• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.151-159
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• 2021

Cost information in the Korean construction industry is mainly controlled by the government agencies. However, there have been wild-spread speculations among participants on the adequacy of these unit prices and difference with the actual market condition. Korean public-led unit prices are developed using mainly a top-down approach by a few designated public institutions. Due to the rapid fluctuations in market prices and high-volume of information, it is impossible for a few public institutions to properly consider market conditions. However, there are almost none private cost reference while many are available in other countries to supplement the public cost references. Needs for private cost references have recognized, and this study can be seen as a pilot study to support them. This study attempts to identify the problem areas of Korean cost references and to provide guidance by benchmarking other countries. This study has confirmed the need of developing market-driven cost references by employing a bottom-up approach in which a large number of various construction participants are fostered to provide their own cost information and share with others. It is envisioned that this study provides foundations for further study on the development on-line construction market platform based on abundant and appropriate cost information.