JEONJU — Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province is rapidly cementing its status as South Korea's emerging hub for next-generation technologies, scaling up its "Two-Track" strategy combining targeted corporate investments and robust financial support to foster a world-class Physical AI industrial cluster.

Building upon recent regional initiatives, the provincial government is aggressively weaving together R&D infrastructure, manufacturing applications, and financial engineering to transform its economic landscape.

Uniting Policy Finance and Regional Hubs

At the recent "Physical AI Regional Hub Development Forum" held at the Korea Development Bank (KDB) headquarters in Seoul, Jeonbuk officials pitched the region's competitive advantages to over 200 robotics firms and tech startups. 

A centerpiece of the event was a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Jeonbuk, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam provinces, alongside major policy lenders like KDB, the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK), and the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund (KODIT), as well as regional lenders including Jeonbuk Bank. This multi-institutional alliance aims to secure a smooth pipeline of funding, joint project discovery, and infrastructure development for incoming enterprises.

The Saemangeum Synergy and Manufacturing Innovation

Jeonbuk’s strategic roadmap leverages the massive potential of the Saemangeum development area, combining large-scale AI data center initiatives, renewable energy networks, and high-tech manufacturing plants. Plans include scaling up regional testbeds where logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing seamlessly integrate with advanced robotics. 

Furthermore, key industry players are already moving in. Wonik Robotics is pushing forward with plans to establish a cutting-edge robot hand production plant and an AI Transformation (AX) center in Wanju-gun. This aligns with the rapid expansion of the Manufacturing Innovation Physical AI Association, which now boasts over 400 member companies. 

A Virtuous Cycle for Regional Growth

Simultaneously, Wanju-gun hosted the "Physical AI Ecosystem Establishment Project Vision Declaration Ceremony," marking a firm commitment to translating laboratory breakthroughs straight into factory-floor applications.

"We are committed to providing seamless, one-stop support for any enterprise looking to invest or relocate to Jeonbuk," Governor Lee Won-taek emphasized. By synergizing government-backed R&D, Saemangeum's vast spatial infrastructure, and specialized financial networks, Jeonbuk is well on its way to creating a self-sustaining industrial ecosystem that drives both high-tech innovation and job creation.

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