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PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS ACT

Act No. 4500, Nov. 25, 1992

Amended by Act No. 5453, Dec. 13, 1997

Act No. 6567, Dec. 31, 2001

Act No. 7171, Feb. 9, 2004

Act No. 7428, Mar. 31, 2005

Act No. 8268, Jan. 26, 2007

Act No. 8852, Feb. 29, 2008

Act No. 10085, Mar. 17, 2010

Act No. 10337, May 31, 2010

Act No. 10771, jun. 7, 2011

Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013

Act No. 12676, May 28, 2014

Act No. 13514, Dec. 1, 2015

Act No. 13705, Jan. 6, 2016

Act No. 14839, Jul. 26, 2017

Act No. 15240, Dec. 19, 2017

Act No. 17347, jun. 9, 2020

Act No. 17674, Dec. 22, 2020

 Article 1 (Purpose)
The purpose of this Act is to encourage the utilization of professional engineers in the fields of industrial technology by prescribing matters concerning the management of professional engineers and performance of their duties, thereby contributing to the promotion of science and technology, the securing of public safety and the development of the national economy. <Amended on Jan. 6, 2016>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 2 (Definitions)
The term "professional engineer" used in this Act means a person who has highly professional knowledge and application ability based on practical experience in the field of the relevant technology and qualifies as a professional engineer under Article 10 of the National Technical Qualifications Act.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 3 (Professional Engineers' Duties)
(1) Professional engineers shall engage in planning, research, design, analysis, investigation, test, execution, supervision, evaluation, diagnosis, test run, business management, technical judgment (including technical appraisal), and engineering arbitration on matters requiring professional application ability concerning science and technology, or give technical advice and guidance thereon as their duties. <Amended on Jun. 9, 2020>
(2) Where the Government, local governments, and public corporations and quasi-governmental institutions provided for in Article 5 of the Act on the Management of Public Institutions place orders for public projects relating to the duties of professional engineers referred to in paragraph (1), they may preferentially permit professional engineers to participate in such public projects in order to secure public safety. <Amended on Jan. 6, 2016>
(3) Except as otherwise prescribed by any other Act, this Act shall apply to the duties of professional engineers.
(4) The categories and scope of matters requiring professional application ability concerning science and technology under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jun. 9, 2020>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 3-2 (Deliberative Committee for Development of Professional Engineer System)
(1) A Deliberative Committee for Development of Professional Engineer System (hereinafter referred to as the "Committee") shall be established under the Ministry of Science and ICT to deliberate on major matters concerning the professional engineer system. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) The Committee shall deliberate on the following: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
1. Adjusting the duties of professional engineers provided for in Article 3 (1);
2. Establishing a master plan for developing the professional engineer system provided for in Article 5;
3. Establishing and operating the comprehensive information system for professional engineers provided for in Article 5-5;
4. Matters concerning the examination, etc. on qualifications necessary for mutual recognition of professional engineer qualification under the international conventions, etc.;
5. Other matters concerning the development of the professional engineer system recognized as necessary by the Minister of Science and ICT.
(3) The Committee shall be comprised of not exceeding 30 members, including one chairperson.
(4) The chairperson of the Committee shall be the Vice Minister of Science, and ICT, and members of the Committee shall be the following persons: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
1. Public officials who belong to the Senior Civil Service of the relevant central administrative agencies prescribed by Presidential Decree or other public officials equivalent thereto: Not more than 15 persons;
2. Persons commissioned by the Minister of Science and ICT, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, from among persons with profound knowledge and abundant experience in science and technology as well as in the professional engineer system: Not more than nine persons;
3. Persons commissioned by the Minister of Science and ICT from among persons recommended by the president of the Professional Engineers Association provided for in Article 14: Not more than five persons.
(5) The term of office for members provided for in paragraph (4) 2 and 3 shall be three years and such members may serve a consecutive term of office: Provided, That the term of office for any member newly commissioned after the resignation, etc. of a member shall be the remaining term of office for his or her predecessor.
(6) Where deemed necessary to efficiently operate the Committee, a special committee may be established for each field in the Committee.
(7) The organization, functions, and operation of the Committee and special committees and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 4 (Good Faith Obligations)
Professional engineers shall perform their duties in good faith in accordance with statutes and shall be prohibited from doing any act that hurts their decorum.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jan. 26, 2007]
 Article 5 (Establishment of Master Plans for Developing Professional Engineer System)
