Haenam Armed with "AI + Energy"... Governor Myeonhyeon-gwan: "Turning a 1% Possibility into Reality"

Next Year’s Budget Increased to 909 Billion Won
Blueprints Unveiled for RE100 National Industrial Complex and More

Haenam County in South Jeolla Province has officially announced its ambition to become a "capital of rural areas," with a focus on AI and the new energy industry.

On December 3, Governor Myeonhyeon-gwan of Haenam County delivered a policy speech at the regular meeting of the county council, stating, "Amid the sweeping transformation centered on AI and energy, we will prepare for a future in which new growth industries and agriculture and fisheries can thrive together in Haenam."

Myunghyungwan, Haenam County Governor, is delivering a policy speech at the regular meeting of the county council. Provided by Haenam County

Governor Myeonhyeon-gwan described this year as "a time when the 1% possibility is becoming a reality, as the AI and energy industries are being combined with the foundation of agriculture and fisheries." He added, "We will firmly establish the direction for the county’s development, focusing on advanced industries, future-oriented agriculture and fisheries, improvements to rural infrastructure, and quality of life."

The key focus is energy. In line with the movement to enact the Special Act on Renewable Energy, Haenam County has put forward the vision of "Haenam, an energy self-reliant city," which encompasses the completion of the RE100 national industrial complex, the creation of a locally produced and consumed energy self-sufficient city, and the establishment of a base for offshore wind power at the Hwawon Industrial Complex.

The county also unveiled its blueprint for the AI sector. Next year’s core tasks include fostering the AI industry based on the National AI Computing Center, building a system for the transition to future agriculture and fisheries, leading agricultural models to respond to climate change, developing a tourism and sports city utilizing historical, cultural, and natural resources, establishing a youth-friendly city, and expanding the transportation network as the "balcony of Eurasia."

The main budget for Haenam County next year is set at 909 billion won, an increase of 11.7 billion won (1.31%) compared to this year. By sector, agriculture, forestry, maritime affairs, and fisheries account for the largest share at 294.1 billion won (32.35%).

This is followed by social welfare and health at 207.8 billion won (22.86%), land development, industry, and transportation at 88.2 billion won (9.7%), environment at 78.7 billion won (8.66%), general public administration and safety at 69.5 billion won (7.66%), and culture, tourism, and sports at 57.3 billion won (6.3%). The budget bill will be finalized at the county council on January 16.

Governor Myeonhyeon-gwan emphasized, "Haenam is no longer the end of Korea," and added, "As the capital of rural areas, we will stand on the front stage of global change. In 2026, we will strive for even greater progress with a relentless drive."

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