Jeollanamdo Europe Office

Representative Office of Jeollanamdo Provincial Government of South Korea

Month: January 2026

Jeonnam Agricultural Cooperative Expands Low-Cost Smart Farms to 100 New Farms

Posted by on in 2026, Agriculture, AILeave a comment

The Jeonnam Agricultural Cooperative is accelerating the large-scale expansion of low-cost smart farms, with plans to extend the program to 100 additional farms within this year. The initiative aims to increase agricultural productivity despite climate change and labor shortages.

The smart farm model significantly reduces initial investment costs and enables farmers to manage their operations more efficiently through remote monitoring, environmental control, and data-driven crop management. Particular emphasis is placed on its user-friendly system, which allows even elderly farmers to adopt digital farming technologies with ease.

The smart farm installed in Gokseong has been operating successfully since last year and is regarded as a best-practice model. With subsidies of up to 60% and additional support from local governments, farmers are required to cover only 10% of the total costs.

Through close cooperation with local governments and partner institutions, the Jeonnam Agricultural Cooperative aims to accelerate the spread of smart agriculture and strengthen the competitiveness of rural communities.

Jeollanam-do and Naju Launch “Artificial Sun – Phase 2” – Preparations Accelerate as Project Enters Key Evaluation Stage

Posted by on in 2026, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, TechnologyLeave a comment

Naju City and Jeollanam-do Province have officially launched “Phase 2” of the Artificial Sun project, a major national initiative to establish a large-scale nuclear fusion research facility in Korea. The project has entered a critical stage, as the Ministry of Science and ICT conducts a technology feasibility assessment, the first key gateway toward full project approval.

Following the successful selection of Naju as the project site in December, the provincial and city governments have strengthened their joint implementation framework to ensure smooth progress toward passing the preliminary feasibility study. While the site selection process marked “Phase 1,” the current phase focuses on administrative procedures, land preparation, and institutional coordination.

To support this effort, Naju City has reorganized its administrative structure by establishing a dedicated Artificial Sun Support Team, while Jeollanam-do has formed a specialized Task Force to coordinate provincial-level actions. Personnel exchanges between the city and province have been put in place to enhance close collaboration.

The Artificial Sun project, officially titled “Development of Core Nuclear Fusion Technologies and Advanced Infrastructure,” is a large-scale national initiative scheduled for implementation from 2028 to 2036, with a planned government investment of approximately KRW 1.2 trillion. The research facility will be constructed in Wanggok-myeon, Naju, and is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Korea’s future energy technologies.

Local and provincial authorities emphasized that the project will serve as a future growth engine for Naju and position Jeollanam-do as a key hub for next-generation clean energy research. The governments pledged to continue close cooperation to advance the project swiftly and respond to the strong public interest and expectations surrounding the initiative.

Naju Accelerates Push for RE100 Semiconductor Cluster

Posted by on in 2026, AI, Renewable Energy, TechnologyLeave a comment

Naju City is accelerating efforts to develop an RE100-based semiconductor cluster, aiming to position itself as a leading hub for renewable-energy-driven advanced industries.

Backed by a strong energy ecosystem—including the headquarters of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), advanced research facilities, talent and startup hubs, and the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH)—the city offers high credibility and feasibility for an RE100 industrial complex.

Naju plans to provide 1.2 million pyeong (approx. 4 million m²) of industrial land with secured water and power infrastructure. The proposed development includes multiple semiconductor clusters, such as power semiconductors, renewable energy semiconductors, mobility-related semiconductors, bio- and agri-food semiconductors, and AI-based power semiconductors.

By reducing the renewable energy transition burden for companies and supporting ESG management through shared renewable energy use, the RE100 industrial complex is expected to attract major Korean conglomerates and global firms.

Naju City aims to leverage this initiative to establish itself as a flagship high-tech and clean-energy industrial hub.

Jeollanam-do Declares 2026 the “First Year of Scientific and Technological Advancement”– Province Announces Major Leap Toward a Global Innovation City Driven by AI, Energy, and Advanced Industries

Posted by on in 2026, Agriculture, AI, Renewable Energy, TechnologyLeave a comment

Jeollanam-do has officially designated 2026 as the “First Year of Scientific and Technological Advancement,” signaling a bold transformation toward becoming a global innovation hub based on artificial intelligence, clean energy, and cutting-edge technologies. The announcement was made during the provincial New Year Kickoff Ceremony held on January 5.

Governor Kim Young-rok emphasized that Jeonnam has strengthened its national position by securing 10 trillion KRW in national funding for the first time, overcoming last year’s political challenges, and emerging as Korea’s center for AI and energy, attracting world-class companies. Building on these achievements, he declared a “Golden Grand Leap” that will reshape the province’s future industrial landscape.

Key priorities outlined in the address include:

  • Expanding renewable energy such as solar, wind, and agrivoltaics to significantly raise farm income and establish an inclusive model of energy-based basic income.
  • Advancing future technologies—fusion energy, artificial intelligence, aerospace, advanced materials—through close collaboration with major universities, while establishing regional AI data center clusters and a southern semiconductor innovation belt.
  • Promoting AI-based transformation across traditional core industries such as petrochemicals, steel, and shipbuilding, as well as in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock through the “Jeonnam-model AX.”
  • Strengthening global presence by ensuring the success of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo and pursuing the 2028 G20 Summit and COP33, while building a Southern Coast tourism belt leveraging nature, culture, and improved nationwide transport links.

Governor Kim concluded by reaffirming the province’s vision of becoming the AI and energy capital of Korea, advancing administrative cooperation with Gwangju, and positioning Jeonnam at the heart of the southern semiconductor belt.