The Eumseong Natural Gas Power Plant project proves that sometimes the best solutions come from daring to do things differently.
A challenge that changed everything
Korea East-West Power Co. had an ambitious vision: build two massive 1,122 MW power plants in Eumseong County, South Korea, as part of the government's fuel conversion initiative.
The cooling tower—a critical component that could make or break the entire construction timeline—was going to be built using traditional reinforced concrete methods. This method posed several risk factors: months of weather-dependent work, safety risks for workers climbing to dangerous heights, and the constant threat of delays that could cost billions.
The breakthrough: precast concrete revolution
Instead of accepting the status quo, the project leaders at Eumseong Construction Headquarters made a bold decision: switch to precast concrete construction for the cooling tower. This wasn't just a slight adjustment—it was a complete reimagining of how massive infrastructure could be built.
Here's what made this approach game-changing:
- Speedy installations
Imagine installing 17-meter concrete columns in just 20 minutes—no temporary propping, no weather delays, no complex scaffolding. That's exactly what happened at Eumseong.
- Safety first
By eliminating the need for workers to perform high-risk tasks at dangerous heights, the project dramatically reduced safety concerns. Every worker going home safely at the end of each day became a reality. - Time is money (and much more)
The cooling tower completion jumped ahead by five full months—from November to June. This wasn't just about staying on schedule but also about avoiding potential losses of 51.6 billion won (31.4 million euros) in electricity sales and LNG terminal revenues. - Built to last
Consistent structural quality throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions, plus a 90% reduction in construction waste. This is what responsible building looks like.
Where Peikko made the difference
When structural integrity and safety are non-negotiable, you need connections you can trust completely. That's where Peikko Korea stepped in.
Han Soo-oh, head of the construction technology department at Eumseong Construction Headquarters, was initially cautious about the bonding between precast structure members and overall structural safety. His concerns were completely understandable—when you're building something this massive and important, every detail matters.
After thorough technical reviews and evaluations, the project adopted Peikko's true and tested bolted connection solution. The result? A cooling tower that's not just faster to build, but safer and more structurally sound than traditional methods.
Improvements and confidence built
This success didn't happen overnight. Since 2017, Peikko Korea has been part of building cooling towers for four power plants across Korea. Each project has taught us something new, making us better partners for the next challenge.
The Eumseong project is a technical achievement that proves that when you combine innovative thinking with proven engineering solutions, you can make a difference.
At Peikko, we believe that the best engineering solutions are the ones that make people's lives better—safer working conditions, faster project completion, and structures that stand the test of time. The Eumseong Natural Gas Power Plant project perfectly embodies this philosophy.
Project facts
Location: Eumseong, South Korea
Developer: Korea East-West Power Co.
Construction company: Eumseong Construction
Completion: 2025
Product highlight: Bolted connections
A fast, safe, and efficient way to connect precast structures on site.
- Time-saving: Quick assembly without on-site welding
- Precise: Ensures accurate and repeatable connections
- Safe: Reduces risks during installation
- Reliable: Proven performance in demanding projects
Curious to know our other reference projects? You’ll find them here.
This article was originally published in Peikko’s customer magazine Connections 2026.