(1) The Government shall establish and implement a master plan for developing a professional engineer system every three years, including the following matters, so that professional knowledge on the science and technology professional engineers possess may contribute to the development of industrial technology: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
1. Long-term and short-term supply of and demand for professional engineers;
2. Encouraging the utilization of professional engineers;
3. Nurturing professional engineers and improving their technical abilities;
4. Creating, changing, or abolishing posts for professional engineers;
5. Developing policies to set the work spheres of professional engineers;
6. Other matters recognized by the Minister of Science and ICT as necessary to develop the professional engineer system.
(2) Matters necessary for establishing and implementing master plans for developing the professional engineer system pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 5-2 (Issuance of International Professional Engineer Qualification Certificates)
(1) Any professional engineer may file an application with the Minister of Science and ICT to examine whether he or she meets qualification requirements necessary for mutual recognition of professional engineer qualifications under international conventions, etc. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) Upon receiving an application filed under paragraph (1), the Minister of Science and ICT shall examine whether the applicant meets the qualification requirements after deliberation by the Committee. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(3) When the applicant is recognized to meet the qualification requirements as a result of the examination referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2), the Minister of Science and ICT shall issue an international professional engineer qualification certificate to such applicant. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(5) Detailed matters concerning procedures, etc. for issuing international professional engineer qualification certificates under paragraph (3) shall be determined by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 5-3 (Education and Training for Professional Engineers)
(1) The Minister of Science and ICT shall provide education and training for professional engineers so that they can maintain and improve their professional knowledge and technical abilities, and meet the educational and training requirements necessary for the mutual recognition of international professional engineer qualifications. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) Each professional engineer shall undergo education and training provided by the Minister of Science and ICT pursuant to paragraph (1): Provided, That where the education and training that a professional engineer receives pursuant to any other statute fall under the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree, such professional engineer shall be deemed to have received the education and training referred to in paragraph (1). <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(3) Any employer who employs a professional engineer obligated to receive education and training pursuant to paragraph (2) shall bear expenses incurred by the professional engineer in receiving such education and training, and shall be prohibited from disadvantaging such professional engineer on the grounds of his or her bearing of such expenses.
(4) Persons obligated to receive education and training, methods, standards, and procedures for conducting education and training referred to in paragraph (1), educational institutions therefor, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 5-4 (Reporting and Management of Workplace and Career)
(1) Professional engineers may file a report on matters necessary for managing their workplace, career, academic attainment, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "workplace, etc.") with the Minister of Science and ICT. The same shall also apply where they intend to modify any reported matter. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) Upon receiving a report referred to in paragraph (1), the Minister of Science and ICT shall maintain and manage records concerning the workplace, etc. of professional engineers, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, and issue a certificate concerning the workplace, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "career certificate of professional engineer") to a professional engineer who files an application therefor. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(3) The Minister of Science and ICT may request the head of any of the following institutions or enterprises to verify the workplace, etc. reported under paragraph (1). In such cases, the head of the relevant institution or enterprise shall comply therewith, in the absence of extenuating circumstances: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Dec. 19, 2017>
1. Central administrative agencies;
2. Local governments;
3. Public corporations and quasi-governmental institutions prescribed in Article 5 of the Act on the Management of Public Institutions;
5. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology established under the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Act, the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology established under the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Act, the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology established under the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology Act, the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology established under the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Act, and polytechnic colleges prescribed in subparagraph 5 of Article 2 of the Act on the Development of Vocational Skills of Workers;
