ENGINEERING INDUSTRY PROMOTION ACT
Wholly Amended by Act No. 10250, Apr. 12, 2010
Amended by Act No. 10682, May 19, 2011
Act No. 10963, Jul. 25, 2011
Act No. 11235, Jan. 26, 2012
Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013
Act No. 12299, Jan. 21, 2014
Act No. 13852, Jan. 27, 2016
Act No. 17344, Jun. 9, 2020
Act No. 19990, Jan. 9, 2024
Act No. 20970, May 27, 2025
Act No. 21065, Oct. 1, 2025
CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS
The purpose of this Act is to establish matters necessary for the promotion of the engineering industry, in order to create a foundation for the engineering industry and to promote balanced development of related industries by enhancing competitiveness, thereby contributing to the realization of a creative, knowledge-based society and the development of the national economy.
The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; ; Oct. 1, 2025>
| 1. | The term "engineering activities" means any of the following activities concerning business and facilities conducted through the application of scientific and technological knowledge: |
| (a) | Research, planning, feasibility study, design, analysis, contract, purchasing, procurement, testing, supervision, trial run, evaluation, inspection, safety review, management, preparation of manual, counseling, instruction, maintenance or repair; |
| (b) | Business management of the activities provided for in item (a); |
| (c) | Other activities prescribed by Presidential Decree as corresponding to those provided for in items (a) and (b); |
| 2. | The term "engineering industry" means an industry that creates economic or social added value through engineering activities; |
| 3. | The term "engineering project" means a project to perform engineering activities; |
| 4. | The term "engineering business entity" means a person who intends to perform engineering activities for business purposes and who has reported to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources under Article 21; |
| 5. | The term "engineering technology" means the scientific technology concerning engineering activities, as prescribed by Presidential Decree; |
| 6. | The term "engineer" means a person prescribed by Presidential Decree, among those who have acquired national technical qualification regarding engineering technology under the National Technical Qualifications Act or those who have academic background or career related to engineering technology; |
| 7. | The term "contracting authority" means a person who places an order for engineering projects and falls under any of the following: |
| (d) | An infrastructure project implementer or a person to whom an infrastructure project implementer has entrusted the implementation of a project under subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Act on Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure; provided, a person to whom the performance of a project is entrusted shall be limited to a person whose investment accounts for at least half of the capital available to the relevant project implementer and who has been approved to be a contracting authority by the relevant central administrative agency; |
| (e) | Any other person prescribed by Presidential Decree, including a local government-invested public corporation or local government public corporation under the Local Public Enterprises Act. |
| Article 3 (Responsibilities of the State) |
| (1) | The State and local governments shall formulate policy measures to promote the engineering industry and devise ways, etc. of administrative and financial supporting, which are necessary for the promotion thereof. |
| (2) | Any contracting authority shall strive to make sure that engineering projects are performed in accordance with fair standards and procedures. |
| Article 4 (Relationship to other statutes) |
Except otherwise provided for in other statutes, this Act shall apply to the engineering industry.
CHAPTER II PROMOTION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF FOUNDATIONS OF ENGINEERING INDUSTRY
| Article 5 (Formulation of promotional plans for engineering industry) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall formulate promotional plans for the engineering industry (hereinafter referred to as "promotional plans") in order to promote the engineering industry through consultation with the heads of relevant central administrative agencies every 3 years. The same shall apply to any modification of promotional plans. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jan. 27, 2016; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | Each promotional plan shall contain the following matters: <Amended on Jan. 27, 2016> |
| 1. | Basic direction of policies for promotion of the engineering industry; |
| 2. | Matters relating to the establishment and operation of the information system for the engineering industry under Article 8; |
| 3. | Matters relating to the research on, development and dissemination of engineering technology; |
| 4. | Matters relating to facilitating commercialization of engineering technology; |
| 5. | Matters relating to standardization of engineering technology under Article 11; |
| 6. | Matters relating to training, managing and utilizing engineering professionals under Article 13 (1); |
| 5. | Matters relating to the current status and history of human resources specialized in engineering under Article 13 (1); |
| 8. | Matters relating to international cooperation and overseas market entry of the engineering industry; |
| 9. | Matters relating to support for engineering business entities; |
| 10. | Other matters necessary for promotion of the engineering industry. |
| (3) | Deleted. <by Act No. 13852, Jan. 27, 2016> |
| (4) | Where necessary to formulate the promotional plans, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may request the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies, local governments, relevant organizations or institutions to submit data. In such case, the heads of the organizations and institutions which received such request shall comply therewith unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jan. 27, 2016; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (5) | Except as provided for in paragraphs (1) through (4), matters relating to the formulation, etc. of promotional plans shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 27, 2016> |
