Wanju Mayor Yu Hee-tae Secures 1.1 Trillion Won for Four Major National Projects Including Physical AI

Major Achievements Shared in Public Welfare, Industry, Population, and Agriculture

Wanju County in North Jeolla Province is expanding its prospects as an industrial city, having surpassed a population of 100,000 and secured large-scale national projects amounting to over 1.1 trillion won.

On September 29, Yu Hee-tae, the mayor of Wanju County, held a press conference and announced major achievements in areas such as public welfare, industry, population, and agriculture since the start of the 9th popularly elected local government. He also revealed the future administrative direction for the county, including details of four major national projects that have been confirmed.

Yu Heetae, the governor of Wanju County, held a press conference in July following the launch of the 9th term of the local government, declaring "A New Leap Toward the Future, Wanju as a Happy Economic City" as the new administrative goal. He also presented the direction for county administration for the next four years to open Wanju's future for 100 years. Provided by Wanju County Office

The combined value of the four newly secured projects alone exceeds 1.1 trillion won. The centerpiece is the “Collaborative Intelligence Physical AI-Based Software Platform R&D Ecosystem Establishment Project,” which is valued at 736.8 billion won. Wanju County plans to create a physical AI demonstration complex in the Iseo-myeon area.

In addition, the county was selected as a candidate site for a 274.1 billion won project to enhance the competitiveness of aging key industrial complexes, supporting the transition of these sites for future industries. The main plan involves transforming five industrial complexes, including the Wanju General Industrial Complex, into future mobility hubs utilizing AI and robotics.

On top of this, there will be a 64.2 billion won third-generation semiconductor material, parts, and equipment specialized complex. The county aims to strengthen the semiconductor materials supply chain and expand the industrial base by collaborating with related companies such as Hansol Chemical.

The Superwide-Area Growth Engine Talent Development Project, worth 58.3 billion won, focuses on nurturing the talent needed for industry within the region. Wanju County plans to collaborate with institutions such as Woosuk University to foster professionals in hydrogen energy and physical AI, linking education with employment and encouraging local settlement.

Yu Hee-tae, the mayor of Wanju County, stated, “Based on our status as one of the four major cities in North Jeolla Province, we have confirmed future high-tech national projects totaling 1.1 trillion won,” and added, “We will create tangible changes that residents can feel, leveraging these future industries and innovations in administration.”

Meanwhile, Wanju County recently surpassed a population of 100,000, including foreigners, and has overtaken the city of Jeongeup to join the ranks of the four major city zones in North Jeolla Province.

Economic indicators also reflect the county’s foundation as an industrial city. Its per capita Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) ranked first in North Jeolla Province as of 2022, and Wanju ranked first in the province for the number of returning farmers and urban-to-rural migrants in 2025. Both exports and the scale of its industrial complexes are among the highest in the region. Wanju’s industrial complexes account for 43.7% of the total industrial complex production and 42.8% of total industrial complex exports in North Jeolla Province.

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