Gunsan: President Lee Jae Myung announced robust government support for Hyundai Motor Group's significant investment in Saemangeum reclaimed land, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), hydrogen, and robotics. This commitment was made as Hyundai Motor Group revealed plans to inject approximately 9 trillion won (US$6.26 billion) over several phases starting this year. The investment aims to establish an AI data center, robotics factory, parts cluster, and hydrogen plants in Saemangeum, located about 180 kilometers southwest of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the automaker has signed a memorandum of understanding with the transport, industry, agriculture, and climate ministries, as well as North Jeolla Province. This agreement promises policy support and infrastructure development to advance robotics, AI, and hydrogen energy initiatives. During a signing ceremony at the Gunsan Saemangeum Convention Center, attended by Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung, President Lee emphasized the investment's role in enhancing South Korea's global competitiveness in AI and robotics.
President Lee highlighted the importance of green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable electricity, in supporting local industrial complexes. The project is envisioned to foster a new industrial ecosystem in the region. He explained that the integration of eco-friendly energy, large-scale robotic manufacturing, and AI will significantly impact the economic landscape of the southwestern region.
Furthermore, Lee detailed plans for industrial and logistics robots from the forthcoming robotics factory to connect with AI data centers, enabling continuous learning and aiding Saemangeum's transformation into a smart city. He envisions Saemangeum as a 'future city' where cutting-edge technologies, including robots, integrate into daily life.
In closing, President Lee reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting this landmark regional investment through regulatory easing and administrative assistance, stating, "The government will provide even bolder support for companies' bold decisions."