[Interview] Governor Myeong Hyungwan: "ACE Haenam with AI and Energy, Giving Back as a City of 100,000"

Haenam Achieves Milestone with Its First Three-Term County Governor... Ninth Term Begins with 82% Support
Solaseado to Break Ground on National AI Center in Second Half of the Year... All-Out Efforts to Attract RE100 Industrial Complex
Building an AX Platform for Agriculture and Climate Center... "I Will Work Solely for the People"

"If the 7th and 8th terms of the directly elected administration were a period of laying a solid foundation for Haenam's next 100 years, built on stability and integrity, then the 9th term is the time when the achievements we have cultivated together with the residents will finally come to full bloom. I will never miss this last golden opportunity to fulfill the promise of making Haenam the capital of rural Korea."

Myeong Hyun-gwan, head of Haenam County, is about to set sail for a dynamic 9th term, having achieved a milestone as Haenam’s first-ever three-term county governor. Backed by overwhelming support and trust—82% of the residents—Myeong, who has once again taken the helm, expressed deep gratitude to the people of Haenam in an interview with The Asia Business Daily on June 18, and shared his ambitious vision to transform Haenam into a future-oriented high-tech city.

Myunhyungwan, the head of Haenam County, expressed his gratitude to the county residents for electing him as the first 'three-term county head' in Haenam's history.
Photo by Lee Jungkyung

His vision is to equip this traditionally agricultural and fishing city with the wings of artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge industries, directly confronting the population decline crisis and turning Haenam into a city with national-level competitiveness that inspires pride among its residents.

The key compass guiding his 9th term is “ACE Haenam” and “the AI·Digital·Energy Capital.” Haenam ACE stands for AI (Artificial Intelligence), Agri (Agriculture and Fisheries), Culture, and Energy—the core engines of future growth that will enrich the lives of the residents.

Myeong emphasized, "Haenam is redefining its status as the center of innovation in agriculture and fisheries and as a key hub for the AI and energy industries, based on our greatest achievements to date. We will create a new standard model where advanced industries and agriculture converge in harmony, leading to tangible prosperity for our residents."

Accelerating the Buildout of an AI and Energy Hub Centered on Solaseado Corporate City

The main stage for reshaping Haenam’s future is undoubtedly the “Solaseado Corporate City,” which has become the focus of high expectations from the community.

Confident that Haenam is the optimal location for AI and energy industries, Myeong is accelerating the construction of large-scale infrastructure. As early as July, the “National AI Computing Center” will break ground in Solaseado Corporate City, with full-scale operations scheduled to begin in 2028.

Additionally, an AI Data Center specializing in energy, operated by KEPCO KDN, is planned for the area. If the “Special Act on Renewable Energy Self-Sufficient Cities,” which includes the establishment of a RE100 National Industrial Complex, passes the National Assembly around September or October, Solaseado in Haenam is highly likely to be designated as the first official site.

Myeong, in particular, is taking a hands-on approach to attract major corporations. He said, “At the end of this month, plans for new semiconductor factories in the Jeonnam region by major companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are expected to be announced. With the determination to bring these investments specifically to Haenam in the southwest, I am working tirelessly day and night.”

The strategy is to actively attract global big tech companies and semiconductor fabs to the 2 million-pyeong RE100 industrial complex in Solaseado, aiming to establish Haenam as a global AI industry hub.

Innovation in Residential Conditions... Blueprint for an Autonomous City of 100,000 Happy Residents

The attraction of advanced industries will naturally lead to a large influx of population and the expansion of residential infrastructure for residents. Leveraging this, Myeong presented a blueprint to create a “self-sufficient city of 100,000 people with renewable energy,” making Haenam an even better hometown for its residents.

To achieve this, construction and sales of a new residential complex with 600 households will begin in the second half of this year. By 2028, more than 1,000 new homes will be completed in the Haenam-eup area, with plans to expand up to 6,600 units as more companies move in.

Education for children’s futures and the innovation of a networked transportation infrastructure are also being pursued in tandem. Following Haenam’s designation as a Special Education Development Zone in 2024, plans are underway to open an “AI and Semiconductor Meister High School” by 2028 to meet the demand for technical talents, alongside proactive efforts to attract an international school.

Myeong expressed, "To repay the overwhelming support of the county residents, I will devote myself solely to the future of Haenam and the happiness of its people," showing strong determination to take action.
[Photo by Joonkyung Lee]

Additionally, the first phase of the Masan-Sani local road widening project will be completed this year. Efforts are also underway to include the second phase of the Gwangju-Wando Expressway and the KTX rail connection in the 5th National Rail Network Construction Plan, with the goal of dramatically improving transportation convenience for residents.

AX Transformation in Agriculture and Enhanced Climate Crisis Response... “A Better Place to Live in Haenam”

Haenam, home to the largest farmland in the country and the foundation of residents’ livelihoods, will see its agriculture and fisheries sectors upgraded to the next level. Myeong has prioritized the construction of an AX (AI Transformation) platform for agriculture and the spread of AI-based smart farming as the top task for the 9th term.

Haenam County plans to proactively address the climate crisis and ease farmers’ concerns by opening the “Agri-Food Climate Change Response Center” and establishing the largest agricultural research complex in Korea by 2028.

In addition, the county aims to brand its four major agricultural and marine products—rice, cabbage, sweet potatoes, and laver—as premium products and to build a logistics hub and export infrastructure for the southwest region, opening a new era of high-income, high-value-added advanced agriculture.

Furthermore, to make Haenam a city enjoyed by both residents and tourists, the county will promote a “Five Colors, Five Pleasures” regional tourism activation strategy and “Sponomics,” combining sports and marketing, while building a dense, on-the-ground welfare network that embraces all generations to make Haenam an even more attractive place to live.

"I Will Leave with Only the Love of the Residents"

As Myeong Hyun-gwan enters what will be his final term, his eyes are filled with deep affection and strong resolve for the citizens of Haenam.

Myeong reflected, “When I started my first term, I tearfully promised the residents that I would come in with empty hands and leave with empty hands—that when I left, I would take with me nothing but the love of the people. The fact that I have been called to serve as Haenam’s first three-term county governor is, I believe, the warmest encouragement and recognition for my unwavering commitment to that promise.”

He added, “When I finish my term and leave, I want nothing more than to be remembered as a governor who worked well and with integrity, solely for the development of Haenam and its people, without any selfish motives. I will never miss this great golden opportunity that has come to Haenam, and together with our residents, I am determined to create a new history for Haenam, where agriculture, fisheries, AI, culture, and energy shine brilliantly.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.