6. Enterprises to which professional engineers who have filed reports belong.
(4) When any professional engineer files a report or modified report pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall not file a false report on their workplace, etc.
(5) Matters necessary for filing reports by professional engineers on their workplace, etc. and the issuance, management, etc. of career certificates of professional engineers pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 5-5 (Establishment and Operation of Comprehensive Information System for Professional Engineers)
(1) The Minister of Science and ICT may create and operate a comprehensive information system that covers workplace, careers, academic attainments, and education and training of professional engineers (hereinafter referred to as "comprehensive information system") in order to efficiently utilize and manage professional engineers and smoothly conduct the international mutual recognition of professional engineer qualifications. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) The Minister of Science and ICT may request the heads of relevant central administrative agencies and the heads of associations, etc. related to professional engineers (hereinafter referred to as "relevant central administrative agencies, etc.") to submit necessary materials, as prescribed by Presidential Decree in order to establish and operate the comprehensive information system. In such cases, the heads of relevant central administrative agencies, etc. shall comply with the request, in the absence of extenuating circumstances. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(3) Except as provided for in paragraphs (1) and (2), matters necessary for establishing and operating the comprehensive information system shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 5-6 (Remuneration of Professional Engineers for Performing Duties)
When any professional engineer formulates or manufactures any designs and specifications, written appraisal, appraisal statement, any test product, mold, software, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "drawings and specifications, etc.") in relation to his or her duties referred to in Article 3, the State, local governments, public corporations, and quasi-governmental institutions provided for in Article 5 of the Act on the Management of Public Institutions shall endeavor to properly remunerate him/her to guarantee the quality thereof.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 5-7 (Registration and Renewal of Registration)
(1) Any person intending to perform professional engineers' duties under this Act or other Acts shall register the type and scope of the duties he or she intends to perform, with the Minister of Science and ICT. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) The Minister of Science and ICT shall issue a registration certificate to the professional engineer who has filed a registration pursuant to paragraph (1), as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017>
(3) No professional engineer who has received a registration certificate issued pursuant to paragraph (2) shall lend such registration certificate to another person.
(4) Any professional engineer who has registered the type and scope of the duties he or she intends to perform pursuant to paragraph (1) shall have the registration renewed within the scope of at least three years, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(5) Matters necessary for the procedures for registration under paragraph (1) and renewal of registration under paragraph (4), required documents, and other necessary matters shall be determined by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 28, 2014]
 Article 5-8 (Rejection of Registration and Renewal of Registration)
(1) Where a person who has filed an application for registration or renewal of registration under Article 5-7 falls under any of the following cases, the Minister of Science and ICT shall reject the registration or renewal of registration: <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Dec. 22, 2020>
1. Where he or she falls under any of subparagraphs 2 through 4 of Article 7;
2. Where two years have yet to elapse after the registration or renewed registration was revoked under Article 5-9: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply to any of the following cases:
(a) Where the cause of revocation is deemed to cease to exist after registration or renewed registration was revoked for falling under Article 5-9 (1) 3;
(b) Where a person whose registration or renewed registration was revoked for falling under subparagraph 2 of Article 7 and then reinstated;
3. Where he or she fails to receive education and training referred to in Article 5-3.
(2) Where the Minister of Science and ICT has rejected registration or renewal of registration pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall inform, without delay, the relevant applicant of such fact, stating the detailed reasons therefor. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 28, 2014]
 Article 5-9 (Revocation of Registration and Renewed Registration)
(1) Where a person who has filed or renewed a registration under Article 5-7 falls under either of the following cases, the Minister of Science and ICT shall revoke the registration or renewed registration: <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Dec. 22, 2020>
1. Where he or she falls under any of subparagraphs 2 through 4 of Article 7;
2. Where he or she has applied for the revocation of the registration or renewed registration;
3. Where he or she is deemed unable to perform his or her duties due to mental restraints.
