KICT-KOREA INSTITUTE of CIVIL ENGINEERING and BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

KICT and MOLIT Hold Policy Meeting on the Future of the Construction Industry

2026/02/13 00:00

On February 13, the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) held a policy meeting with Kim Seok-ki, Director General of the Construction Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). The meeting focused on enhancing the competitiveness of Korea’s construction industry and advancing task commissioning in support of AI-driven transformation. It also reaffirmed both organizations’ commitment to addressing industry challenges and facilitating a transition to the future construction market.

Both sides agreed on the need to reassess key policy support entities, including the KICT’s Smart Construction Support Center, and to advance AI-enabled operations through data and system integration. They also agreed to strengthen policy support functions by improving data utilization processes and system integration.

Key topics discussed included responses to rising construction costs and air quality issues, the acceleration of new technologies through faster standard development and revision, startup support, and enhanced regional cooperation. The KICT and MOLIT also agreed to jointly develop a blueprint for large-scale R&D in strategic infrastructure.

KICT President Park Sun-kyu (left) and MOLIT Construction Policy Bureau Director Kim Seok-ki (right) ahead of the meeting

Director Kim addresses the meeting

Representatives of the KICT and MOLIT

KICT and KDPA Conclude MOU for Disaster Response Partnership

2026/02/11 00:00

On February 11, the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) and the Korea Disaster Prevention Association (KDPA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on disaster response research and the advancement of public safety policies.

The partnership reflects the two organizations’ commitment to leveraging their technologies and research achievements to build a collaborative platform that enhances Korea’s disaster response capabilities.

Planned areas of cooperation include the development of an integrated disaster response platform for coastal disasters, wildfires, and floods; strengthened collaboration through practical application and performance verification of disaster prevention technologies; technical support for central and local governments in policy development; and regular joint activities such as training, seminars, and workshops.

KICT President Park Sun-kyu highlights the strong synergy expected from integrating the KICT and KDPA’s expertise

KDPA President Bang Ki-sung expresses intent to build a cooperative framework for proactive disaster response

KDPA President Bang (left) and KICT President Park (right) with the signed agreement

Representatives of the two organizations

Multi-Party MOU Signed for Public-Private Cooperation for the Utilization of Space Resources

2021/09/08 00:00

On September 8, six national research institutes, including the KICT, and Hanwha Aerospace Co. Ltd., met at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) in Daejeon and signed a multi-party MOU for "In-situ resourceutilization (ISRU)", laying the groundwork for cooperation between government agencies and the private sector.

In attendance at the signing ceremony were: KICT President Kim, Byung-suk(Ph.D.); Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) President Park, Hyun-min; Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) Acting President Kim, Kwang-eun; Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) President Lee, Sang-ryul; Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) President Kim, Jong-nam; Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) President Park, Won-seok; and Hanwha Aerospace CEO Shin, Hyun-woo.

Under the MOU, each signing party agreed to: jointly pursue ISRU-related expedition programs, such as the Artemis program; contribute to the joint development of payloads for resource extraction demonstrations; and participate in initial and long-term cooperative efforts for the construction of factories on the Moon and Mars using on-site resources.

ISRU refers to facilities or systems that enable the production of supplies using resources found on planets and satellites in space, such as the Moon or Mars. The use of resources found on site reduces the costs and logistical efforts associated with shipping water, oxygen, solar cells, building materials, projectile fuel, and other supplies from Earth to the building site. As such, ISRU technology is now being emphasized as a core technology that will determine the success of humankind’s endeavors in space. It is also recognized as a technology that must be ready and functional at the start of any space-related projects to ensure their future success.

The Artemis program, one of the projects supported by the MOU, is already underway and aims to send a crew to the Moon by 2024 to "establish a sustainable human presence" there by 2030. So far, 12 countries have formally agreed to participate in the Artemis program. Interest in Moon exploration has risen in Korea following the Korean government's signing of the Artemis Accords in May 2021 and its announcement of plans to build a spacecraft for a Moon landing.

KICT Supports Construction SMEs to Overcome COVID-19 Crisis

2020/06/01 00:00

KICT Supports Construction SMEs to Overcome COVID-19 Crisis

- Largest support project for COIVD-19 with funding of up to KRW 6.2 billion
- Technology enhancement, employment retention, and continuous business activities all to be supported through the project

The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology is currently promoting the most generously funded project from among government-funded institutes to help SMEs in the construction field to effectively cope with the COVID-19 crisis.

The 6.2 billion won project, planned by the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT, President Seung Heon Han) is called the “KICT SME Support Project for COVID-19 Response” (hereinafter “KICT COVID-19 Support Project”). This project is intended to support SMEs in the construction sector that have become economically vulnerable due to the outbreak of the pandemic and to help them overcome the economic fallout. The comprehensive package project utilizes KICT resources, including funding, research manpower, and infrastructure, to help SMEs develop their technical skills and maintain their employment of research personnel. KICT resources are also being used to support marketing efforts and to provide SMEs with consultation services, such as for the settlement of disputes related to overseas construction projects.

