Labor ministry opens 61st national skills competition in Incheon

The labor ministry said Monday that the 61st National Skills Competition opened in Incheon with 1,677 regional representatives competing in 51 occupations through Aug. 28.

Contestants qualified by placing highly in provincial skills competitions. The seven-day contest is being held at six venues in the city from Aug. 22 to Aug. 28.

"We hope participating competitors will soon grow into outstanding skilled workers, including Korea's master craftspeople, and become a reliable foundation for Korea. The labor ministry will provide firm support so that their passion and hard work toward their dreams can bear fruit," Vice Minister Kwon Chang-jun said.

Top finishers will receive prizes of 10 million won for first place, 6 million won for second and 4 million won for third. The highest scorer and runner-up will also receive the President's Award and Prime Minister's Award, respectively. They will be eligible to enter selection trials for South Korea's team at the 49th International Skills Olympics, scheduled for 2028 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and receive an exemption from the industrial engineer practical examination.

Competition events span advanced industries, foundational industries and lifestyle services. The program also includes skills-experience activities for residents and young people, a corporate job fair, public contests and cultural events.

The ministry said participation rose from 435 competitors in 1966 to 1,677 in 2026, while the number of occupations expanded from 26 to 51.