Jeollanamdo Europe Office

Representative Office of Jeollanamdo Provincial Government of South Korea

Month: December 2025

Haenam Declares 2025 the Year of Its Rise as Korea’s “AI and Energy Capital”– Major national projects open historic opportunities for the region

Posted by on in 2025, AI, TechnologyLeave a comment

Haenam County has identified 2025 as a decisive turning point in its emergence as Korea’s leading hub for artificial intelligence and energy innovation. In his year-end address, Governor Myeong Hyun-gwan stated that Haenam is “no longer the land’s end, but the heart of Korea’s new AI and energy era.”

Key achievements include securing the National AI Computing Center, a mega-scale project expected to generate significant economic impact, and LS Group’s decision to build a dedicated offshore wind power port in the Hwawon Industrial Complex. The likelihood of additional flagship projects—such as the OpenAI–SK large-scale AI Data Center and the RE100 National Industrial Complex—is increasing, positioning Haenam at the forefront of Korea’s technological and energy transformation.

Haenam also made notable progress in agriculture, tourism, and regional development: construction of major agricultural research and climate centers is set to begin, smart-farming initiatives are advancing, large-scale festivals and international sports events boosted visitor numbers, and the Haenam Love Gift Certificate surpassed 820 billion KRW in cumulative sales.

The county achieved high national recognition as well, receiving the top grade in the national public-sector integrity assessment for the first time and maintaining the highest rating for seven consecutive years in the manifesto fulfillment evaluation.

Governor Myeong expressed gratitude to Haenam’s residents for their role in these accomplishments, pledging to build “an even more vibrant and livable Haenam” together in 2026.

Naju Accelerates Follow-Up Measures After Securing Korea’s National Fusion Energy Project– City Launches Taskforce and Prepares Infrastructure to Pass Government Review by 2026

Posted by on in 2025, TechnologyLeave a comment

The City of Naju is moving swiftly to position itself as a leading hub for next-generation clean energy after being selected by the Ministry of Science and ICT as the final site for Korea’s major national fusion-energy project—often referred to as the “artificial sun.” The project will receive approximately 1.2 trillion KRW in national funding and will run from 2027 to 2036, covering core technology development and the construction of large-scale demonstration infrastructure.

Following the site selection, Naju has launched full-scale follow-up actions aimed at successfully passing the government’s pre-feasibility study (PFS) by the end of 2026. Key measures include establishing a dedicated municipal taskforce, accelerating site preparation, and strengthening communication with local residents.

Key Initiatives:

  • Site Preparation & Compliance:
    The selected location within the Naju Energy National Industrial Complex allows rapid development using existing infrastructure.
    The site meets government requirements, including provision of a fully prepared building site by 2028, a 250-MVA power line, and a four-lane access road.
  • Infrastructure & Utilities:
    Proximity to the Wang-gok substation and industrial water facilities ensures the ability to supply large-scale power and water.
    Additional expansion areas adjacent to the main site meet criteria for sustainability and scalability.
  • Building a Fusion Research & Innovation Ecosystem:
    Naju plans to form a Fusion Science–Industry–Academia Cluster centered around the research facility.
    Collaboration will leverage the strengths of KEPCO, the Korea Power Exchange, and the Korea Energy Engineering University (KENTECH) located in Naju Innovation City.
    The goal is to attract energy-tech companies and create strong synergies between research and industry.
  • Talent Development & Science-City Strategy:
    The city aims to attract top international researchers and support their settlement in Naju.
    Initiatives include a “Fusion Young Scientist Program,” an Energy Gifted Youth Center, and development of new residential, educational, and research environments to build a globally competitive science city.
  • Citizen Communication & Transparency:
    Naju will hold public briefings and regional information sessions to explain the project’s goals and timeline.
    Continuous disclosure of progress and active collection of resident feedback will ensure transparency and public trust.

The national fusion project is expected to drive profound structural changes across Naju’s economy and urban landscape. The city anticipates the inflow of around 2,000 high-skilled professionals and more than 300 related companies, which could generate over 10,000 jobs. Population growth, revitalized local commerce, improved residential environments, and strengthened educational and research sectors are also expected.

Naju views this project as a historic turning point—one that will anchor the city’s rise as a global center for energy science and sustainable development.

Jeollanam-do Declares 2026 the “First Year of the Eastern Region’s 100-Year Grand Leap”– Major Industrial, Energy, and Tourism Transformation Announced

Posted by on in 2025, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Technology, TourismLeave a comment

Jeollanam-do has officially designated 2026 as the “First Year of the 100-Year Grand Leap of the Eastern Region,” unveiling a comprehensive development strategy aimed at transforming the eastern part of the province into a core hub for future industries. The announcement was made during the year-end press briefing held at the Eastern Regional Headquarters.

