National AI Computing Center in Gwangju, National Medical School in Jeonnam and Jeonbuk
- SEOUL, south Korea (AP) — Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung unveiled a plan Thursday to transform the Honam region into a hub for artificial intelligence (AI), renewable...
- In a statement posted on Facebook, Lee outlined his vision for a "Honam mega City" designed to address the over-concentration of growth in the Seoul metropolitan area.
- Lee emphasized the region's potential in renewable energy, stating that connecting sea and land transportation and further developing Honam's wind and solar energy resources would usher in...
Lee Jae-myung Pledges AI Hub for Honam Region in South Korea
Table of Contents
- Lee Jae-myung Pledges AI Hub for Honam Region in South Korea
- Lee Jae-myung’s Vision for Honam: A Hub for AI, Renewable Energy, and More
- What is Lee Jae-myung’s plan for the Honam region?
- What are the Core Pillars of the “Honam Mega City” Vision?
- What industries will be prioritized for growth in Honam?
- How will Honam become a renewable energy hub?
- What are the specific transportation improvements planned for Honam?
- Is Lee Jae-myung supporting the 2036 Summer Olympics bid?
SEOUL, south Korea (AP) — Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung unveiled a plan Thursday to transform the Honam region into a hub for artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and advanced agriculture.The declaration comes ahead of a key election race in the honam area scheduled for April 26.
Lee Jae-myung speaks at a debate in Seoul on April 23. (Yonhap News)
Honam Mega City Vision
In a statement posted on Facebook, Lee outlined his vision for a “Honam mega City” designed to address the over-concentration of growth in the Seoul metropolitan area. He asserted that Honam, historically marginalized during Korea’s industrialization, would become a focal point for new growth industries, especially those driven by AI.
Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development
Lee emphasized the region’s potential in renewable energy, stating that connecting sea and land transportation and further developing Honam’s wind and solar energy resources would usher in an era of sustainable regional development, encompassing both logistics and energy independence.
Key Initiatives for Economic Growth
The candidate detailed several initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth in the region:
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Supporting the transition to high value-added industries by promoting AI, future mobility, and financial technologies.
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Expanding the National AI Computing Center in Gwangju, complementing the existing National AI Data Center.
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Establishing an asset-specific financial ecosystem in Jeonju to create a third financial hub.
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Transforming yeosu’s petrochemical industry into an eco-friendly, high value-added chemical sector.
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Actively supporting the adoption of hydrogen reduction technology in the Gwangyang steel industry.
renewable Energy hub and ‘Sunlight, Wind Pension’
Lee pledged to make Honam the center of the renewable energy industry, with plans to establish 100 industrial complexes across Jeonnam and Jeonbuk, including Gwangju and Saemangeum.He also announced support for building the world’s largest AI data center powered by renewable energy.
He further stated that Naju would become a focal point for new energy industry development, supported by KEPCO and Korea Energy Technology. Solar and offshore wind projects in Saemangeum, Buan, Sinan, Goheung, and Yeosu would also receive strong backing. Lee proposed a “sunlight, wind pension” system, where profits from renewable energy projects would support sustainable regional income.
Agricultural Innovation and olympics Bid
Lee also highlighted plans to develop Honam as a base for future agricultural practices,the food industry,and public health. He pledged full support for Jeonju’s bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.
Transportation Network Improvements
to improve connectivity,Lee promised to build a robust transportation network in the Honam area,linking it to the metropolitan and Yeongnam regions. Specific plans include:
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Completing the second stage of the Honam High-Speed Railway.
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Accelerating the Jeolla Line high-speed railway project.
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Expediting the West Sea Railway’s completion.
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Promoting the construction of expressways connecting Gwangju, Daegu, and Jeonju.
Regarding the relocation of Gwangju military Airport, Lee stated he would actively support the affected regions through thorough consultations.
Lee Jae-myung’s Vision for Honam: A Hub for AI, Renewable Energy, and More
What is Lee Jae-myung’s plan for the Honam region?
Lee Jae-myung, a Democratic Party presidential candidate, has unveiled an aspiring plan to transform South Korea’s Honam region. The plan focuses on making honam a center for artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, advanced agriculture, and improved transportation.It’s a complete vision aimed at fostering economic growth and addressing regional imbalances.
What are the Core Pillars of the “Honam Mega City” Vision?
Lee’s vision for Honam, which he calls the “Honam Mega City,” is centered around several key pillars:
AI Hub: Establishing Honam as a leader in AI technology.
Renewable Energy Powerhouse: Developing the region’s wind and solar resources.
Sustainable Advancement: Focusing on logistics and energy independence.
Agricultural innovation: Promoting base for future agricultural practices.
Transportation Network Improvements: Linking it to the metropolitan and Yeongnam regions.
What industries will be prioritized for growth in Honam?
Lee detailed several key initiatives for economic growth in the region:
AI, Future Mobility, and Financial Technologies: Supporting the transition to high value-added industries.
National AI Computing Center Expansion: Expanding the National AI Computing Center in Gwangju.
Financial Hub in Jeonju: Establishing an asset-specific financial ecosystem.
Eco-Amiable Petrochemical Industry: Transforming the yeosu’s petrochemical industry into an eco-friendly, high value-added chemical sector.
Hydrogen Reduction technology in Steel Industry: Actively supporting the adoption of hydrogen reduction technology in the gwangyang steel industry.
How will Honam become a renewable energy hub?
Lee plans to make Honam a central hub for renewable energy, with these key initiatives:
Industrial Complexes: Establishing 100 industrial complexes across Jeonnam and Jeonbuk, including Gwangju and Saemangeum.
AI Data Center: Supporting the construction of the world’s largest AI data center powered by renewable energy.
New Energy Development in Naju: Naju would become a focal point for new energy industry development, supported by KEPCO and Korea Energy Technology.
Renewable Energy Projects: Solar and offshore wind projects in Saemangeum, Buan, Sinan, Goheung, and Yeosu would receive strong backing.
“Sunlight, Wind Pension”: A system where profits from renewable energy projects would support sustainable regional income.
What are the specific transportation improvements planned for Honam?
To enhance connectivity within Honam and with other regions, Lee proposed:
Honam High-Speed Railway: Completing the second stage.
Jeolla Line High-Speed Railway: Accelerating the project.
West Sea Railway: Expediting completion.
* Expressway Construction: Promoting expressways connecting Gwangju, Daegu, and Jeonju.
Is Lee Jae-myung supporting the 2036 Summer Olympics bid?
Yes, Lee pledged full support for Jeonju’s bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.