(2) Any person for whom the registration or renewed registration has been revoked pursuant to paragraph (1) shall return the registration certificate to the Minister of Science and ICT within 15 days after the date of its revocation. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017>
(3) No person for whom registration or renewed registration has been revoked pursuant to paragraph (1) shall file an application for registration under Article 5-7 until two years elapse after the date of its revocation: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply to any of the following cases: <Amended on Dec. 22, 2020>
1. Where the cause of revocation is deemed to cease to exist after registration or renewed registration was revoked for falling under paragraph (1) 3;
2. Where a person whose registration or renewed registration was revoked for falling under subparagraph 2 of Article 7 and then reinstated.
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 28, 2014]
 Article 6 (Registration of Establishment of Professional Engineer Offices)
(1) If a professional engineer intends to establish an office to start his or her business, he or she shall file a registration with the Minister of Science and ICT. In such cases, two or more professional engineers may open a joint professional engineer office (hereinafter referred to as "joint office"). <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) When a professional engineer office (including a joint office; hereinafter the same shall apply) has been registered pursuant to paragraph (1), the Minister of Science and ICT shall notify any other Minister who has competence over the professional engineer in question (hereinafter referred to as "competent Minister") under Article 10 of the National Technical Qualifications Act of the fact of such registration. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(3) No professional engineer shall open two or more offices.
(4) When a joint office is opened pursuant to paragraph (1), all the following requirements shall be fulfilled:
1. Securing not less than three supporting personnel prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as professional engineers, technicians, etc. who have acquired national technical qualification pursuant to Article 10 of the National Technical Qualification Act;
2. Establishing rules relating to the operation of the joint office.
(5) Procedures for registering professional engineer offices, preparation of rules referred to in paragraph (4) 2, matters to be stated therein, and other matters necessary for establishment of the joint offices shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 6-2 Deleted. <Dec. 1, 2015>
 Article 7 (Refusal of Registration)
If any of the following persons files an application for registration of establishment of a professional engineer office under Article 6, the Minister of Science and ICT shall refuse such registration: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; May 28, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Dec. 22, 2020>
1. Deleted; <Dec. 22, 2020>
2. A person declared bankrupt and not yet reinstated;
3. A person for whom two years have not elapsed since his or her imprisonment with labor declared by a court under Article 21 was completely executed (including any such case deemed completely executed) or exempted;
4. A person under the suspension of the execution of imprisonment with labor as declared by a court under Article 21 (1);
5. A person who states any false information in a written application for registration;
6. A person for whom one year has not elapsed since the registration of his or her professional engineer office was revoked under Article 12: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply to any of the following persons:
(a) A person whose registration of a professional engineer office was revoked for falling under subparagraph 2 and then reinstated;
(b) A person for whom the cause of revocation is deemed to cease to exist after the registration of his or her professional engineer office was revoked for falling under subparagraph 4 of Article 12;
7. A person who files an application for registration of establishment of at least two professional engineer offices.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 8 (Reporting on Modification of Registered Matters or Suspension and Closure of Business)
(1) When any professional engineer who has registered the establishment of a professional engineer office (hereinafter referred to as "professional engineer with registered office") pursuant to Article 6 (1) modifies any registered matters or suspends or closes his or her business, he or she shall file a report thereon with the Minister of Science and ICT. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 1, 2015; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) Article 6 (2) shall apply mutatis mutandis to cases falling under paragraph (1).
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 9 (Obligation of Confidentiality)
Except as otherwise provided for in any other Act, no current or former professional engineer or his or her current or former assistant shall divulge any confidential information which comes to his or her knowledge in the course of performing his or her duties.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 10 (Prohibition of Use of Similar Title)
No person other than a professional engineer with registered office shall use the title of "professional engineer office" or any other title similar thereto.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 11 (Signature and Sealing)
(1) Where any professional engineer formulates or manufactures drawings and specifications, etc., he or she shall sign and seal such drawings and specifications, etc. The same shall also apply to any partial modification of such drawings and specifications, etc.
