Jeollanamdo Europe Office

Representative Office of Jeollanamdo Provincial Government of South Korea

Category: Technology

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.

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.

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.

Korea Institute of Energy Technology (Kentech) in Naju welcomes its first students

Posted by on in 2022, Allgemein, Education, Investment, Renewable Energy, TechnologyLeave a comment

On Wednesday (March 2nd) the Korea Institue of Energy Technology (Kentech) welcomed its first students at its brand new campus in Naju, Jeollanamdo. Kentech is Korea’s first and only university dedicated to energy studies, vowing to foster global talents in fight of climate change and to master the transition to renewable green energy.

The major research areas of Kentech are energy artificial intelligence (AI), new energy materials, the next-generation grid, hydrogen energy, and environmental and climate technology.

The university plans with up to 1,000 students and 100 professors by 2025, the long-term goal is to establish Kentech as one of the world’s top 10 universities by 2050.

Hyundai Steel and POSCO start joint project to recycle seashells

Posted by on in 2021, Chemistry, Investment, Nature, TechnologyLeave a comment

Hyundai Steel and POSCO, Korea’s two largest steel manufacturers are starting a joint project in order to recycle seashells for producing steel. So far steelmakers rely on limestone in order to break down iron ore into fine pieces. However, Hyundai Steel and POSCO aim to go greener and as South Korea alone produces over 300,000 tons of discarded seashells every year, the companies plan to recycle them as a replacement for limestone.

Just as limestone, seashells are made mostly of calcium carbonate. So far it was not sure whether or not seashells could be used in the same way as limestone in order to produce steel, as so far no technology existed to extract the needed substance from the seashells. However, thanks to years of research by Jeollanamdo based company Yeosu Bio, engineers came up with the necessary technology on behalf of the two steel giants.

This new technology is hoped to help solve environmental issues connected to steel production and to help the two companies to ensure carbon neutrality in the future.

Moreover, their main steel plant, which is also the largest steel plant in the world is located in the Gwangyang Bay Area in the southern part of Jeollanamdo. Therefore, Jeollanamdo will play an important role in the upcoming greener production of steel.

More information on the Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone can be found here.

Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Bay – English
Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Bay – English
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Jeollanamdo and Esbjerg sign MoU

Posted by on in 2021, Diplomacy, Investment, Jeollanamdo & Europe, Renewable Energy, Technology, Wind EnergyLeave a comment

Kim Yung-rok, governor of South Korea’s province Jeollanamdo and Jesper Frost Rasmussen, mayor of Esbjerg Commune in the Kingdom of Denmark signed a MoU on Wednesday (30.06.2021) morning.

Through the memorandum both parties promise closer cooperation in the fields of renewable energy to fight climate change together. They plan to achieve this by exchanging information and experience as well as exploring possibilities for joint commercial projects and partnerships.

The main focus of this new cooperation will be on offshore wind energy. Just earlier this year, Jeollanamdo has announced to build a 8.2 GW wind farm at the coast of Sinan county. It will become the largest wind farm in the world. Jeollanamdo and Esbjerg are ideal partners, as Esbjerg is one of the world’s leading ports in providing infrastructure for off shore wind parks in the North Sea of Europe.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the signing ceremony was held online. The MoU will have a duration of three years but can be expended.

Spanish firm to invest $100 m in Jeollanamdo

Posted by on in 2021, Investment, Jeollanamdo & Europe, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, TechnologyLeave a comment

During a business forum in Madrid, Spain, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, South Korea’s President Moon Jae In proposed a closer partnership between the two countries in order to tackle climate change in a combined effort.

Shortly after the meeting two Spanish firms revealed their plans to invest a combined sum of $ 200 m in the renewable energy business in South Korea. While the Madrid based company Ocean Winds will make an initial investment of $ 100 m to establish an offshore wind power plant in Incheon, EDPR will invest an additional $ 100 m in a solar power farm in Goheung, Jeollanamdo.

This investment is another big step in Jeollanamdo’s blue economy plan to become a center of Korea’s renewable energy industry. Just earlier this year, President Moon unveiled plans for the world’s biggest wind farm just west of the coast of Mokpo (Read more here).

Major chemical producers to expand production in Jeollanamdo

Posted by on in 2021, Chemistry, Electric Vehicles, Investment, TechnologyLeave a comment

Several global players in the chemistry industry have announced to expand the production in their factories in Jeollanamdo. Among them were Korea’s biggest chemical producer LG Chem, as well as Hanwha Corp. and the Korean-Japanese joint venture Kumho Mitsui Chemicals.

