Kangwon Province Selects Two Master Technicians for Contributions to Local Industrial Development

Min Byungjin in Automobile Maintenance and Lee Deukgil in Baking and Pastry Recognized as Masters

Kangwon Special Self-Governing Province announced on November 9 that it held the '2025 Kangwon Special Self-Governing Province Master Award Ceremony' at the provincial government trade consultation office on the 7th. Min Byungjin, Technical Director at the Kia Corporation Wonju Service Center in the field of automobile maintenance, and Lee Deukgil, CEO of Bakery Garu in the field of baking and pastry, were selected as Kangwon Special Self-Governing Province Masters.

Kangwon Special Self-Governing Province Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs Kim Kwangrae (center) held the '2025 Kangwon Special Self-Governing Province Master Award Ceremony' on the 7th at the provincial government trade consultation office. Provided by Kangwon Province

The Kangwon Special Self-Governing Province Master system, established in 2019 under the 'Ordinance on Selection and Support of Kangwon Special Self-Governing Province Masters,' selects and supports outstanding skilled technicians who have led technological advancement in the province's industrial sites. To date, 20 individuals across 12 occupations have been selected.

This year's Masters were finally chosen through document screening and on-site evaluations starting in May, followed by a review by the Kangwon Special Self-Governing Province Master Review Committee held on September 26. Selected Masters receive a certificate, a plaque, and a badge, as well as a technical encouragement grant of 3 million won per year for two years.

Master Min Byungjin is a welding master with over 32 years of experience in automobile maintenance, possessing advanced skills in CO₂ arc welding and spot welding. He was highly recognized for his practical expertise covering the entire process, from diagnosing and restoring structural damage to car bodies, to joining and quality assurance. In addition, he has contributed to nurturing future talent by serving as a judge at local and national skills competitions, lecturing at regional schools, and coaching participants for national competitions.

Master Lee Deukgil is a pastry master with over 21 years of experience in the baking and pastry field, demonstrating outstanding ability in developing products using natural fermentation starters and domestic agricultural and marine products. In particular, he contributed to revitalizing the local economy by developing new products utilizing regional specialties. Since founding his bakery in 2011, he has grown it into a leading local bakery brand, currently employing about 70 staff members. He also leads community engagement by organizing 'bread sharing' volunteer activities for youth and elderly people living alone.

Kim Kwangrae, Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs of Kangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, "I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Masters who have devoted themselves in the field for many years, contributing to the development of local industry and the transmission of technical skills. We will continue to actively discover and support outstanding skilled technicians in various fields to strengthen the competitiveness of local industries and foster future talent."

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