Smart Modular Forum Officially Incorporated: Vows to Resolve Market Challenges and Accelerate Adoption
(SEOUL = Dnews) – “Smart modular construction will serve as the seed for innovation in the construction industry. With today’s transition into an incorporated association, the Smart Modular Forum (SMF) will take the lead in resolving the complex and tangled challenges of the modular market.”
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Smart Modular Forum has officially transformed into a legal incorporated association, signaling a major push toward the widespread adoption and revitalization of the modular market.
On the 7th, the SMF held its founding general meeting at the Construction Hall in Gangnam, Seoul, marking a new leap forward. Under the theme “Smart Modular: The DNA of Korean Construction Innovation,” the event saw the participation of approximately 100 stakeholders from over 50 member companies as founding promoters.
The forum’s membership encompasses the entire modular industry supply chain:
General Contractors: Hyundai Engineering, GS E&C, POSCO E&C, Kyeryong Construction, etc.
Manufacturers: POSCO A&C, SY Unit, Kumkang Kind, NRB, PLANM, KC Industry, etc.
Architectural Firms: Gansam Architects & Partners, etc.
R&D Institutes: Construction Economy Research Institute of Korea (CERIK), Research Institute for Construction Policy (RICON).
Global Advisory: Hanyang University ERICA, Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas), University of Washington, and the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Launched in August 2019 to foster the healthy growth of the modular industry, the SMF has spearheaded a "modular wave" in the domestic construction sector. Today’s incorporation is expected to further strengthen that momentum.
In their founding declaration, the promoters pledged to tackle market bottlenecks by focusing on institutional reform, building a high-density ecosystem, and creating new markets through enhanced competitiveness. Specifically, they promised to actively support government housing policies—such as the reconstruction of 1st-generation new cities and the development of 3rd-generation new cities—using modular housing that excels in both speed and quality.
During the meeting, Seo Myeong-gyo, former Vice Chairman of the Korea Association of Housing Builders, was appointed as the inaugural Chairman. Chairman Seo brings extensive expertise from his roles at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and as President of RICON. Lee Min-gyu, CEO of PLANM, was appointed as the Auditor, while Professor Jung Chan-woo of Hanyang University ERICA will serve as Secretary General.
“Innovative technology is essential to respond quickly to changes such as the low birth rate, the rise of single-person households, shorter working hours, and the implementation of the Serious Disaster Punishment Act. Modular construction is the solution,” said Chairman Seo in his inaugural address. He added, “The future is not given; it is created. If we work together with the Forum, the path will surely open.”
Prior to the assembly, presentations were given by Kim Young-ah (MOLIT) on policy directions for modular revitalization and Professor Ahn Yong-han (Hanyang University) on notable modular projects for this year. Appreciation plaques were also awarded to Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Park Sang-woo (who served as Chairman since 2019) and Cho Yong-sun, Chairman of SY Unit.
The Smart Modular Forum is scheduled to participate in the Smart Modular Expo, which will be held at KINTEX in Ilsan from October 16 to 18.
Reporter: Kim Min-su