According to a recent SME survey conducted in May 2020, about 8 out of 10 SMEs are facing business difficulties due to the coronavirus. To overcome the pandemic on a national scale, government ministries in Korea are operating various SME support programs. However, more than half (61%) of these projects are focused on temporary measures, such as simple financial support or labor cost support.

The project being operated by the KICT, a government-funded research institute, is different in that it focuses on strengthening the short- and mid-term R&D capabilities of SMEs in the construction sector so that they are better prepared for the post-coronavirus era. As such, the project does not provide temporary relief and expense support for overcoming the crisis, but rather seeks to empower SMEs by enhancing their R&D capabilities and maintaining the stable employment of their research personnel so that they can not only survive the COVID-19 crisis, but can also survive the expected economic crisis post-pandemic.

The KICT COVID-19 Support Project is further divided into three main projects: the Demand-Based SME Technology Support Project; Customized Direct Support Project for SME Growth; and SME Consulting Project for Seamless Business Activities. There are also seven sub-programs that provide detailed support to the three main projects. These different forms of support, as well as additional customized support projects, are designed to strengthen the research capacities of about 120 participating SMEs. All of these forms of support are designed to help the SMEs retain their current research staff of about 90 people and further secure additional research personnel.

“The construction industry is the nation's industrial base, and it is critically important to secure innovative capabilities in this field, so that it is not shaken by the [COVID-19] crisis.” said President Seung Heon Han of the KICT. “We will fulfill our role and responsibilities as a government institute by promoting support projects to help Korean companies secure technological competitiveness. We will also continue our research projects to share in the growth of SMEs in the construction industry and to solve national and social problems.”

More information on the program can be found by visiting the website of the KICT COVID-19 Support Project (www.kictsmes.com). Companies wishing to join the program may apply online through the website by June 12 (Friday).

KICT Signs Smart Construction Technology MOU with 6 Organizations, including Seoul Metropolitan Gov.

2020/05/26 00:00

KICT Signs Smart Construction Technology MOU with Six Organizations, including Seoul Metropolitan Government

The KICT signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with six organizations, including the Seoul Metropolitan Government, on May 26(Tuesday) at Seoul City Hall to promote smart construction technology and create a smart construction environment.

The seven organizations that signed the agreement were the KICT, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Korean Society of Civil Engineers, the Architectural Institute of Korea, the Korea Information & Communication Contractors Association, the Construction Association of Korea, and the Korea Expressway Corporation.

Under the MOU, the signing parties agreed to: establish joint strategic cooperation systems, including advanced systems and private case studies/investigations; share related information; and actively engage in forums, academies, workshops, and pilot projects. For these purposes, six of the signing organizations will be applying their specialized capabilities and resources in the area of smart construction technology. All signees will also cooperate to develop policies, and improve systems, public relations, and international relations to introduce and increase the utilization of smart construction technology.

Smart construction is a cutting-edge construction technology that maximizes construction productivity and stability through digitization, automation, and safety management throughout the construction process. This is done by integrating the technologies characteristic of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as BIM(Building Information Modeling), drones, robots, AR/VR, IoT, big data, and modularization, into design, construction, safety, and other construction-related fields.

BIM technology, in particular, has been introduced to certain design elements connecting the World Cup Bridge, which is scheduled to open in December 2020. This technology will be applied in earnest to the development of the Yeongdong-daero Underground Space Complex as well as to the construction of the underground roadway of the Eastern Highway, which are expected to be officially approved by the Seoul in 2020.

Smart construction technology realizes the advanced technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as the digitization of the entire construction process, automation of construction equipment, virtual construction, smart safety management, and automated robots. It is expected that the application of these technologies will reduce the occurrence of accidents at construction sites,reduce costs, and increase productivity by shortening the construction period of road structures.

KICT Lends Helping Hand to Daegu and Gyeongbuk

2020/03/03 00:00

KICT Lends Helping Hand to Daegu and Gyeongbuk

- KICT donates 25 air purifier units with anti-bacterial and anti-virus functionality to the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions

- KICT fulfills its roles and responsibilities as a government-funded research institute by tackling social problems and actively responding in times of emergency

- KICT develops HVAC filter technology able to remove 99% or more of viruses and bacteria with commercialization imminent

The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT, President Seung Heon Han), a government-funded research institute, announced on March 3 (Tue) that KICT staff and executives had made donations to help the residents of the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions suffering from the spread of COVID-19. These donations come in the form of 25 special air purifier units with anti-viral and anti-bacterial functionality (worth a total of approximately KRW 50 million). The special air purifier units will be donated to screening centers in the Daegu area where people are at high risk of virus exposure.

