Haenam Undergoes Transformation... Launching a Major Shift with AI, Energy, and Transportation Network as Three Pillars

Governor Myeon Hyungwan: "Improving Living Conditions Is Key... Regional Changes Accelerating"

Haenam County in South Jeolla Province is accelerating the establishment of national-level AI infrastructure, while also fleshing out its vision of becoming an "energy self-sufficient city."

On November 17, Haenam County Governor Myeon Hyungwan stated at a regular meeting, "It has been virtually confirmed that the National AI Computing Center and global companies' hyperscale AI data centers will be located in Solaseado Enterprise City," adding, "Haenam is emerging as a key pillar in the strategy to become one of the world's top three AI powerhouses."

Myeong Hyungwan, Haenam County Governor. Photo by Haenam County

Governor Myeon added, "Regional changes such as job creation and population inflow are expected to proceed more rapidly than anticipated," emphasizing, "Proactive measures to improve living conditions are crucial to maximizing synergy."

The meeting also addressed the significance of the "Distributed Energy Special Zone" designation for the entire South Jeolla region. Governor Myeon said, "The foundation has been laid to foster a locally produced and consumed industrial model centered on the RE100 National Industrial Complex," stressing, "A stable energy supply network and a system for sharing benefits with residents are essential for companies to establish themselves properly."

Expansion of the transportation network was also a major agenda item. The county received a progress report on the widening and paving project for the Masan-Sani section of Provincial Road No. 806.

The first phase of construction, covering the Sangdeung Intersection in Masan-myeon to Nosong-ri in Sani-myeon, is scheduled for completion in 2029. Once the remaining section from Nosong-ri to Daejin Intersection is finished, it is expected that travel time from Haenam-eup to Solaseado Enterprise City will be reduced to around 18 minutes.

The county plans to propose early implementation of the remaining section so that the road can be opened by 2030, when the national AI data center is set to be established, and is also considering the construction of an expressway for vehicles.

Haenam County intends to operate a consultative body comprising industry, academia, government, and local stakeholders to develop a population strategy linked to the creation of an energy self-sufficient city. This consultative body will broadly gather residents' opinions and seek ways to promote mutual growth across the entire region, including Haenam-eup.

Governor Myeon stated, "Once the Masan-Sani road is widened and paved, access to the enterprise city will become much faster," and pledged, "We will devote all our efforts to ensuring that the benefits of the energy self-sufficient city spread throughout Haenam."

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