Jeonnam-Gwangju Europe Office

Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan Government of South Korea

Category: 2026

Jeonnam-Gwangju’s Industrial Belt Links Chips, Materials and Renewable Energy

Posted by on in 2026, AllgemeinLeave a comment

Jeonnam-Gwangju is planning a three-zone industrial belt that would connect semiconductor and AI manufacturing with materials production and renewable power. The strategy follows the region’s administrative merger on July 1 and aims to create more of the supply chain within the region. Its success will depend on investment in specialist facilities, industrial suppliers and the electricity grid.

The proposed belt assigns a distinct role to each area: Gwangju would focus on advanced manufacturing, the east on materials and parts, and the west on renewable energy supply. The city says this could reduce the region’s dependence on South Korea’s capital region.

Key Conditions for Success:

  • A focused role for Gwangju: The city plans to link AI design, semiconductor testing and packaging, future vehicle parts, and energy data. Developing specialist capabilities in chips for AI, power systems and vehicles will require facilities and skilled workers.
  • Support for eastern suppliers: Yeosu and Gwangyang Bay already have strengths in petrochemicals, steel and ports. Materials and parts companies would need support to move into products for semiconductor production, batteries, robotics and aerospace.
  • Renewable power in the west: Offshore wind, solar power and industrial sites designed to use renewable electricity are central to the plan. Projects under discussion include an RE100 pilot industrial complex near Haenam, wind farms and local microgrids.
  • Enough grid capacity: New generation will benefit factories only if electricity can reach them reliably. Transmission investment is therefore as important as building renewable energy projects.
  • Coordination and delivery: The city intends to seek support from the national government and parliament. Several elements remain proposals, and the three zones will need to develop in step for the belt to work as intended.

For Europe, the plan offers a useful example of regional industrial planning: chip production, its suppliers and renewable power are being considered together. Whether that approach delivers results in Jeonnam-Gwangju will become clearer as facilities are built, suppliers expand and grid connections are secured.

Jeonnam-Gwangju’s Solar Income Villages Aim to Build Lasting Community Revenue

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

Jeonnam-Gwangju is preparing to turn locally generated solar power into a long-term source of shared income for rural communities, with 19 villages participating in the “Solar Income Village” initiative. Most are still at the pre-construction stage, making financial planning, resident participation, and reliable grid access essential foundations for the years ahead.

The initiative enables residents to form cooperatives and participate in solar power projects, with proceeds potentially distributed to individuals or reinvested in community welfare and shared services. A Namdo Ilbo report identifies five conditions for ensuring these projects deliver benefits over a 20-year operating period.

Key Conditions for Success:

  • Resident-Led Decision-Making: Residents must retain a meaningful role in selecting project partners, approving loans, determining how revenue is used, and planning equipment replacement. In Woryang 1-ri, Donggang-myeon, Naju, a planned 725 kW solar project illustrates the importance of explaining financing and unfamiliar technologies clearly and maintaining community agreement throughout development.
  • Income After Costs: Electricity sales alone do not determine a project’s value to the village. Shared income depends on what remains after loan repayments, interest, land rental, maintenance, and other operating expenses. Financing terms and site arrangements therefore have a direct impact on long-term returns.
  • Reliable Grid Access: Honam’s rapid expansion of renewable energy has placed pressure on available grid capacity. Delayed connections and restrictions on electricity output could reduce anticipated revenue. Energy storage systems (ESS) and virtual power plants (VPP) may help accommodate additional generation, alongside improvements to the electricity network.
  • Professional Long-Term Management: Solar facilities require ongoing performance monitoring, inspections, repairs, and equipment replacement. These costs must be included from the outset, with arrangements ensuring continuity if operating companies change. Residents should remain informed even when technical management is outsourced.
  • Clear and Lasting Agreements: Rules governing revenue sharing and project management must remain effective as residents, village leaders, and cooperative boards change. Formal agreements between cooperatives and village communities can help prevent future disputes over how income should benefit the wider community.

Government measures to support priority grid access and expand network capacity could reduce uncertainty, but each village’s prospects will depend on its location, financing, connection arrangements, and operating model. Local authorities and specialist institutions also have a role in supporting residents with contracts, technical questions, and financial decisions.

For Jeonnam-Gwangju, the initiative offers an opportunity to connect renewable energy development with rural community welfare. Its success will ultimately depend on whether operating projects generate reliable income after costs, sustain resident participation, and deliver lasting improvements to village life.

Jindo County Launches Island Tourism Initiative with New Direct Ferry Service to Gwanmae-do

Posted by on in 2026, TourismLeave a comment

Jindo County in South Jeolla Province is revitalizing island tourism by partnering with major travel agencies to develop tourism products connected to a newly launched direct passenger ferry service to Gwanmae-do. On February 25, the county signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Domestic Travel Agency Association and the Korea Leading Travel Agency Association, with Governor Kim Heesu and approximately 20 travel agency representatives in attendance.