[Title Amended on Jan. 27, 2016]
| Article 6 (Engineering Industry Policy Council) |
| (1) | An Engineering Industry Policy Council (hereinafter referred to as the "Policy Council") shall be established under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources in order to consult important matters relating to promotion, fostering, and support of the engineering industry and the establishment of promotional plans. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the composition and operation of the Policy Council shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jan. 27, 2016]
| Article 7 (Investigation of actual conditions) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may investigate actual conditions of the engineering industry in order to secure basic data required for promotion of the engineering industry; provided, he or she shall jointly investigate actual conditions of the engineering industry if the head of a relevant central administrative agency requests such investigation. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may request an engineering business entity or the head of an engineering industry-related organization or institution to submit data necessary for investigation of actual conditions as provided for in paragraph (1). In such case, any person who receives such request shall cooperate therewith unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | Matters relating to the frequency, method and target of the investigation of actual conditions under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 8 (Establishment and operation of information system for engineering industry) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may establish and operate an information system for the engineering industry (hereinafter referred to as the "information system") in order to systematically maintain and manage engineering industry-related information, data, etc. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | The information system may include the following matters: |
| 1. | Matters relating to the current status of the domestic or foreign engineering industry; |
| 2. | Matters relating to the amount of orders received by engineering business entities; |
| 3. | Matters relating to information on bidding for domestic or foreign engineering projects; |
| 4. | Matters relating to the development and dissemination of engineering technology; |
| 5. | Matters relating to the current status and history of human resources specializing in engineering under Article 13 (1); |
| 6. | Other matters necessary for the provision of information on the engineering industry. |
| (3) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may request the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies, heads of local governments or heads of relevant organizations or institutions to submit data (including data compiled in electronic form) necessary for the establishment and operation of the information system. In such case, the heads of the organizations or institutions who are requested to submit data shall cooperate therewith unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (4) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall establish and operate the information system in line with the comprehensive plan for the intelligent information society and the action plan for the intelligent information society under Articles 6 and 7 of the Framework Act on Intelligent Informatization. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 9, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (5) | Except as provided for in paragraphs (1) through (3), matters necessary for the establishment, operation, etc. of the information system shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 9 (Research, development, and support for dissemination of engineering technology) |
| (1) | The Government may establish necessary policy measures for introduction, research, development and dissemination of a new engineering technology and provide necessary support therefor. |
| (2) | The Government shall preferentially research, develop and disseminate engineering technology which is determined to have novelty, advancement and practical applicability. |
| (3) | The Government may promote joint research (including international joint research) with public institutions, corporations, organizations and universities in order to increase the performance of research and development of engineering technology and provide necessary support therefor. |
| (4) | Where the Government determines necessary in order to promote the use and dissemination of engineering technology developed under paragraph (1) and its connection with the related industry, it may conduct pilot projects for use, dissemination, etc. of engineering technology, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (5) | Matters necessary for support, etc. provided for in paragraphs (1) through (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 10 (Facilitation of commercialization of engineering technology) |
| (1) | The Government may develop necessary policy measures in order to facilitate commercialization of engineering technology developed under Article 9. |
| (2) | The Government may provide support necessary to obtain domestic or foreign quality certification to a person who intends to commercialize the outcome of engineering technology development in order to facilitate commercialization of engineering technology. |
| (3) | Matters necessary for support provided for in paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 11 (Standardization of engineering technology) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may promote the standardization of engineering technology in order to improve the quality of engineering projects and to reduce the costs incurred therein. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may recommend engineering business entities to conform to engineering technology standards in order to facilitate standardization provided for in paragraph (1). <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | In order to efficiently perform affairs related to standardization under paragraph (1), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may designate institutes and organizations specialized in engineering technology to conduct research, etc. on standardization, and provide all or part of the expenses necessary therefor. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (4) | Matters necessary for the designation, support, etc. provided for in paragraph (3) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 12 (Designation as engineering technology support center) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may designate research institutes and specialized agencies which satisfy the requirements prescribed by Presidential Decree as engineering technology support centers (hereinafter referred to as "support center") in order to efficiently promote the research, development, dissemination, etc. of engineering technology. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jan. 27, 2016; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | The support center shall perform the following business: |
