Gwangju Launches 600 Billion Won Second-Phase AI Project

AX Demonstration Valley to Launch in 2026 for Five Years
Attracting 1,000 AI Companies and Opening Public Facilities
Expected to Generate 983.1 Billion Won in Production and Create 6,281 Jobs

The plan to implement the second phase of Gwangju's artificial intelligence (AI) project was approved at the Cabinet meeting on August 18. Gwangju City will officially launch the 'AX Demonstration Valley Project,' which is valued at 600 billion won.

Building on the achievements of the first phase and the construction of the Advanced District 3 AI Knowledge Industry Center, Gwangju City aims to attract 1,000 AI convergence companies during the project period.

A bird's-eye view illustrating the second phase of the artificial intelligence (AI) project planned by Gwangju City. Provided by Gwangju City

Previously, the city established foundational infrastructure such as the National AI Data Center and a large-scale driving simulator through the first phase of the project, which had a budget of 430 billion won. The second phase will focus on integrating AI into citizens' daily lives, with an emphasis on developing core AX (AI transformation) technologies for the mobility and energy industries.

To achieve this, the city will open 3,375 public facilities-including welfare centers, parks, and parking lots-and provide 3,879 types of research equipment from 48 innovation institutions for corporate demonstration purposes. Additionally, Gwangju will pursue the designation of a National AI Cluster and an AI Regulatory Free Zone, and will also work to attract a National AI Computing Center.

Gwangju City expects this project to generate 983.1 billion won in production inducement, 494.2 billion won in value-added inducement, and create 6,281 jobs. The project will proceed for five years starting in 2026, after passing a feasibility review in the second half of this year, provided it is exempted from the preliminary feasibility study following deliberation by the National R&D Project Evaluation Committee.

Kang Gijung, Mayor of Gwangju, stated, "The first phase of the project established AI infrastructure and fostered talent domestically," adding, "The second phase will serve as an opportunity to realize 'Gwangju as an AI Demonstration City,' where citizens can experience AI technology in their daily lives."