Korean construction firms are winning a series of overseas projects despite the global economic downturn, with SK Construction and Hanil Engineering and Construction the latest to land plum deals.

SK on Wednesday said it won a W2.5 trillion (US$1=W1,181) order  to build an oil refinery from Takreer, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company of the United Arab Emirates.

Hanil the same day said it has been selected as a contractor by the Libyan Organization for Development of Administrative Centers for the Al Zawiyah Market Project. Under the W47 billion deal, Hanil will build a large modern market for agro-livestock products in the town.

According to the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, Korea’s overseas construction orders have reached US$32.3 billion as of November, topping the $30 billion mark for a third consecutive year. Even though this year’s total is expected to slip from a record high of $47.6 billion in 2008, it is a solid performance amid the global downturn.