Fifty-seven technical representatives from South Korea will compete for gold in their respective disciplines at the upcoming 47th WorldSkills Competition which will kick off in Lyon, France, in September 2024. Korea aims to reclaim the top spot for the first time since 2015.

According to the Human Resources Development Service of Korea on Tuesday, this WorldSkills Competition will feature 57 competitors from Korea participating in 49 disciplines including industrial machinery, integrated manufacturing, and mechatronics.

Korea has won a total of 19 overall victories since its first victory at the 1977 competition in the Netherlands, holding the record for the most wins. Following Korea in overall victories are Japan (six), China and Switzerland (three each), and Taiwan, Spain, Germany, and Brazil (one each).

Despite its overwhelming number of overall victories, Korea has seen its standing as a powerhouse in the WorldSkills Competition is being shaken as it has failed to win a title since the 2015 competition. China won back-to-back titles at the 2017, 2019, and 2022 editions.

In this competition, Korean competitors will make their debut in five new disciplines, including additive manufacturing, Industry 4.0, robot system integration, industrial design, and digital architecture. These disciplines are also areas where Korea is globally competitive.

Korea is also represented in fields where it has traditionally been strong. Disciplines such as mechanical design and CAD, welding, piping, web technology, mobile robotics, carpentry, precious metal craftsmanship, and steel structure are seen as Korea‘s “fields of gold.”

The country’s national representatives are selected through two selection evaluation matches targeting those who have ranked first or second in national competitions within the past two years.

The WorldSkills Competition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for competitors due to its age restrictions. Typically, competitors must be at least 17 years old and under 22 years old to participate, with some disciplines, such as telecommunications network distribution technology, aircraft maintenance, and water treatment technology, allowing participation up to the age of 25.

Korean gold medalists receive the Bronze Tower Industry Medal and a cash prize of 67.2 million won ($50,255) from the government, while silver medalists receive the Iron Tower Industrial Medal and a cash prize of 56 million won.

By Choi Seung-jin and Yoo Yeon-hae

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