Gwangju Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Final Approval of AI Phase 2 Project's Preliminary Feasibility Exemption

Exterior view of Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

On August 19, the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced, "We welcome the final approval of the exemption from the preliminary feasibility study for the 'Gwangju AI Phase 2 Project (AX Demonstration Valley Construction Project)' at the 37th Cabinet meeting."

This Phase 2 project will be carried out with a total budget of 600 billion KRW, aiming to intensively foster approximately 1,000 convergence and fusion companies over the next five years, and to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into research, demonstration, and all aspects of citizens' daily lives. Through this, Gwangju is expected to establish a turning point to become the undisputed AI hub city of South Korea.

The Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry stated, "Over the past five years, Gwangju City has achieved various milestones such as building the National AI Data Center, establishing the nation’s largest autonomous driving simulator, nurturing AI talent, and supporting companies, thereby positioning itself at the center of South Korea's AI industry. This achievement was made possible thanks to the efforts of Mayor Kang Gi-jung, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and related organizations."

The Chamber added, "The AI Phase 2 project has been a key issue continuously raised by the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the local business community. In fact, in April, an increase in the operating budget for the National AI Data Center was proposed, and in May, ahead of the 21st presidential election, the prompt implementation of the AI Phase 2 project was delivered to candidates as a major campaign pledge."

They continued, "To maximize the outcomes of the Phase 2 project, it is essential to attract the National AI Computing Center and to designate the AI convergence complex and AI regulatory free zone in parallel. When these tasks are pursued together, Gwangju will be able to truly emerge as the AI hub city of South Korea."

Chairman Han Sangwon stated, "We will work to establish a foundation for local companies to share and collaborate on the achievements generated through the Phase 2 project. We will also strengthen the industrial ecosystem and create quality jobs by working closely with the government, local authorities, universities, and research institutions."