Gunsan: President Lee Jae Myung announced that the government will provide robust support for Hyundai Motor Group's significant investment in Saemangeum's reclaimed land, targeting advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), hydrogen, and robotics. Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled plans to invest approximately 9 trillion won (US$6.26 billion) over several phases starting this year. The investment aims to establish an AI data center, a robotics factory, a parts cluster, and hydrogen plants in Saemangeum, located about 180 kilometers southwest of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the group has signed a memorandum of understanding with the transport, industry, agriculture, and climate ministries, alongside North Jeolla Province. This agreement focuses on providing policy support and infrastructure development for robotics, AI, and hydrogen energy. During a signing ceremony held at the Gunsan Saemangeum Convention Center, President Lee emphasized that Hyundai Motor Group's investment would bolster South Korea's global competitiveness in AI and robotics. He highlighted that green hydrogen, produced through renewable electricity, will be supplied to nearby industrial complexes, facilitating the development of a new industrial ecosystem.
Lee detailed plans for eco-friendly energy initiatives, including large-scale robotic manufacturing plants, a parts cluster, and an AI data center, all envisioned to reshape the economic landscape in the southwestern region. He explained that industrial and logistics robots manufactured at the upcoming robotics factory will integrate with AI data centers for continuous learning, transforming Saemangeum into a smart city driven by advanced technologies.
The president further stated that Saemangeum is set to become a 'future city' where robots will play a prominent role in daily life. He reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the project, promising regulatory easing and administrative assistance to ensure its success as a model of regional investment.
Prior to the signing ceremony, President Lee observed the AI-powered humanoid robot Atlas, developed by Hyundai's U.S. affiliate Boston Dynamics, along with other innovations such as a next-generation mobile robot platform, an industrial wearable robot, and an unmanned firefighting robot. Vice Presidential spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryung reported in a briefing that President Lee expressed gratitude to Hyundai Chairman Euisun Chung for the company's donation of the firefighting robot to the National Fire Agency. Chung assured Lee that the company would enhance its capabilities by incorporating feedback from field operations.