Min Hyung-bae Seeks Securing National Funding for Key AI and Future Industry Projects

Request for Budget Allocation for National NPU Center and AI Infrastructure
Proposal to Include Yeongam-Gwangju Expressway in Preliminary Feasibility Study
Pursuing National Funding for Key Projects such as the AX Demonstration Valley

Min Hyung-bae, Mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, has asked the Ministry of Planning and Budget to include key projects related to AI and future industries—such as the establishment of a National NPU Computing Center and building AI data center infrastructure—in the government’s 2027 budget proposal.

On July 24, Mayor Min met with Park Hong-keun, Minister of Planning and Budget, at the Korea Fiscal Information Service in Seoul, where he requested that major national projects aimed at expanding national AI infrastructure and fostering future industries be reflected in the government's budget.

Min Hyungbae, Mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, held a meeting with Park Honggeun, Minister of Planning and Budget, at the Korea Fiscal Information Service in Seoul on the 24th to request national funding support for the 2027 priority projects of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City. Photo provided by Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City

First, Mayor Min requested the inclusion of the Yeongam~Gwangju Expressway in the third national expressway construction plan and its selection as a project for preliminary feasibility study, in order to improve access to Yeongam and Haenam Solaseido, where the National AI Computing Center and large-scale AI data center projects are underway.

As a core project, he proposed the establishment of the National NPU Computing Center in Gwangju to support the demonstration, verification, and proliferation of domestically produced AI semiconductors. He specifically asked for 1.97 billion won to be allocated in next year’s government budget for the development of the related Information Strategy Plan (ISP).

He also requested that 11.53 billion won in funding be allocated for the creation of the “AX Demonstration Valley,” a follow-up project to the Artificial Intelligence Cluster. This initiative aims to build a demonstration foundation for applying AI to all aspects of industry, cities, and daily life.

In the Bitgreen National Industrial Complex, Mayor Min proposed a project to establish infrastructure for the inspection, maintenance, and verification of autonomous vehicles. He requested support totaling 8 billion won for design and infrastructure expenses to create an industrial ecosystem encompassing production, demonstration, maintenance, and services.

Additionally, he identified several other key projects: AI data center testbed support (5 billion won), the pilot construction of a dried seaweed (Marun Gim) industrial cluster (1.5 billion won), the launch of an AI-content convergence support center (6 billion won), activation of the National AI Cluster (10 billion won), and the M.AX transition to humanoid-based manufacturing industries (4.5 billion won).

To further strengthen the foundation for regional growth, he requested national funding for initiatives such as establishing an industry-academia-research alliance campus for the space launch vehicle industry (2 billion won), creating a startup park (500 million won), attracting an ecological exploration center for the Dadohaehaesang National Park (500 million won), developing a K-Culture Content Tech Town (400 million won), building an AI-based joint technology performance assessment and certification system (3 billion won), and supporting rapid responses to global regulatory and approval requirements for medi-healthcare products (3.5 billion won).

Mayor Min stated, “The projects proposed this time are strategic investments designed to enhance the nation’s AI competitiveness and accelerate the transition to future industries. By linking Jeonnam’s resources in energy, agriculture, fisheries, and aerospace with Gwangju’s strengths in AI, mobility, and the cultural industry, we aim to create a new foundation for growth.” He added, “We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Planning and Budget, central government agencies, and local lawmakers until the government budget is finalized, to ensure that these core projects are reflected.”

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