South Korean builders won $21 billion worth of overseas construction orders during the first eight months of this year, the Ministry of Construction and Transportation reported Thursday.
The figure is more than the annual high of $16.4 billion recorded last year.
The ministry forecast that the figure would grow to $24 billion by the end of this year as more orders are expected.
Hyundai Heavy Industries ranked first in terms of overseas contracts by winning $3.15 billion worth of deals. Doosan Heavy Industry & Construction came next with $2.84 billion, trailed by GS Engineering & Construction with $2.58 billion, the ministry said.
By country, the United Arab Emirates was the largest market for South Korean construction companies, awarding $4.95 billion worth of orders. Saudi Arabia came in second with $2.74 billion while Egypt and Kuwait followed with $1.84 billion and $1.67 billion, respectively.