| 1. | Investigation and analysis of the current status of engineering technology; |
| 2. | Engineering technology research and development, and support therefor; |
| 3. | Facilitation of commercializing engineering technology; |
| 4. | Research on standardization of engineering technology; |
| 5. | Pilot projects on the use, dissemination, etc. of engineering technology; |
| 6. | International cooperation in engineering technologies, and exchanges thereof; |
| 7. | Other matters relating to the research, development, dissemination, etc. of engineering technology. |
| (3) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may contribute funds required for conducting business provided for in paragraph (2) or provide other necessary support. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (4) | Where the support center fails to satisfy the requirements prescribed by Presidential Decree under paragraph (1), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may order the support center to take correction measures within a fixed period of not more than 3 months. <Added on Jan. 27, 2016; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (5) | In any of the following cases, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may revoke the designation of a support center; provided, in the case of subparagraph 1, the Minister shall revoke the designation: <Added on Jan. 27, 2016; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Where it has obtained the designation by fraud or other improper means; |
| 2. | Where it has continued failing to conduct business under paragraph (2) for not less than 1 year without good cause; |
| 3. | Where it has failed to take correction measures under paragraph (4). |
| (6) | Matters necessary for standards, procedures, etc. for designating support centers and revocation of such designation shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 27, 2016> |
| Article 13 (Training of engineering professionals) |
| (1) | The Government may develop necessary policy measures to foster and manage personnel who possess specialized skills or functions in engineering, such as professional engineers under the National Technical Qualifications Act (hereinafter referred to as "engineering professionals"). |
| (2) | The Government may designate universities, research institutes, or specialized institutes under Article 12 (1) as engineering professional training institutions to train engineering professionals and provide partial support for expenses incurred in their education and training. |
| (3) | Matters necessary for the designation of engineering professional training institutions under paragraph (2), including the requirements and procedures for such designation, and the targets, types, contents, etc. of education and training shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 14 (Promotion of employment) |
| (1) | The Government shall develop necessary policy measures to promote the employment of engineering professionals. |
| (2) | The Government may recommend engineering business entities to expand the employment of engineering professionals. |
| (3) | The Government may support expenses to promote employment of engineering professionals under paragraphs (1) and (2) within the budget. |
| Article 15 (Facilitation of sophistication of structure of engineering industry) |
| (1) | The Government may establish policy measures and provide necessary support for facilitating sophistication of structure of the engineering industry. |
| (2) | Matters necessary for support, etc. provided for in paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 16 (Supports for international cooperation and overseas advancement) |
In order to promote the international cooperation and entry into overseas markets of the engineering industry, the Government may render support, such as the provision of relevant information, consultation and guidance on overseas market entry, international exchanges of the related technology and human resources, participation in international events and international joint research and development projects.
| Article 17 (Establishment of engineering collective investment scheme) |
| (1) | Where the Financial Services Commission receives an application for registration of a collective investment scheme (hereinafter referred to as "engineering collective investment scheme") whose main business purpose is to invest assets in the engineering industry and to distribute the resulting revenue to shareholders under Article 182 of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, it shall, in advance, consult with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | Where a public institution intends to contribute to an engineering collective investment scheme, the Government may subsidize all or part of the fund for such contributions within budgetary limits. |
| Article 18 (Method of managing asset) |
| (1) | Any engineering collective investment scheme shall use an amount equivalent to at least half of its capital for any of the following purposes: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Contributions to engineering business entities prescribed by Presidential Decree or purchase of shares, equities, right to benefits, or loans issued by them; |
| 2. | Investment approved by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources after he or she determines it necessary for engineering activities to achieve purposes of this Act. |
| (2) | The amount of contributions by public institutions under Article 17 (2) shall be used for the purposes set forth in paragraph (1) 1. |
