional skilled techniques or the status of skilled workers.

To ensure professionalism and objectivity, Jeonnam Province will form an evaluation committee composed of external experts and conduct a first-stage document review and a second-stage on-site inspection. Final selection will be made through a third-stage interview and deliberation by the Master Craftsman Review Committee.

Those selected as Jeonnam Master Craftsmen will receive the title, a certificate, and a plaque, as well as a technical encouragement grant of 1 million won per year for five years, totaling 5 million won.

Applications will be accepted until the 30th and can be submitted in person or by registered mail to the Small and Medium Venture Business Division at the Eastern Government Complex of Jeonnam Provincial Government. Detailed information, including application forms and instructions, can be found in the notices and announcements section of the provincial government website.

Kim Hyungseong, Director of the Small and Medium Venture Business Division of Jeonnam Province, stated, "Jeonnam Master Craftsmen are the unsung heroes who have supported the region's industries," and added, "We will actively support skilled technicians so that they are respected and their expertise is successfully passed down to future generations through the Master Craftsman program."