(2) When any professional engineer signs and seals drawings and specifications, etc. pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall distinctly express the type and scope of duties registered pursuant to Article 5-7. <Amended on May 28, 2014>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 11-2 (Reporting of Performance of Offices of Professional Engineers)
(1) Every professional engineer with registered office may file a report on matters necessary for managing performance of his or her office related to professional engineers' duties provided for in Article 3 with the Minister of Science and ICT. The foregoing shall also apply to any modification of reported matters. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) Upon receipt of a report referred to in paragraph (1), the Minister of Science and ICT shall maintain and manage the performance records of professional engineer offices, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, and issue a certificate of performance of a professional engineer office (hereinafter referred to as "certificate of performance of a professional engineer office") upon receipt of an application from any person who is in need of such performance records. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Jun. 9, 2020>
(3) The Minister of Science and ICT may request any person who has commissioned any duty referred to in Article 3 to any professional engineer office to verify the details of reported matters under paragraph (1). In such cases, any person in receipt of a request for verification shall comply with the request, in the absence of extenuating circumstances. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(4) No professional engineer with registered office shall file a false report on its performance when filing a report or modified report under paragraph (1).
(5) Matters necessary for filing a report on performance of a professional engineer office and for issuing and managing the certificate of performance of a professional engineer office under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 12 (Revocation of Registration)
If a professional engineer with registered office falls under any of the following subparagraphs, the Minister of Science and ICT may revoke the registration of the professional engineer office in question: Provided, That the registration thereof shall be revoked in cases falling under subparagraph 1, 3, or 4: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Dec. 22, 2020>
1. When he or she files an application for registration under Article 6 (1) by fraud or other wrongful means;
2. When he or she fails to satisfy the requirements for registration under Article 6 (4): Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where such requirements are satisfied within one month;
3. When he or she falls under grounds for refusal of registration under subparagraph 2 of Article 7;
4. Where he or she is deemed unable to perform his or her duties due to mental restraints.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 13 (Consultation on Management of Professional Engineers)
To efficiently manage professional engineers, the Minister of Science and ICT shall consult with any other competent Minister on the following: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
1. Important matters concerning the registration and management of professional engineers;
2. Matters concerning the nurturing and utilization of professional engineers;
3. Other matters necessary for managing professional engineers.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 13-2 (Fees)
(1) Any of the following persons shall pay fees, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT: Provided, That where the authority is delegated to any institution pursuant to Article 20 (1), fees determined by the relevant institution to which the authority is delegated shall be paid to such institution: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
1. A person who intends to have his or her international professional engineer qualification certificate issued pursuant to Article 5-2 (3);
2. A person who intends to have his or her professional engineer career certificate issued pursuant to Article 5-4 (2);
3. A person who intends to have the certificate of performance of his or her professional engineer office issued pursuant to Article 11-2 (2).
(2) Fees referred to in paragraph (1) may be reduced or exempted where extenuating circumstances exist.
(3) Matters necessary in relation to the standards for setting, reducing, and exempting the amount of fees pursuant to the main sentence of paragraph (1) and paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(4) When any institution to which the authority is delegated pursuant to the proviso to paragraph (1) intends to determine fees, it shall set the standards for such determination and obtain approval therefor from the Minister of Science and ICT. The same shall also apply to any modification of the approved standards. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 14 (Establishment of Professional Engineers Association)
(1) Professional engineers may establish a professional engineers association with the authorization of the Minister of Science and ICT to improve their duties and technical ability as well as to maintain their decorum. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) The Professional Engineers Association shall be a corporation.
(3) The Professional Engineers Association shall be established by registering its establishment at the seat of its office.
(4) If the Professional Engineers Association intends to amend the articles of incorporation, it shall obtain authorization from the Minister of Science and ICT. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(5) Matters to be stated in the articles of incorporation of the Professional Engineers Association shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(6) The Government shall establish policies to support and develop the affairs of the Professional Engineers Association under Article 16 and encourage its independent operation.