| (3) | Where an engineering collective investment scheme manages its assets in violation of paragraphs (1) and (2), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may request the Financial Services Commission to cancel its registration. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (4) | Matters necessary for operation, etc. of an engineering collective investment scheme shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 19 (Designation as facilities that promote engineering industry) |
| (1) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may designate buildings, etc. occupied predominantly by engineering business entities as facilities that promote the engineering industry (hereinafter referred to as "promotional facilities") in order to invigorate the engineering industry, and may provide necessary support, such as the provision of funds and facilities. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | Any owner of a facility seeking designation as a promotional facility shall apply for such designation to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources designates the promotional facilities under paragraph (1), he or she may attach necessary conditions to development of the engineering industry. In such case, the relevant conditions shall be limited to the minimum extent necessary for the improvement of public interests and shall not include any unfair obligations. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (4) | The promotional facilities designated under paragraph (1) shall be deemed to have been designated as integrated facilities for venture businesses under Article 18 of the Special Act on the Promotion of Venture Businesses. <Amended on Jan. 9, 2024> |
| (5) | Matters necessary for requirements for designation as, support, etc. for promotional facilities shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 20 (Revocation of designation as promotional facilities) |
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may revoke the designation of promotional facilities, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, in any of the following cases: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025>
| 1. | Where promotional facilities fail to meet the requirements for designation; |
| 2. | Where funds and facilities provided under Article 19 (1) are used for the purposes other than the original purpose; |
| 3. | Where the conditions for designation under Article 19 (3) are not satisfied. |
CHAPTER III REPORTING BY ENGINEERING BUSINESS ENTITY
| Article 21 (Reporting by engineering business entity) |
| (1) | Any person that intends to engage in engineering activities for their business purpose shall meet the requirements prescribed by Presidential Decree, including technical personnel, and report thereon to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources. In such cases, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall issue a certificate of report to the person that has reported, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | If an engineering business operator falls under any of the following subparagraphs, they shall report the fact to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources within the period specified in the corresponding subparagraph, as prescribed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources: <Amended on May 27, 2025; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Where modification occurs to the important matters prescribed by Presidential Decree: Within 30 days from the date the reason for the modification arises; |
| 2. | Where the business operator temporarily closes the business for 30 days or more: Within 30 days from the date of temporary closure; |
| 3. | Where the business operator closes their business permanently: Within 30 days from the date of permanent closure. |
| (3) | Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources receives a report paragraphs (1) and (2) and deems that the report needs to be supplemented, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may issue an order to supplement the report within a specified period of up to 3 months. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (4) | A person who has reported on their engineering business under paragraph (1) shall not allow any other party to operate an engineering business by using the person’s trade name or personal name, nor shall they lend the certificate of report to any other party. |
| (5) | No person may arrange any act prohibited under paragraph (4) or use any other person's certificate of report. |
| (6) | Matters necessary for procedure, etc. for filing reports by engineering business entities shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 22 (Restriction on reporting) |
No person who falls under any of the following subparagraphs may report under Article 21 (1): | 1. | A person who is subject to a disposition to invalidate a report on engineering business under Article 24 (1) and for whom one year has not passed from the date of such disposition. |
| 2. | A person who is subject to an order for suspension of business under Article 24 (1) and for whom the relevant period has not passed from the date of such order. |
| Article 23 (Succession to status of engineering business entity) |
| (1) | Where an engineering business entity dies or has transferred all or part of his or her engineering business or a corporate engineering business entity has merged, the transferee, heir or corporation surviving the merger or newly established by the merger shall succeed to the status of the engineering business entity. |
| (2) | A person who has succeeded to the status of an engineering business entity under paragraph (1) shall report such fact to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources within 30 days from the date on which the relevant cause has occurred, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 24 (Disposition to invalidate report by engineering business entity) |
| (1) | Where an engineering business entity falls under any of the following subparagraphs, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may make a disposition to invalidate the report of the engineering business entity under Article 21 (1) or issue an order to suspend business operations for a specified period not exceeding 6 months; provided, in the case of subparagraph 1, 4 or 5, he or she shall make a disposition to invalidate the report of the engineering business entity: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Where an engineering business entity files a report under Article 21 (1) by fraud or other improper means; |
