Goyang City to Pursue Hosting of UN Global AI Hub... Forming Citywide Support Task Force

Goyang Launches Citywide Support Committee in August
Highlighting KINTEX, Airport Accessibility, and Advanced Industry Infrastructure
Mayor Minkyeong Sun: "A Turning Point for Becoming a Self-Sustaining Global City"

Goyang Special City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Minkyeong Sun) has launched a bid to host the “UN Global AI Hub,” which is expected to lead the way in establishing international AI norms and facilitating technological cooperation. Leveraging the accessibility of KINTEX and Incheon International Airport, as well as its advanced industrial infrastructure including Ilsan Technovalley, Goyang aims to transform itself into a global AI demonstration city.

KINTEX exterior. Provided by Goyang City

On August 10, Goyang City announced that it has formed a task force within its Smart City Division dedicated to attracting the UN Global AI Hub, and plans to launch a citywide advisory committee later this month, with participation from experts, citizens, and local leaders.

A separate advisory committee consisting of international relations experts, university and research institution members, business leaders, and representatives from civic organizations will also be established.

The UN Global AI Hub is a collaborative organization created to develop international regulations and standards, enabling countries worldwide to utilize AI safely and equitably. The hub will also be responsible for nurturing AI professionals, supporting joint research, and using AI to tackle major global issues in sectors such as healthcare, education, climate, disaster response, and refugee support.

It has been reported that nine UN-affiliated bodies, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as five multilateral development banks such as the World Bank, have expressed their intention to participate. The government will invite bids from local governments in the second half of this year, with the final site to be selected by the end of this year or in early next year.

Earlier, the government signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with six UN organizations, including the ILO, in March 2026, and held a joint launch ceremony for the Global AI Hub Vision in May. A nationwide site selection process for local governments will be conducted in the second half of the year, with the final candidate expected to be announced between late 2026 and early 2027.

Goyang City is highlighting KINTEX, the nation’s largest exhibition and convention center, as its strongest asset. The hub would be able to use the administrative and conference facilities at KINTEX immediately, allowing for early operations. Goyang’s transport links, including direct travel to Incheon International Airport in about 40 minutes and to Seoul Station in 18 minutes via GTX-A, are also cited as key competitive factors.

Aerial view of Ilsan Technovalley. Provided by Goyang City

The foundation for advanced industries in the region is also being rapidly enhanced. New developments to be completed by 2027 include Ilsan Technovalley, Goyang Broadcasting and Media Valley, the IP Convergence Content Cluster, and the third KINTEX exhibition hall. The city plans to build a comprehensive innovation hub connecting broadcasting, content, exhibition, and AI industries in one location.

Goyang also offers a differentiated bid emphasizing “AI for Peace,” leveraging its geographical proximity to the DMZ. Efforts are also underway to establish AI international law and legal education functions in cooperation with the Judicial Research and Training Institute.

To attract the UN Global AI Hub, the city will form a broad-based task force with participation from stakeholders, experts, and citizens in August and will operate both a dedicated TF team, a citizens’ support committee, and an advisory panel in tandem.

The TF team will examine core administrative and financial issues such as facilities and systems to develop an effective plan, while the citizens’ committee will carry out a citywide movement to build public support for hosting the hub.

The advisory committee will support policy discussions and the formulation of attraction strategies.

Minkyeong Sun, Mayor of Goyang, stated, “Bringing the UN Global AI Hub to Goyang will be a stepping stone for our city to become a key center for advanced AI industries. We will unite our administration and citizens to ensure we succeed in securing this opportunity.”

Minkyung Sun, Mayor of Goyang Special City. Provided by Goyang City

He added, “Should an international organization settle here, we anticipate a ‘snowball effect’ attracting additional global institutions and top international companies. This will be a turning point for transforming Goyang from a commuter town into a truly self-sustaining global city.”

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