Under the agreement, the organizations will jointly plan and operate tourism packages linked to the direct ferry service, developing both day-trip and multi-day package products while leveraging travel agency networks to promote tourism nationwide. The move comes as Gwanmae-do, known for its exceptional natural scenery including the “Eight Scenic Spots of Gwanmae” and pristine marine areas, has experienced limited accessibility with only twice-daily ferry service, restricting opportunities for day visitors.

The county has invested 4 billion won to build a new 184-ton passenger vessel and plans to commence three daily direct ferry services starting April 1. This increased frequency will significantly improve accessibility to the island, making day trips more practical and enabling longer-stay tourism experiences. The county plans to develop high value-added tourism products that combine Gwanmae-do’s nature tours and marine activities with the culinary and cultural attractions of Jindo’s main island.

Governor Kim Heesu emphasized that the direct ferry is more than transportation infrastructure—it represents a strategic catalyst for revitalizing island tourism. The county plans to conduct familiarization tours and pilot product operations before launching comprehensive promotion and sales of tourism packages upon the ferry service’s commencement. This initiative positions Gwanmae-do and Jindo County as a premier destination for island and marine tourism in Korea.

Suncheon Drama Filming Site Hosts Special Pet-Friendly Seollal Festival

Posted by on in 2026, Events, TourismLeave a comment

Traditional games, retro 70s-80s performances, and companion animal experiences create comprehensive family holiday celebration

A city representative stated: “For this Seollal holiday, we have prepared a festival space where not only parents and children but even companion animals can enjoy together. We hope visitors will spend a warm and happy holiday at the drama filming site, as if traveling back in time.”

The city of Suncheon is launching an innovative five-day Seollal holiday program at the historic Suncheon Drama Filming Site from February 14-18, 2026. The event represents a groundbreaking approach to Korean traditional celebrations by specifically accommodating families traveling with their pets alongside classic holiday activities.

Revolutionary “Petfam” Programming

The festival significantly expands programming for the growing “petfam” demographic – families who consider their companion animals full family members. Unique offerings include:

Retro Partner Experiences: Visitors can dress in matching vintage school uniforms with their dogs and explore the authentically recreated 1960s-80s alleyways together.

Creative Workshops: A dedicated DIY zone allows participants to craft custom accessories for their pets.

Professional Photography: Social media event participants receive professional black-and-white photo sessions in nostalgic styling, plus specialized “pet welcome kits.”

Cultural Programming: Nostalgia Meets Tradition

The historic Sunyang Theater will host performances throughout the holiday period, featuring:

  • Musical theater troupes performing in the nostalgic “7080” style (1970s-80s era)
  • Live emotional band concerts that evoke memories of Korea’s rapid modernization period

Multigenerational Activities

Traditional Korean games will operate continuously throughout the filming site:

  • Giant Yutnori (traditional Korean board game in oversized format)
  • Gonggi (Korean jackstones) and rubber band jumping games
  • Winter sledding experience utilizing the slopes of the recreated “Daldongne” (hillside shantytown area)

These activities are designed to offer nostalgic memories for parents while providing new entertainment for children.

Culinary Time Travel

A nostalgic food market will feature classic Korean snacks from past decades:

  • Eomuk (fish cakes) and roasted sweet potatoes
  • Dalgona (honeycomb candy) and jjondeuki (traditional chewy sweets)

The market aims to engage all five senses and complete the immersive historical experience.

Semiconductors Open the Way to a Grand Renaissance of the Gwangju–Jeonnam Special City with 4 Million Residents

Posted by on in 2026, AI, TechnologyLeave a comment

Gwangju and Jeollanam-do are jointly advancing the development of a large-scale semiconductor cluster, aiming to establish the region as a new core base of Korea’s semiconductor industry. Governor Kim Young-rok presented the vision of a “Grand Renaissance of the Gwangju–Jeonnam Special City with four million residents.”

At the heart of the initiative is a three-axis semiconductor cluster that integrates the complementary strengths of both regions and offers a sustainable alternative to the heavy concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area. The project is further supported by the recently enacted Semiconductor Special Act, which allows priority cluster designation and exemptions from preliminary feasibility studies.

Under the plan, Gwangju will serve as an innovation and talent hub, leveraging universities, research institutes, and planned testing and R&D facilities. Western Jeollanam-do will be developed as a production base, centered on the Solaseado enterprise city, supported by stable industrial water supply, large-scale renewable energy, and logistics access via Muan International Airport. Eastern Jeollanam-do will function as a convergence hub for semiconductors and AI, upgrading existing industrial clusters and linking them with advanced technologies such as batteries and physical AI.

Through this three-axis cluster, Gwangju and Jeollanam-do aim to attract global companies, create high-quality jobs, and retain young talent, positioning the region as a key driver of balanced national industrial growth.

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.