| 2. | Where an engineering business entity fails to meet the requirements for reporting under Article 21 (1); |
| 3. | Where an engineering business entity allows any other party to perform an engineering project by using its trade name or name or lends its certificate of report, in violation of Article 21 (4); |
| 4. | Where an engineering business entity arranges any prohibited act or uses any other person's certificate of report, in violation of Article 21 (5); |
| 5. | Where a person who has received an order to suspend business continues to perform engineering business; |
| 6. | Where an engineering business entity harms the public interest by performing engineering business by intention or negligence. |
| (2) | Where an engineering business entity fails to file a report under Article 21 (2) 2 or 3, although they have received a disposition to invalidate a report under paragraph (1) or have temporarily closed their business for more than 30 days or closed it permanently, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may delete the report filed by the engineering business entity. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | A person whose report has been invalidated under paragraph (1) shall return the certificate of report within seven days from the date on which the person receives a notice of final decision of disposition. |
| (4) | Matters necessary for detailed standards for disposition to invalidate the report or to suspend business or delete the report under paragraphs (1) through (3) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 25 (Succession of effect of administrative disposition) |
| (1) | Where the status of an engineering business entity is succeeded under Article 23 (1), the effect of administrative disposition on the previous engineering business entity under Article 24 (1) shall be succeeded to the transferee, heir or corporation surviving the merger or newly established by the merger until the term of disposition expires. |
| (2) | Where the status of an engineering business entity is succeeded under Article 23 (1) and the procedure for administrative disposition is under way against the former engineering business entity under Article 24 (1), such procedure may continue against the transferee, heir or corporation surviving the merger or newly established by the merger; provided, the same shall not apply where the transferee, heir or corporation surviving the merger or newly established by the merger proves that it was unaware of such disposition or violation as at the time of the transfer or merger. |
| Article 26 (Reporting by engineers) |
| (1) | Engineers may report the detailed information needed to mange their workplace, careers, academic backgrounds, qualifications, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "work experience, etc") to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. The same shall apply to any modification of the details of the report. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | Where an engineering business entity has filed a report under Article 21, an engineer employed by such engineering business entity shall be deemed to have filed such report under paragraph (1). |
| (3) | Where an engineer who has filed a report under paragraph (1) applies for issuance of a certificate of engineer work experience, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "certificate of engineering career"), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall issue the certificate of engineering career. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (4) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may, where necessary to confirm detailed information reported under paragraph (1), request the central administrative agencies, local governments, schools under Article 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and Article 2 of the Higher Education Act, engineering business entities who employ or have employed the engineer who has filed the report, to submit relevant data. In such case, a person who receives such request shall cooperate therewith unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (5) | When an engineer files a report or any modification thereof under paragraph (1), he or she shall not file a false report on his or her work experience, etc. |
| (6) | No engineer shall permit any other person to engage in engineering activities by using his or her name or nor shall lend his or her certificate of engineering career. |
| (7) | Matters necessary for reporting by engineers, issuance, management, etc, of certificates of engineering career under paragraphs (1) through (4) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 27 (Signature and seal on design drawings) |
Where any engineering business entity prepares design drawings or reports on engineering projects (hereinafter referred to as "design drawings, etc"), engineers who are fully or partially responsible for them shall affix their seals or signatures to the design drawings, etc. within the scope of their responsibility. The same shall also apply where the design drawings, etc. are partially changed.
CHAPTER IV IMPLEMENTATION OF ENGINEERING PROJECTS
| Article 28 (Evaluation of project implementation capabilities for engineering projects) |
| (1) | Where a contracting authority places an order for an engineering project prescribed by Presidential Decree, it shall evaluate the project implementation capabilities by obtaining documents indicating the project implementation capability, including technological and managerial capabilities and other matters prescribed by Presidential Decree from those who intend to participate in the project. |
| (2) | A contracting authority may request cooperation from an Association established under Article 33 if necessary when evaluating project implementation capabilities. In this case, the Association shall cooperate with such request unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. |