(7) Except as otherwise provided for in this Act, the provisions concerning an incorporated association as referred to in the Civil Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Professional Engineers Association.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 15 Deleted. <Dec. 1, 2015>
 Article 16 (Affairs of Professional Engineers Association)
The Professional Engineers Association shall perform the following affairs:
1. Investigation and research for technical improvement;
2. Guidance and exchange of information on industrial technology;
3. Education for developing the duties of professional engineers and improving their abilities;
4. Maintenance of professional engineers' decorum;
5. Promotion of professional engineers' welfare and the protection of their interests;
6. Affairs entrusted by the competent Minister;
7. Other affairs appurtenant to those referred to in subparagraphs 1 through 6 and which are determined by the articles of incorporation.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 17 (Supervision of Professional Engineers Association)
The Minister of Science and ICT shall guide and supervise the affairs of the Professional Engineers Association. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 18 (Reporting and Inspections)
(1) The Minister of Science and ICT may require professional engineers who have registered their offices, to file a report on necessary matters or require public officials under his or her jurisdiction to inspect ledgers and other documents. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) A public official who conducts an inspection under paragraph (1) shall carry a certificate indicating his or her authority and present it to related persons.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 19 (Hearings)
If the Minister of Science and ICT intends to revoke the registration of a professional engineer office under Article 12, he or she shall hold a hearing. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 20 (Delegation of Authority)
(1) The Minister of Science and ICT may delegate his or her authority and affairs concerning the following to the head of the Professional Engineers Association provided for in Article 14 or the head of any institution or organization prescribed by Presidential Decree, which performs affairs related to professional engineers: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
1. Providing education and training pursuant to Article 5-3;
2. Accepting a report on workplace, etc. pursuant to Article 5-4;
3. Establishing and operating the comprehensive information system pursuant to Article 5-5;
4. Registering the establishment of professional engineer offices pursuant to Article 6;
5. Accepting a report on any modification of registered matters, or any business suspension or closure pursuant to Article 8;
6. Managing the performance of the professional engineers who have registered their offices pursuant to Article 11-2;
7. Other affairs prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(2) The Minister of Science and ICT may fully or partly subsidize expenses incurred in performing the entrusted affairs for any person entrusted with the authority or affairs under paragraph (1) within budgetary limits. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
 Article 21 (Penalty Provisions)
Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding ten million won:
1. A person who files or renews registration as a professional engineer under Article 5-7, or registers the establishment of his or her professional engineer office under Article 6 (1) by fraud or other improper means;
2. A person who lends his or her registration certificate of professional engineer to another person in violation of Article 5-7 (3), and the other party;
3. A person who performs a professional engineer's duties without filing or renewing registration, in violation of Article 5-7;
4. A person who divulges any confidential information which comes to his or her knowledge in the course of performing his or her duties, in violation of Article 9.
[This Article Wholly Amended on May 28, 2014]
 Article 22 (Administrative Fines)
(1) Either of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding three million won: <Amended on May 28, 2014>
1. A person who uses the title of "professional engineer office" or any other title similar thereto, in violation of Article 10;
2. A professional engineer who fails to sign and seal drawings and specifications, etc. or to stipulate the relevant type and scope, in violation of Article 11.
(2) Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding one million won: <Amended on Jul. 28, 2014>
1. A person who fails to bear expenses under Article 5-3 (3);
2. A professional engineer who files a false report on his or her workplace, etc. in violation of Article 5-4 (4);
3. A professional engineer who fails to return a registration certificate, in violation of Article 5-9 (2);
4. A professional engineer with registered office who fails to file a report pursuant to Article 8 (1) or files a false report, in violation thereof;
5. A professional engineer with registered office who files a false report on its performance in violation of Article 11-2 (4);
6. A professional engineer with registered office who fails to file a report pursuant to Article 18 (1) or files a false report, in violation thereof;
7. A professional engineer with registered office who refuses, interferes with, or evades an inspection conducted by public officials pursuant to Article 18 (1).
(3) Administrative fines under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be imposed and collected by the Minister of Science and ICT, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 7, 2011]
