Record-Breaking Funding Secured
AI Mobility Pilot City and More Included in Budget
On December 4, Assemblyman Jung Jinwook of the Democratic Party of Korea stated, "The 3.9497 trillion won in national funding for Gwangju secured for 2026, the largest amount in the city's history, is a remarkable achievement made possible by the united efforts and cooperation of Gwangju City and its eight National Assembly members as one team."
In particular, with a wide range of budget allocations for strategic industries that will determine Gwangju's future-such as artificial intelligence (AI), future mobility, physical AI, and manufacturing innovation-Assemblyman Jung Jinwook assessed, "A solid foundation has been laid for Gwangju to leap forward as a city centered on AI and as a leading city in future mobility."
Assemblyman Jung Jinwook said, "From the preliminary review by the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee to the comprehensive review by the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, I personally oversaw the process as a member of the budget committee. I am proud that I was able to newly include a large number of key projects for Gwangju's development that were not in the government's original proposal."
The 3.9497 trillion won in national funding for Gwangju for 2026 represents an increase of 563.9 billion won (16.6%) compared to the previous year, more than double the government's overall budget growth rate of 8.1%.
Along with fellow budget committee member Ahn Dogeol, Assemblyman Jung Jinwook actively persuaded the chair and Democratic Party secretary of the budget committee, as well as relevant ministry officials, through his activities in both the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee and the budget committee. Their goal was to ensure the inclusion of major projects-such as the establishment of AI, future mobility, and urban innovation infrastructure in Gwangju-in the national budget.
Following the cancellation of the National AI Computing Center, the follow-up measures requested by Gwangju have now been officially reflected in the budget.
During a budget committee inquiry to Prime Minister Kim Minseok, Assemblyman Jung Jinwook strongly urged for strengthening the competitiveness of domestic NPUs, follow-up measures for Gwangju as a leading AI city, and the establishment of an AI demonstration model specific to Gwangju. As a result, 600 million won for a feasibility study on establishing a national NPU-dedicated computing center in Gwangju was newly included in the budget, which he cited as one of the key achievements.
This marks the first step toward establishing a national computing center in Gwangju dedicated to the demonstration, verification, and dissemination of domestic AI semiconductors (NPUs). It is expected to serve as a catalyst for the concentration of national AI infrastructure based on GPUs and NPUs in Gwangju in the future.
Other newly allocated items include: 61.7 billion won for the creation of an AI mobility pilot city; 2.4 billion won for building a functional safety test support base for future mobility cognitive components; 1.5 billion won for establishing a commercialization base for future vehicle modules; 670 million won for building an advanced technology base for convenience and safety features in future vehicles; and 500 million won for a feasibility study to realize Gwangju as an AI demonstration city through AX conversion based on domestic AI infrastructure and AX research.
Newly included projects also cover the creation of core hubs for physical AI, which combines machinery and component industries such as robotics, sensors, modules, and autonomous driving with AI technology.
Assemblyman Jung Jinwook emphasized, "By newly adding 1 billion won in the National Assembly for the 'Physical AI-Based Humanoid Manufacturing Innovation Pilot Zone,' Gwangju has secured a foundation to grow as a leading city in the humanoid industry. In addition, 500 million won has been newly allocated for the establishment of a support center for advanced processes in response to changes in the root industry, which will systematically support the digital transformation of Gwangju's key manufacturing sector. This is expected to significantly strengthen the foundations for process innovation, smart manufacturing, and energy efficiency in the region's manufacturing industry."
He added, "The secured budget is the first step toward further solidifying the foundations for AI, future mobility, physical AI, and manufacturing innovation in Gwangju. Going forward, I will meticulously oversee the securing of additional follow-up funding and the improvement of related systems. I will do everything necessary for Gwangju to become a world-class AI hub city."
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