Governor Kim Young-rok emphasized that although the petrochemical and steel industries are undergoing a period of crisis, this moment presents a significant opportunity. He stressed the need to fundamentally upgrade industrial structures, secure future competitiveness, and deliver visible, meaningful changes for residents.

Key Strategic Initiatives:

  • Industrial Transformation:
    Modernization of the petrochemical and steel industries through AI, decarbonization, and high-value technologies.
    Establishment of a battery and semiconductor cluster in the Gwangyang Bay area, including a National Advanced Battery Strategic Industry Complex (12.6 trillion KRW) and an RE100 Future Industrial Complex (12 trillion KRW).
  • Hydrogen & Future Energy Development:
    Creation of an integrated hydrogen platform based on LNG terminals, hydrogen pipelines, and a hydrogen port (5.03 trillion KRW).
    Promotion of the South Coast Hydrogen Industrial Belt and the transition of Gwangyang Steelworks to hydrogen-based steelmaking.
  • Clean Energy & Space Industry Cluster:
    Development of a “Clean Energy Hub” using the province-wide designation as a Distributed Energy Special Zone, including offshore wind projects in Yeosu and Goheung (13 GW) and pumped-storage hydropower plants in Gokseong and Gurye.
    Establishment of a K-Space & Defense Innovation Belt in Goheung, featuring a Space-Defense Innovation Cluster, a second national space center, and private launch vehicle testing facilities.
  • Agriculture & Fisheries Innovation:
    Introduction of AI-driven models for agriculture and fisheries across Suncheon, Gokseong, and Goheung, focusing on smart farms, blue food, and green bio industries.
  • Tourism, Global Events & Infrastructure:
    Development of an interconnected mega-regional SOC system to link industry, tourism, and logistics.
    Major projects include the completion of the Jeolla and Gyeongjeon high-speed railways, upgrades to the Namhae Expressway, and construction of the Yeosu–Namhae undersea tunnel.
    The province will also pursue large-scale international events such as the 2026 Yeosu World Island Exhibition, the 2028 G20 Summit, and COP33.
    Additionally, a wellness and marine tourism belt connecting Jirisan, Seomjingang, and the Dadohae archipelago will be created.

Governor Kim highlighted the historical strength of the region’s land, sea, and industrial sites—foundations that powered Korea’s economic rise. He affirmed the province’s commitment to leveraging this strength to build the next 100 years of prosperity and focusing all resources on delivering tangible improvements that residents can feel.

Jeonnam Technopark Achieves Outstanding Industrial Innovation Results in 2025

Posted by on in 2025, TechnologyLeave a comment

Jeonnam Technopark has delivered significant progress in strengthening regional industrial competitiveness and fostering future growth industries throughout 2025. The institution reported major achievements in crisis-response designation, AI-driven industrial transformation, battery industry development, startup support, and ESG management—cementing its role as a central innovation hub for Jeollanam-do.

Key Achievements in 2025:

  • Designation as an Industrial Crisis Response Zone:
    – Yeosu National Industrial Complex and the Gwangyang region re-designated as priority Industrial Crisis Response Zones
    – Implementation of 40 follow-up projects totaling 800 billion KRW
    – Support includes financing, R&D assistance, employment stabilization, and customized corporate support systems
  • Major Advances in AI and Digital Transformation:
    – Secured 43.8 billion KRW in national funding
    – Projects include the AX AI Demonstration Industrial Complex and the Regional AI Transformation Program
    – Collaboration with GS Caltex, TKG Huchems, and others to build an AI-based innovation and digital transition ecosystem
    – Supported 827 smart factory transitions since 2019 → Top S-grade rating for 3 consecutive years
  • Strengthening of the Secondary Battery Industry:
    – Accelerated development of a national advanced battery-specialized industrial cluster in the Gwangyang Bay Area
    – Close cooperation with the provincial government and increased investment from POSCO and local SMEs
    – Positioning Jeonnam as a future global hub in the battery supply chain
  • Startup Promotion and SME Growth:
    – Supported 133 young entrepreneurs through the Jeonnam Youth Startup Academy
    – Hosted the Jeonnam Venture & Startup Festival, enabling investment and networking for over 50 companies
    – Assisted around 150 companies with technology development, commercialization, and market validation through the Growth Ladder Program
  • ESG and Management Excellence:
    – Awarded by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups at the 2025 SME Convergence Expo
    – Achieved ESG Level 2, with a target of reaching Level 1 by 2029
    – Earned the highest rating in Jeollanam-do’s provincial management evaluation for the second consecutive year

President Oh Ik-hyeon stated that these accomplishments were made possible through strong collaboration between Jeollanam-do, regional businesses, and the Technopark team. He emphasized that Jeonnam Technopark will continue to lead industrial innovation and drive sustainable regional economic growth.

