Gunsan: President Lee Jae Myung announced that the government will extend strong support for Hyundai Motor Group's substantial investment plans in the Saemangeum reclaimed land, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), hydrogen, and robotics sectors. The commitment came as Hyundai Motor Group revealed its intention to inject approximately 9 trillion won (US$6.26 billion) in phases starting this year. The investment will be directed towards establishing an AI data center, a robotics factory, a parts cluster, and hydrogen plants in Saemangeum, located about 180 kilometers southwest of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Hyundai Motor Group formalized its investment plans by signing a memorandum of understanding with various ministries, including transport, industry, agriculture, and climate, as well as North Jeolla Province. This agreement aims to provide the necessary policy support and infrastructure for the development of robotics, AI, and hydrogen energy in the region. President Lee emphasized the strategic significance of Hyundai's investment, stating that it would bolster South Korea's global competitiveness in the AI and robotics industries.
During a signing ceremony at the Gunsan Saemangeum Convention Center, which was attended by Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung, President Lee highlighted the role of green hydrogen in the project. This eco-friendly energy, produced using renewable electricity, will supply nearby industrial complexes, contributing to the creation of a new industrial ecosystem. Lee expressed optimism about the transformative potential of the investment, predicting a complete overhaul of the economic landscape in the southwestern region.
President Lee further elaborated on the technological advancements expected from the project, noting that industrial and logistics robots manufactured at the planned robotics factory will be integrated with AI data centers for continuous learning. This integration is anticipated to facilitate the transformation of Saemangeum into a smart city characterized by cutting-edge technologies. "With these advanced technologies, Saemangeum will emerge as a 'future city' where robots are widely used in daily life," Lee remarked.
In his commitment to the project's success, President Lee assured robust government support, including regulatory easing and administrative assistance, to ensure the initiative serves as a flagship model of regional investment. He reiterated, "The government will provide even bolder support for companies' bold decisions."
Prior to the signing ceremony, President Lee observed demonstrations of AI-powered humanoid robots and other advanced technologies developed by Boston Dynamics, Hyundai's U.S. affiliate. He expressed gratitude to Chairman Chung for Hyundai's recent donation of a firefighting robot to the National Fire Agency. In response, Chung pledged to enhance the robot's capabilities based on field feedback.
Following the ceremony, President Lee engaged with North Jeolla Province residents in a town hall meeting to discuss the government's vision of establishing Saemangeum as a manufacturing hub for AI-based robotics. He underscored the importance of balanced regional development as a national survival strategy. Additionally, Lee visited Jeonbuk National University to explore its physical AI laboratory, a government pilot project, and pledged continued support for AI-related research and development. Physical AI encompasses AI systems capable of executing real-world physical tasks beyond software-based generative AI.