Jeollanam-do Council Welcomes Naju’s Selection as Top Candidate for Artificial Sun Research Facility with 1.8 Million Residents

by Sim Jinseok

Published 25 Nov.2025 15:14(KST)

"Jeollanam-do, at the Center of Korea's Future Energy Capital"

Jeollanam-do Provincial Council Building

The Jeollanam-do Provincial Council has released an official statement regarding the Ministry of Science and ICT's selection of Naju, Jeollanam-do, as the top candidate site for the "Core Fusion Technology Development and Advanced Infrastructure Construction Project." The council stated, "We sincerely welcome, together with 1.8 million residents of Jeollanam-do, the fact that Jeollanam-do has taken another step closer to attracting the artificial sun (nuclear fusion) research facility."

The Jeollanam-do Provincial Council emphasized that if the artificial sun (nuclear fusion) research facility is ultimately established in Naju, Jeollanam-do, "it will mark the beginning of a national transformation that will change the future of Korea’s energy sector and the growth trajectory of Jeollanam-do." The council added, "Jeollanam-do will further solidify its status as the energy capital and as the center of Korea’s future energy industry."

Furthermore, the council stated, "With world-class research infrastructure, a safe site, and strong public acceptance, Naju in Jeollanam-do is fully equipped to become the heart of the global new energy industry and a core driver of national innovation. The Jeollanam-do Provincial Council will do its utmost to support this effort," adding, "We hope that Jeollanam-do, at the center of the wave of energy innovation, will lead the dynamic future of Korea’s energy industry."

Meanwhile, if the artificial sun (nuclear fusion) research facility is established, it is expected to usher in the era of so-called "dream energy," where 1 gram of hydrogen can produce as much energy as 8 tons of oil. This clean and highly efficient power generation technology, which emits almost no greenhouse gases, is anticipated to contribute to the transition toward carbon neutrality and an eco-friendly scientific city, as well as dramatically strengthen the nation’s competitiveness in the future energy industry.