Suncheonman National Garden Transforms into a Winter Christmas Village

Posted by on in 2025, TourismLeave a comment

Suncheonman National Garden has launched its large-scale Christmas season program “Santa Garden – A Place Even Santa Takes a Break,” transforming the nation’s first national garden into an experiential winter village for citizens and tourists.

A 13-meter premium Christmas tree—previously displayed at Seoul’s landmark Lotte Tower—now welcomes visitors at the East Gate, marking the garden’s first metropolitan-level holiday installation. From mid-December, the surrounding area will operate as Santa Village with themed exhibition and hands-on spaces inspired by Christmas sweets, toys, and festive storytelling.

Key attractions include the redesigned Santa Bus, a florist-collaboration carousel, “Red Christmas” and “White Christmas” thematic zones, nighttime lighting along the French Garden and Bald Cypress Path, and Christmas diffuser workshops. From December 20–25, Santa Garden Week will feature family events, treasure hunts, and interactive programs.

Mayor Noh Kwan-gyu emphasized that the project “turns the entire garden into a single Christmas narrative,” aiming to offer visitors both winter romance and a warm seasonal retreat.

Suncheonman National Garden has surpassed 4.5 million visitors in 2024, with projected annual revenue exceeding 12 billion KRW, reinforcing its role as a driver of gardenomics and urban brand value.

Jeollanam-do Accelerates International Efforts to Secure Hosting of the UNFCCC Climate Week 2026

Posted by on in 2025, Jeollanamdo & Europe, UNLeave a comment

Jeollanam-do is intensifying its efforts to secure the hosting of the UNFCCC Climate Week 2026 in South Korea, working closely with the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and key international climate institutions. Following its selection as the national host candidate, the province is now actively advancing final-stage international lobbying and preparation.

The Climate Week, launched in 2021 under the leadership of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is one of the world’s most significant climate platforms. Delegations from 198 member countries, international organizations, NGOs, and global experts participate to engage in preliminary discussions that shape the official agenda of the COP.

At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Jeollanam-do presented its carbon-neutrality strategy and highlighted the importance of hosting the Climate Week in Yeosu. A formal letter from the Governor of Jeollanam-do was delivered to UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, expressing South Korea’s commitment and request for hosting rights.

In December, a delegation led by Jeollanam-do’s Ambassador for International Relations, Park Cheol-ju, visited the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn and the ICLEI World Secretariat. During meetings with UNFCCC Deputy Executive Secretary Noura Hammamaji and ICLEI Secretary General Gino van Begin, the delegation emphasized Jeollanam-do’s readiness and the global importance of holding the 2026 Climate Week in South Korea. UN officials acknowledged Jeollanam-do’s strong capabilities and commitment.

The official host decision is expected later this December. Jeollanam-do is already preparing high-quality conference venues, meaningful side programs, and secure and convenient accommodation and transport systems.

Governor Kim Young-rok stated:
“Hosting the UNFCCC Climate Week 2026 would not only position South Korea as a global leader in climate response, but also serve as a crucial opportunity to showcase Jeollanam-do’s long-standing commitment and capacity in the field. We will continue to work with all relevant institutions to successfully secure the hosting.”

Jeollanam-do Begins “Love Thermometer Tower” Fundraising with Goal of 11.4 Billion KRW (~ 8.8 million USD)

Posted by on in 2025Leave a comment

Jeollanam-do has launched the Hope 2026 Sharing Campaign with a fundraising goal of 11.4 billion KRW (approx. 8.8 million USD). The campaign runs from December 1 until January 31 under the slogan “Giving that adds happiness.”
At the opening ceremony, major institutions—including Governor Kim Young-rok and representatives from local organizations—participated in the unveiling of the Love Thermometer Tower, which reaches 100°C once the fundraising target is met.

The first donations for the Hope 2026 campaign included:

  • 2.5 billion KRW (1.92 mio. USD) from KEPCO KPS
  • 1 billion KRW (770,000 USD) from NH Nonghyup Bank Jeonnam Headquarters
  • 110 million KRW (85,000 USD) from the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly

Governor Kim emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable groups during challenging economic and climate conditions and encouraged residents to contribute through local welfare centers or the official Jeonnam Community Chest account.