Agreement Signed with Jeollanam-do and Benefos
300MW Project Aims to Begin Operations in 2029
Expected Annual Tax Revenue of 10 Billion Won and Professional Job Creation
Gangjin County in South Jeolla Province has secured an investment to attract an artificial intelligence (AI) data center project worth 3.3 trillion won. This marks the first case of a large-scale advanced industrial base being established in a region whose industrial structure has traditionally centered on agriculture and fisheries.
On the 16th, at the Seo Jae-pil Room of Jeonnam Provincial Office, Gangjin County, Jeollanam-do, and Benefos Co., Ltd. signed a business agreement to establish the Gangjin AI Data Center. Provided by Gangjin County
On the 16th, Gangjin County announced that it had signed a business agreement with Jeollanam-do and Benefos Co., Ltd. to build the "Gangjin AI Data Center" in the Seo Jae-pil Room at the Jeonnam Provincial Office. The signing ceremony was attended by Gang Jinwon, Mayor of Gangjin County; Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do; Lee Hyunhyo, Chairman of Benefos Co., Ltd.; as well as representatives from participating companies such as Daewoo Engineering & Construction and KT.
According to the agreement, a 300MW-class AI data center will be built on approximately 287,000 square meters in Wolha-ri, Seongjeon-myeon, Gangjin County. The goal is to complete construction by June 2029 and begin operations in July, following the designation of the site as a privately-led industrial complex and the completion of relevant licensing procedures. The county explained that this project is currently the largest AI data center project in Korea.
Daewoo Engineering & Construction will be responsible for construction, while KT will handle facility design. Top Solar will supply renewable energy, and Eugene Investment & Securities and Seed Investment will oversee financial investment.
Gangjin County cited the region's power infrastructure as the main reason for attracting the data center. The only 345kV-class Sin-Gangjin Substation in southwestern Jeonnam is located just 0.2 kilometers from the project site, enabling a stable power supply, which was a key factor. Since renewable energy generated in Haenam and Shinan is transmitted to this substation, the site is also considered suitable for operating a data center based on renewable energy use.
The county expects that once the data center begins operations, it will generate at least 10 billion won in local tax revenue annually. Direct employment is projected at about 200 people, with additional job creation anticipated as maintenance companies move in.
The county also expects changes in transportation conditions to positively impact the project. With the opening of the Gangjin-Gwangju Expressway in the second half of this year, travel time to Gwangju will be reduced to around 30 minutes, enabling connections with nearby AI-related industries.
Gang Jinwon, Mayor of Gangjin County, stated, "The 3.3 trillion won investment is the largest in Gangjin County's history," adding, "We will support the project by expediting administrative procedures such as licensing through a dedicated team to ensure smooth progress."
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