Gwangju Cheomdan 3 District to Host 'Artificial Intelligence Direct Complex'

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] An artificial intelligence-based science and technology startup complex (AI direct complex) will be established in Cheomdan 3 District, an undeveloped area spanning 3.61 million square meters in Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City. Additionally, centered around the AI direct complex, infrastructure such as a residential complex with 7,800 households and parks and green spaces will be developed, marking the full-scale creation of a research-industry complex.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 18th the finalized plan to create a research-industry complex centered on the AI direct complex in areas including Oryong-dong, Daechon-dong, Wolchul-dong in Buk-gu, Bia-dong in Gwangsan-gu, and Nam-myeon and Jinwon-myeon in Jangseong-gun, Gwangju.

Through this plan, the government aims to develop Cheomdan 3 District as a major research and industrial hub in the Jeonnam region, following Cheomdan 1 and 2 Districts. Of the total site, the AI direct complex will occupy 32.9% (1.19 million square meters), residential and commercial areas 17.4% (620,000 square meters), and infrastructure such as parks and green spaces 49.7% (1.79 million square meters).

The government will prioritize the AI-based science and technology startup complex (46,200 square meters, with a budget of 393.9 billion KRW), a regional pledge of the Moon Jae-in administration (Gwangju), by locating it adjacent to the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology. Subsequently, related companies in information and communication, science and technology services, and other sectors will be attracted to the surrounding area to foster an industry-academia-research cluster.

Among industrial lands, manufacturing sites will be allocated considering Gwangju’s 11 representative industries, attracting sectors such as research, optical convergence, smart care appliances, next-generation batteries, nanotechnology, and medical industries. 12.6% of the total industrial land area will be supplied exclusively for small and medium enterprises. The residential land will provide a total of 7,800 households, with rental housing accounting for about 30% of all units.

The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "This plan will lay the foundation for the successful implementation of the Moon Jae-in administration’s national agenda (regional pledge) such as the AI-based science and technology startup complex, and by creating a future-oriented research-industry complex to meet the increasing demand for industrial land and changes in industrial structure within the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions, it is expected to contribute to national development and regional economic revitalization."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.