ADDENDA <Act No. 4500, Nov. 25, 1992>
(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
(2) (Transitional Measures concerning the Korean Professional Engineers Association) As at the time this Act enters into force, the "Korean Professional Engineers Association, Incorporated Association", the establishment of which is permitted under Article 32 of the Civil Act, shall be deemed established under Article 14 of this Act: Provided, That it shall modify the articles of incorporation in accordance with this Act and obtain authorization from the Minister of Science and Technology within two months after this Act enters into force.
ADDENDA <Act No. 5453, Dec. 13, 1997>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 1998. (Proviso Omitted.)
Article 2 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 6567, Dec. 31, 2001>
(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
(2) (Transitional Measures concerning the Korean Professional Engineers Association) As at the time this Act enters into force, the Korean Professional Engineers Association which obtains authorization for its establishment under the previous provisions shall be deemed to do so under the amended provisions of Article 14.
(3) (Transitional Measures concerning Refusal of Registration of Establishment of Professional Engineer Office) The refusal of an application for the registration of establishment of professional engineer offices before this Act enters into force shall be governed by the previous provisions.
ADDENDA <Act No. 7171, Feb. 9, 2004>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 2005. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 9 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 7428, Mar. 31, 2005>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 6 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 8268, Jan. 26, 2007>
(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
(2) (Special Cases concerning Basic Plans for Developing Professional Engineer System) The first basic plan for developing the professional engineer system pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 5 (1) shall be developed within six months after this Act enters into force.
(3) (Transitional Measures concerning Penalty Provisions and Administrative Fines) The application of penalty provisions and administrative fines to any offense committed before this Act enters into force shall be governed by the previous provisions.
ADDENDA <Act No. 8852, Feb. 29, 2008>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 10085, Mar. 17, 2010>
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10337, May 31, 2010>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 8 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 10771, Jun. 7, 2011>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
(1) This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
(2) Omitted.
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 12676, May 28, 2014>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of subparagraph 1 of Article 7 shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation, and the amended provisions of subparagraph 3 of Article 21 shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Registration of Professional Engineers)
A professional engineer reported as a construction engineer pursuant to Article 21 of the Construction Technology Promotion Act, a professional engineer reported as a software engineer pursuant to Article 24-3 of the Software Industry Promotion Act, a professional engineer reported as an engineer pursuant to Article 26 of the Engineering Industry Promotion Act, a professional engineer recognized as an electrical construction engineer pursuant to Article 17-2 of the Electrical Construction Business Act, a professional engineer reported as a person who intends to vicariously perform the electrical safety control duties pursuant to Article 73-5 of the Electric Utility Act, a professional engineer who has filed a report his/her career as an electric technician pursuant to Article 9 of the Enforcement Decree of the Electric Technology Management Act, and a professional engineer recognized as an information and communications engineer pursuant to Article 39 of the Information and Communications Construction Business Act, at the time this Act enters into force, shall be deemed registered with the Minister of Science, ICT and Future Planning under the amended provisions of Article 5-7 (1).
Article 3 (Transitional Measures concerning Incompetent Persons, etc.)
Notwithstanding the amended provisions of subparagraph 1 of Article 7, the previous provisions shall apply to persons who have already been adjudged incompetent or quasi-incompetent and for whom the effect of adjudication of incompetence or quasi-incompetence is maintained under Article 2 of the Addenda to the Civil Act (Act No. 10429) as at the time the same amended provisions enter into force.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 13514, Dec. 1, 2015>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 13705, Jan. 6, 2016>
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 14839, Jul. 26, 2017>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amendments to the Acts to be amended pursuant to Article 5 of the Addenda, which were promulgated before this Act enters into force, but the dates on which they are to enter into force have yet to arrive, shall enter into force on the enforcement dates of the relevant Act.
Articles 2 through 6 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 15240, Dec. 19, 2017>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 17347, Jun. 9, 2020>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 17674, Dec. 22, 2020>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.