| (3) | Matters necessary for cooperation, etc. under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 29 (Method of determining successful bidder) |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the method of concluding contracts under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 30 (Engineering project implementation process) |
| (1) | A contracting authority shall ensure that engineering project planning, feasibility study, design, supervision, maintenance, management, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "engineering project implementation process") are performed in an organized manner in order to efficiently implement the engineering project; |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the content and methods of the engineering project implementation process shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 31 (Standards for prices of engineering projects) |
| (1) | When a contracting authority concludes an engineering project contract with an engineering business entity, it shall pay an reasonable price for the engineering project. |
| (2) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall determine and publicly notify necessary standards for calculating the prices of engineering projects under paragraph (1). In this case, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall consult in advance with the heads of the relevant administrative agencies, such as the Minister of Finance and Economy, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Minister of Planning and Budget. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | Where an engineering business entity shall compensate the contracting authority or a third party for property damage caused by intention or negligence while performing the engineering project. |
| (4) | An engineering business entity shall obtain insurance or mutual aid to cover liability for damages under paragraph (3). In this case, the contracting authority shall include the expenses incurred for obtaining the insurance or mutual aid in the price of the engineering project under paragraph (1). |
| (5) | Matters necessary for the duration, types, subjects, and methods of insurance or mutual aid under paragraph (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 32 (Recommendations to persons other than contracting authority) |
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may recommend each of the following matters to persons other than a contracting authority that places an order for an engineering project: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025>
| 1. | Matters relating to the evaluation of capacity to implement an engineering project under Article 28; |
| 2. | Matters relating to the application of the method of determining a successful bidder under Article 29; |
| 3. | Matters relating to the process of implementing an engineering project under Article 30; |
| 4. | Matters relating to standards for determining the price of an engineering project under Article 31. |
CHAPTER V ASSOCIATION AND MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION
| Article 33 (Establishment of Association) |
| (1) | For the purpose of helping the development of the engineering industry and the promotion of engineering technology, engineering business entities may establish an Association by obtaining authorization from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | The Association shall perform any of the following affairs: |
| 1. | The current status and statistical survey of engineering business entities and engineers; |
| 2. | Research on systems for improvement of engineering technology and the engineering industry; |
| 3. | Education and training of engineers; |
| 4. | Support for the collection, analysis and provision of information about engineering technology, and for dissemination of engineering technology; |
| 5. | Recommendations for the research on and improvement of standards for determining the prices of engineering projects; |
| 6. | Support for overseas expansion of engineering business entities; |
| 7. | Projects entrusted by the Government, a local government, etc.; |
| 8. | Business that is ancillary to those provided for in subparagraphs 1 through 7, as prescribed by the articles of incorporation. |
| (3) | In order to achieve the purpose of its foundation provided for in paragraph (1), the Association may engage in profit-making business by obtaining permission from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 34 (Establishment of mutual aid association) |
| (1) | Engineering business entities may establish a mutual aid association by obtaining authorization therefor from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources in order to ease their access to loans and guarantees necessary for boosting the financial independence and financial status of the engineering business entities. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | The mutual aid association shall perform the following business functions: <Amended on Jul. 25, 2011; Jan. 26, 2012> |
| 1. | Extending guarantee, mutual aid, and loans necessary for the fulfillment of obligations arising from members’ engineering activities (including turnkey projects involving purchasing, procurement, manufacturing, and installation that engineering activities entail); |
| 2. | Extending guarantee necessary for determining a principal transaction bank for members’ export of engineering technology; |
| 3. | Discounting notes received by members in return for their engineering activities; |
| 4. | Arranging for the purchase of equipment necessary for members’ engineering activities; |
| 5. | Providing support for members’ technical improvement and training; |
| 6. | Installing and operating joint-use facilities for members; |
| 7. | Providing mutual aid to prevent insolvency of member and to enhance the welfare of employees employed by members; |
| 8. | Investing in relevant businesses necessary to fulfill the purpose for which the mutual aid association is organized; |
| 10. | Providing services related to information processing and computer operation by its members; |
| 11. | Conducting business including guarantee, mutual aid, and loans prescribed by other statutes to support to industrial sectors related to engineering activities; |
| 12. | Undertaking tasks entrusted by the Government, a local government, etc.; |
| 13. | Any business that is ancillary to those provided for in subparagraphs 1 through 12, as prescribed by the articles of incorporation. |
