Chairman Kim In-han of the OSC Modular Industry Association (center) poses for a commemorative photo with distinguished guests.

[Reporter Ha Jong-sook, Gukto Ilbo] As the domestic construction industry has hit structural limits in terms of productivity, labor, safety, and the environment, it has been found that the 'Special Act on Support for Promoting Modular Construction' (hereinafter the Modular Special Act) needs subordinate legislation and an implementation system to be quickly put in place in order to drive the revitalization of the OSC modular industry, where ▲productivity innovation ▲minimizing worker safety risks ▲resource circularity are emphasized.

At 'OSC Forum 2026', held by the OSC Modular Industry Association (Chairman Kim In-han) on the 7th in the main conference room of the Professional Construction Hall, Dr. Baek Jeong-hoon of the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology emphasized the need to establish the institutional foundation and certification system for modular construction under the theme of 'Special Act and Certification System for Modular Construction.'

Currently, the market accounted for by the modular sector is only about 0.1%, which is minimal, and detailed implementation plans along with institutional support are required. Modular construction offers 30% higher productivity than reinforced concrete (RC), so at the government level, the enactment of the Modular Special Act is accelerating the establishment of an industrial foundation.

Dr. Baek said, “An analysis of 43 modular projects over the past 10 years identified factors hampering revitalization, including ▲separate bidding for electricity, telecommunications, and firefighting ▲goods purchase contracts ▲frequent design changes ▲irrationality of the supervision system ▲unclear status of manufacturers ▲unclear scope of work and responsibility ▲lack of cost-estimation standards ▲incomplete contractual relationships ▲lack of progress-payment standards,” explaining that site-centered standards are conflicting with modular construction technology.

Accordingly, the Modular Special Act is intended to strengthen the competitiveness of the construction industry and contribute to national economic development by creating a foundation for the revitalization and support of the modular construction industry, and it can resolve problems such as the absence of a legal definition, lack of standardization, insufficient certification and management systems, and the shackles of site-centered regulations.

Dr. Baek said, “The Modular Special Act is highly meaningful in that it proposes an integrated approach, starting from the legal definition of construction and extending to establishing standards, the promotion system, supply expansion, certification and recognition, and financial and tax support,” adding, “Going forward, through the refinement of subordinate legislation, establishment of an implementation system, and cooperation among industry, academia, and government, we expect the Modular Special Act to lead to real market expansion and industrial advancement.”

On this day, the forum focused on institutional, technological, and market strategies for the full-scale expansion of Korea's OSC and modular industries. In particular, the event's significance was underscored by addressing comprehensively not only modular construction as a simple construction method or individual technology application case, but also the procurement system, certification system, integrated management of design, fabrication, and construction, performance reliability, and productization strategies needed for real expansion in public and private markets.

The event opened with a keynote by Kim In-han, Chairman of the OSC Modular Industry Association, a congratulatory address by Bae Seong-ho, Director of Construction Bureau of Gyeonggi Province, and welcoming remarks by Lee Hyun-soo, Professor Emeritus of Seoul National University, followed by keynote speeches and topic presentations.

Song Kyung-seop of Plan M emphasized the need for integrated management of design, fabrication, and construction through 'DfMA-based modular productivity enhancement strategies.'

Professor Choi Jin-wook of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas introduced the development trends and future directions of the North American modular industry in his keynote speech on 'Trend of Modularization and Future Directions: North America,' offering strategic implications needed for Korea's OSC and modular industries to respond to changes in the global market.

Song Sang-hoon of LH discussed procurement and project management tasks for expanding modular application in public housing projects.

Cheon Sang-hyeon of Steellight presented 'A Proposal for Korea-style OSC Based on Panelized Modular,' presenting an OSC application model suited to domestic conditions.

Yoon Joong-yeon of Kumkang Industrial presented measures to secure performance reliability in residential modular construction under the theme of 'Floor Impact Sound Characteristics of Residential Modular.'

Shim Hye-seong of Kolon E&C presented the direction of modular construction projects in the ESG and carbon-neutral era under the theme of 'Eco-friendly Modular Construction Business,' while Kim Seung-il of DL E&C discussed 'Modular Apartment Housing,' and Kim Kyung-soo of Hyundai Engineering explained the applicability of modular fabrication and construction from the perspective of a major construction company under the theme of 'High-Precision Steel Modular Fabrication: First Step Forward.'

Kwon Yong-tae of Hyundai Elevator presented measures to apply core components and facilities to modular apartment housing under the theme of 'Modular Elevators for Apartment Housing,' and Kim Ji-young of M3 Systems presented the possibilities of a digital-based OSC production system through 'Smart Construction Innovation Based on BIM and DfMA.'

Jang Hwal-je of PAMS presented the technological and commercialization directions for expanding the high-rise modular housing market through 'High-rise Modular Housing Technology and Industrialization Strategy.'

Cho Yeon-woo, CEO of LG Electronics Smart Cottage House, presented the possibilities of productization and consumer market expansion for modular housing under the theme of 'Smart Module House,' and Oh Seong-hwan of Steellight explained the applicability of panelizing-based OSC and the direction of linkage with smart construction technology through 'Panelizing-based OSC Smart Construction Technology.'

Meanwhile, in the discussion session, a comprehensive panel discussion was held with Professor Cha Hee-seong of Ajou University as moderator and the presenters participating together. The discussion comprehensively covered improvements to the procurement system for the public and private expansion of modular construction, refinement of the certification system, advancement of contract methods, linkage of design, fabrication, and construction, performance verification, and measures to secure market acceptance.

OSC Modular Industry Association Chairman Kim In-han stressed, “This forum is a place to discuss the action items needed for Korea's modular industry to move beyond the technology verification stage and enter the industrialization and market expansion stages,” adding, “We will jointly seek directions for building an industrial ecosystem that connects institutions, procurement, design, fabrication, construction, and the market across industry, academia, research, and government.”

Source : Gukto Ilbo(http://www.ikld.kr)