Yojin Construction & Engineering Chairman Choi Joon-myung (Department of Architectural Engineering 56) had an interview with Maeil Business Newspaper as the first active constructor on June 10. Mr. Choi started Yojin Construction & Engineering in 1976 and has led the company ever since.

Mr. Choi started working in the construction company, “Dongsung Construction”, after the Korean War and entered Hanyang University's Department of Architectural Engineering in 1956 to have a specialty in the field. After graduating, he went back to work in Dongsung Construction and built shelters for American soldiers.

Later, Mr. Choi started Yojin Construction & Engineering with his savings. As of today, the business stretches to the Far East District (FED) and includes various constructions such as U.S. soldiers' accommodations, troop buildings, and aircraft parking ramps. Mr. Choi said, “Yojin Construction & Engineering was able to develop through technologies and know-how to fulfill various requirements that FED projects needed. We were selected by the Korea Defense Installations Agency as the ‘2020 Best FED field construction company’ and received an appreciation plaque.”

Yojin Construction & Engineering expanded to the hotel business by taking over a hotel in Seoul Guro, which was operated with Japanese funds since the end of the 2008 financial crisis. Additionaly, it has taken on challenges to run businesses that could enhance profit ratios in sectors other than construction. The cement factory constructed in 2016 in Myanmar was evaluated as having high development potential as the annual production reached one million tons. Right now, housing businesses in Los Angeles in the United States are being pushed forward. Furthermore, at Seoul Seongsu-dong 2-ga, a large-scale complex facility of 19,800㎡ total ground area (approximately 6000 pyeong) is being built.

Mr. Choi, who has been devoted to the construction industry for more than 60 years, has always emphasized credibility in business. He said, “Businesses should treasure the benefits from society and give back as much.” He highlighted that obligation is the truest form of sharing. Mr. Choi runs the Korean orphanage, Hwikyung Academy, and the Yojin Children Scholarship Foundation. He said, “I, myself, spent a very difficult childhood growing up in an orphanage but I became a decent businessperson through the opportunity to learn there.” He also said that he became chairman of the Korean orphanage to give similar opportunities to the children living there. 

▲ Choi Joon-myung (Department of Architectural Engineering 56) ⓒMaeil Business Newspaper