| (3) | Where the mutual aid association deems it necessary to perform the affairs prescribed in paragraph (2) (excluding affairs provided for in paragraph (2) 9), it may borrow necessary funds from financial companies, etc. under subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Act on the Establishment of Korea Asset Management Corporation. <Amended on May 19, 2011; Nov. 26, 2019> |
| Article 35 (Mutual aid agreement) |
| (1) | Where the mutual aid association intends to engage in the business of extending mutual aid under Article 34 (2) 1, 7, and 11, it shall determine its mutual aid agreement. <Amended on Jan. 26, 2012> |
| (2) | The mutual aid agreement under paragraph (1) shall include the matters necessary for provision of mutual aid, such as the scope of mutual aid, terms and conditions of mutual aid, premiums, payout, and reserves to be appropriated to payout. |
| Article 36 (Legal personality) |
| (1) | The Association and the mutual aid association shall each be established as a legal entity. |
| (2) | Matters included in the articles of incorporation of the mutual aid association, matters relating to contributions to the mutual aid association and other matters necessary for the operation of the Association or mutual aid association shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 37 (Qualifications of executive officers) |
| (1) | No person who falls under any of the following subparagraphs shall become an executive officer of the Association or mutual aid association: <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014> |
| 1. | An incompetent person under adult guardianship; |
| 2. | A person who has been declared bankrupt and has not been reinstated; |
| 3. | A person in whose case two years have not elapsed since his or her imprisonment without labor or heavier punishment declared by a court was completely executed (including cases where such punishment is deemed to have been completely executed) or exempted; |
| 4. | A person who is under suspension of the execution of the sentence of imprisonment without labor or heavier punishment declared by a court; |
| 5. | A person whose qualification has been revoked or suspended by any statute or a court ruling; |
| 6. | A person for whom 2 years have not elapsed since he or she was dismissed as part of a disciplinary action under statutes and regulations related to the engineering industry. |
| (2) | If an executive officer falls under any of the categories of paragraph (1), or was in such a category at the time of appointment, he or she shall be duly dismissed. |
| (3) | The acts involving an executive officer who has been dismissed under paragraph (2) prior to the dismissal shall not lose their effect. |
| Article 38 (Guidance and supervision) |
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may, where necessary for supervision, order the Association and the mutual aid association to report their affairs or submit data, and may have any public official under its control inspect their books, documents and other things. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025>
| Article 39 (Application mutatis mutandis of other statutes) |
| (1) | Except as provided in this Act, the provisions of the Civil Act pertaining to incorporated associations shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Association. |
CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
| Article 40 (Prohibition of false application for budget and use of budget for other purposes) |
No person who receives financial aid under Articles 9 through 19 may apply for related budget falsely or use it for other purposes or by other unjust means.
Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources intends to impose any of the following dispositions, he or she shall hold a hearing: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jan. 27, 2016; Oct. 1, 2025>
| 1. | Revocation of the designation of a support center under Article 12 (5); |
| 2. | Revocation of the designation of promotional facilities under Article 20; |
| 3. | Disposition to invalidate the reports by engineering business entities under Article 24 (1). |
| Article 42 (Prohibition of disclosure of confidential information) |
No engineering business entity that has been awarded an engineering project, its executive officers and employees, and engineers participating in such engineering project shall disclose any confidential information learned in the course of their work.
| Article 43 (Legal fiction as public official for purpose of applying penalty provisions) |
| Article 44 (Entrustment of tasks) |
Part of the tasks of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources provided for in this Act may be entrusted to the Association as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025>
Any of the following persons shall pay fees as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; May 27, 2025; Oct. 1, 2025>
| 1. | A person who reports or reports on the change of an engineering business entity under Article 21 (1) and Article 21 (2) 1; |
| 2. | A person who reports succession to status under Article 23 (2); |
| 3. | A person who applies for the issuance of a certificate of engineering career under Article 26 (3). |
CHAPTER VII PENALTY PROVISIONS
| Article 46 (Penalty provisions) |
A person who falls under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won:
| 1. | A person who commits any prohibited act, in violation of Article 21 (4); |
| 2. | A person who arranges any prohibited act or uses another person's certificate of report, in violation of Article 21 (5); |
| 3. | A person who discloses any confidential information learned in the course of the performance of his or her duties, in violation of Article 42. |
| Article 47 (Joint penalty provisions) |
If the representative of a corporation, or an agent, or employee of, or other person employed by the corporation or an individual commits any offences described in Article 46 in conducting the business affairs of the corporation or individual, not only shall such offender be punished, but also the corporation or individual shall be punished by a fine under the relevant provisions; provided, this shall not apply to cases where such corporation or individual has not been negligent in giving due attention and supervision concerning the relevant duties to prevent such offence.