The air filters in the soon-to-be-donated air purifiers represent the research results of the Center of Convergence for Emerging Virus Infection (comprised of eight government-funded research institutes of the National Research Council of Science and Technology). These air filters can be installed in conventional air purifier units to completely remove sources of infections such as viruses and are advantageous in terms of their performance and replacement cycles. Conventional air filters physically filter outsources of infections, requiring that the filters be replaced at regular intervals, thereby posing the risk of the re-release of the sources of infection accumulated throughout the course of filter use.

Researchers from the KICT have been active at the Center of Convergence for Emerging Virus Infection since 2016, developing a “photocatalytic anti-bacterial and anti-viral air conditioning unit” that prevents the airborne spread of infectious diseases. The apparatus draws on the powerful oxidizing potential of free oxygen radicals generated when photocatalysts react with light.

Testing at specialized research institutes in Korea and overseas has shown that the unit is able to remove or neutralize (render inert) 99% or more of disease-causing agents, including E. coli, Salmonella, bacteriophages, rotavirus, norovirus, influenza virus, and human coronavirus.

The MERS, SARS and COVID-19 viruses, all of which are coronaviruses, have similar biological structures and primarily differ in terms of pathogenicity. Given the similar structure of these viruses, the recently-developed air filters are also expected to be effective against the more recent virus mutation, COVID-19.

The KICT seeks to commercialize a variety of air handling products, from air purifiers to building HVAC systems, based on this air filtering technology. Mass production capacity for these products will be secured through technology transfers to private sector manufacturers in April of this year.

In 2016, the KICT and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government signed a cooperative agreement to work together to resolve pending regional issues. The KICT has signed similar agreements with other local governments as well, and is engaged in numerous joint research and cooperation projects to address regional problems. The KICT expects its donation of the special air purifiers to be of substantial help to residents of Daegu and Gyeongbuk where the COVID-19 infection is spreading.

KICT President Seung Heon Han commented, “The KICT will continue to faithfully carry out its role and responsibilities as a government-funded research institute by conducting research and developing technologies to protect the lives and safety of the people from disasters, and to solve the problems of the state and society.”

* The Air purifier units with anti-bacterial and anti-virus functionality

* Wohn, Kwangyun : Chairperson of NST (Squatted Position)

* Seung Heun Han : President of KICT (Right Side)

* Kwak, Jong-Won : Executive Director, Planning and Coordination Department of KICT (Left Side)

* Dr. Koo, Hyun-Bon : Senior Researcher, Department of Infrastructure Safety Research (KICT)

With Crew of "Channel A" News Team

2017 KICT Engineering & Construction Day

2017/07/11 11:06

KICT Hosts Creative Science Camp as Part of Goodwill Program

2026/02/07 00:00

On February 7, the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) hosted the “Creative Science Camp” at its Ilsan headquarters.

Organized by the KICT chapter of the Public Science and Technology Research Workers' Union, the event welcomed around 80 participants, primarily elementary school students and their parents who are union members. Students engaged in hands-on experiments tailored to their grade levels, exploring the principles of aviation and electricity, while parents attended a special lecture.

The Creative Science Camp helped connect the local community with science. The KICT plans to continue hosting similar programs to foster scientific talent and strengthen community engagement.

Parents learn about gifted students and the gifted education system

Students design and experiment with circuits, exploring electrical principles

Students commemorating a meaningful day of learning

New Year’s Day Celebration Held at the KICT

2026/01/02 00:00

On January 2, the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) held its New Year’s Day celebration at its Ilsan headquarters, marking the start of the new year. The event brought together employees to share the institute’s vision and begin the year with a unified spirit.

Ahead of the main ceremony, new appointees and long-serving employees were formally recognized, and annual performance bonuses were awarded.

The celebration reaffirmed the KICT’s organizational unity and its commitment to leading future construction technologies.

KICT President Park Sun-kyu greets staff ahead of the New Year’s Day ceremony

KICT President Park shares the institute’s vision and New Year message

KICT employees recognized for 30 years of service

2026 KICT new recruits

KICT and SWRC Sign MOU for Green Technology Validation

2025/12/24 00:00

On December 24, the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) and the Seoul Water Recycling Corporation (SWRC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at SWRC’s headquarters in Seoul to launch a pilot project for producing photocatalysts from sewage sludge.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will collaborate on installing and operating pilot facilities for photocatalyst production from sewage sludge, along with a range of related activities including technology validation, data sharing, pilot programs, training, and public outreach. The KICT will apply its photocatalyst technologies for sludge treatment and particulate matter reduction, aiming to achieve both validation and commercialization.

This pilot project is expected to establish a new resource circulation model for Seoul by utilizing wastewater to produce photocatalysts that help reduce fine dust from construction activities. It also reflects the KICT’s ongoing efforts to apply research outcomes in real-world settings to improve air quality and validate technologies for public use.

SWRC Chairman Kwon Wan-taek (left) and KICT President Park Sun-kyu (right) with the signed agreement

Representatives of the two signatories