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.