| Article 48 (Administrative fines) |
| (1) | Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 2 million won. <Amended on Feb. 14, 2023; Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | A person who files a false report provided for in Article 21 (1); |
| 2. | A person who fails to report on modification or files a false report thereon, in violation of Article 21 (2) 1; |
| 3. | A person who fails to report or files a false report on succession to status, in violation of Article 23 (2); |
| 4. | A person who permits another person to conduct engineering activities by using his or her name or lends his or her certificate of engineering career to another, in violation of Article 26 (6). |
| (2) | Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 1 million won: <Amended on May 27, 2025> |
| 1. | A person who fails to report on temporary or permanent closure of business, in violation of Article 21 (2) 2 or 3; |
| 2. | A person who fails to supplement relevant details within the supplementation period under Article 21 (3); |
| 3. | A person who fails to return a certificate of report, in violation of Article 24 (3); |
| 4. | A person who files a false report on his or her work experience, etc., in violation of Article 26 (5); |
| 5. | A person who fails to sign his or her name and affix his or her seal or do so by fraud, in violation of Article 27. |
| (3) | Administrative fines under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be imposed and collected by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025> |
ADDENDA <Act No. 10250, Apr. 12, 2010>
Article 1 (Enforcement date)
This Act shall enter into force 6 months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (General transitional measures)
Any disposition, procedure or other acts under the previous Engineering Technology Promotion Act as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed performed under this Act. Article 3 (Transitional measures concerning person who performs engineering activities)
Any person performing engineering activities who has filed a report under the previous provisions as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed an engineering business entity who has filed a report under the amended provisions of Article 21 (1). Article 4 (Transitional measures concerning period of reporting on modifications of person who performs engineering activities)
Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Articles 21 (2) and 23 (2), if any modification occurs to the reported matters of a person performing engineering activities due to a merger or division of their business as at the time this Act enters into force, the previous provisions shall apply to the period of reporting. Article 5 (Transitional measures concerning the Association and mutual aid association)
The Association and the mutual aid association which obtained an authorization under the previous provisions as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed the Association and the mutual aid association which obtained an authorization under the provisions of this Act.
Article 6 (Transitional measures concerning entrustment of tasks)
Part of the tasks of the Minister of Knowledge Economy entrusted to the Association under the previous provisions as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed entrusted under the amended provisions of Article 44. Article 7 (Transitional measures concerning administrative fines)
In applying administrative fines to any violations committed before this Act enters into force, the previous provisions shall apply.
Article 9 (Relationship to other statues or regulations)
Where the Engineering Technology Promotion Act or the relevant provisions thereof have been cited by other statues as at the time this Act enters into force, if provisions corresponding thereto exist in this Act, this Act or the corresponding provisions of this Act shall be deemed to have been cited in lieu of the previous Engineering Technology Promotion Act or the relevant provisions thereof.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10682, May 19, 2011>
Article 1 (Enforcement date)
This Article shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 10963, Jul. 25, 2011>
This Act shall enter into force 3 months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 11235, Jan. 26, 2012>
This Article 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. |
ADDENDA <Act No. 12299, Jan. 21, 2014>
Article 1 (Enforcement date)
This Article shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional measures concerning incompetents)
An incompetent under the adult guardianship under the amended provisions of Article 37 (1) 1 shall be deemed to include persons who have been declared and is currently incompetent or quasi-incompetent under Article 2 of the Addenda to the amended Civil Act (Act No. 10429).
ADDENDUM <Act No. 13852, Jan. 27, 2016>
This Act shall enter into force 6 months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 16652, Nov. 26, 2019>
Article 1 (Enforcement date)
This Article shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 17344, Jun. 9, 2020>
Article 1 (Enforcement date)
This Act shall enter into force 6 months after the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
ADDENDA <Act No. 19990, Jan. 9, 2024>
Article 1 (Enforcement date)
This Act shall enter into force 6 months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 20970, May 27, 2025>
This Act shall enter into force 3 months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 21065, Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 1 (Enforcement date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation; provided, among the statutes to be amended under Article 7 of the Addenda, any amendment made by this Act to the statutes that were promulgated before this Act enters into force but whose enforcement dates have yet to arrive shall enter into force on the respective enforcement dates of those statutes, and the amended provisions listed in the following subparagraphs shall enter into force on the respective dates specified therein: | 1. | The amended provisions listed in each of the following items shall enter into force on January 2, 2026; provided, among the statutes to be amended under Article 7 of the Addenda (limited to the portions related to the amended provisions of items (a) and (b)), any amendment made to the statutes that were promulgated before the enforcement date specified in the main clause but that enforcement date has yet to arrive, shall enter into force on the respective enforcement dates of those statutes: |
| (a) | The amended provisions of Articles 19 (4), 23, 29 (1) 1, and 30; |
| (b) | The amended provisions of Articles 12 (2), 19 (3), 22, and 29 (2) proviso (limited to the portions related to the Minister of Finance and Economy and the Ministry of Finance and Economy); |
| (c) | Statutes to be amended under Article 7 of the Addenda (limited to the portions related to the amended provisions referred to in items (a) and (b)); |