Kumho Mitsui Chemicals is a joint venture between Japanese Mitsui Chemicals and Korean Kumho Petrochemical which was formed in 1989. The company announced to add another production facility to its already existing facilitiy in Yeosu, Jeollanamdo. This expansion will increase Kumho Mitsui Chemicals production of polyurethane from 410,000 tons up to 610,000 tons. The additional facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, aiming to start production in early 2024. The expansion is part of Kumho Mitsui Chemical’s vow to contribute to the global fight against global warming. Polyurethane is used in many parts such as the automobile industry and housing sector where it is used as thermal insulation material with a high insulation efficiency.

Hanwha Corp. is another major Korean chemical cooperation which has announced to increase its production capacities in Yeosu Industry Complex, Jeollanamdo. The goal is to build another nitric acid plant in Yeosu in order to four-fold the already existing production capacities, from 120,000 tons up to 520,000 tons. Nitric-acid is used for producing semiconductor and display cleaning solutions. Another part of the production capacity will be used to produce dinitrotoluene, a raw material to produce polyurethane. Hanwha aims to finish the construction of the plant by 2023.

Unlike Kumho Mitsui Chemicals and Hanwha Corp., LG Chem has already finished the construction of an additional facility in order to increase the drastically growing demand for carbon nanotubes. The additional facility will increase the output by 1,200 metric tons from originally 500 tons to now 1,700 tons. Carbon nanotubes are a raw material used in the production of electric vehicle batteries.

The continuous increase in investment in Jeollanamdo proves that Jeollanamdo is taking a leading role in South Korea’s fight against global warming and in the search for eco-friendly solutions in industrial productions. Just last month Korea’s steel giant POSCO has announced similar plans to increase its production capacities in Jeollanamdo and to build Korea’s first ever lithium extraction factory.

Korea’s first lithium extraction factory to be build in Jeollanamdo

Posted by on in 2021, Chemistry, e-Mobility, Electric Vehicles, TechnologyLeave a comment

South Korea’s steel giant POSCO plans to build Korea’s first ever lithium-hydroxide extraction factory in Gwangyang, Jeollanamdo. Lithium-hydroxide (LiOH) is one of the most important components when building battery cathodes for electric vehicles. With the rising demand for batteries because of a rapidly growing EV-market POSCO wants to prepare for the future, in accordance to its own expansions in the EV-production business.
As the lithium price is rising continuously due to the rapid increase in EV-production, South Korea aims to be less reliant on importing Lithium from the global market. So far Korea had to import its lithium from South America, the US and China.

The factory is going to be a joint investment by POSCO and the Australian lithium producer Pilbara Minerals.
Construction of the plant will already start in mid 2021 and the factory will be finished by 2023. By then the new lithium factory will produce around 43,000 tons of lithium per year. With this amount POSCO can directly and locally supply the lithium for up to 1,000,000 electric vehicles batteries. Building on this, POSCO is already planning to further expand the extraction of lithium so that by the end of 2030 over 220,000 tons of lithium can be directly extracted at Jeollanamdo.

Gwangyang in Jeollanamdo was the logical choice for POSCO as it has already been running a demo-factory in Gwangyang and is operating additional factories in the Gwangyang Bay Area. Just earlier this year in February POSCO Chemical has announced the 4th expansion of its battery cathode plant in Gwangyang. Therefore the extracted lithium can be directly processed at Gwangyang.

As one of the most important locations in EV production and research, Jeollanamdo is also hosting the yearly Yeonggwang e-Mobility EXPO in Yeonggwang. For further information click here.

From Jeollanamdo to the Moon

Posted by on in 2021, Aerospace, TechnologyLeave a comment

After visiting the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanamdo earlier this week to observe a combustion test President Moon Jae-in made a pledge by 2030 Korea will land on the moon, powered by a Korea-made rocket. This rocket, named Nuri opens South Korea’s door to a very exclusive club of 7 nations which are capable of designing, building and launching its own rockets and satellites into earth’s orbit without the help of other nations.

The first launch of the Nuri rocket is planned for this year October. The rocket is capable of sending practical satellites up to 1.5 tons up into earth’s orbit and is developed using nothing but homegrown technology.

In his speech President Moon explained the goals for Korea’s space program. His vision is to make Korea a leading nation in space exploration.

We will actively push for challenging space exploration projects that build on the foundation achieved by developing a Korean launch vehicle. Next year, Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter will be launched, and by 2030, we will achieve our dream of landing on the Moon by using our own launch vehicle. The technological prowess, experience and confidence that will be gained from exploring the Moon, the first step in space exploration, will provide a solid foundation for space development. Also regarding Apophis, an asteroid that will pass near Earth in 2029, an exploration plan will be established following feasibility studies.

Moon Jae In, March 25.

Korea’s rockets and satellites are being launched from Korea’s own spaceport at Goheung in Jeollanamdo while the technology is being developed at Naro Space Center.

To read Moon Jae-in’s full speech, click here.

For further information about Jeollanamdo’s role in Korea’s space program, click here.