AI, Tram, and Humanoids: Ulsan Launches Full-Scale Effort to Secure National Funding Next Year
Presenting a Blueprint for Future Industries at the Local Finance Council
Requesting Inclusion of Core Projects to Propel Ulsan as the "AI Capital"
Ulsan City is launching a full-scale effort to secure national funding for key projects aimed at driving future industrial transformation and expanding urban infrastructure.
On May 8, Ulsan City will attend the “2026 Local Finance Council” at the National Sejong Library, hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Budget, to present major projects that require inclusion in the 2027 national budget and to request government support.
The Local Finance Council is a platform where the government, prior to the official budget review, shares its budget allocation direction with 17 metropolitan governments nationwide and listens to local issues. Through this council, Ulsan City plans to highlight the necessity of strategic projects to secure future growth engines.
Attendees at the meeting include Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs Ahn Hyodae, the Director-General for Economic and Industrial Affairs, the Head of the AI Capital Promotion Headquarters, the Director of Construction and Housing, and the Director of Transportation. Ulsan City will directly explain to key officials from the Ministry of Planning and Budget, including Budget Director Cho Yongbeom and the Chief Budget Review Officer, the importance of national budget support for these core projects.
The main projects that Ulsan City will emphasize include: ▲ Development and demonstration of large eco-friendly electric propulsion systems for ships (KRW 94 billion) ▲ Support for Ulsan-Gwangju humanoid-based automotive manufacturing AI transformation (M.AX) (KRW 50 billion) ▲ Establishment of an AI and Robotics Training Center (KRW 30 billion) ▲ Construction of the Ulsan Outer Ring Expressway (KRW 1.2059 trillion) ▲ Construction of Ulsan Urban Railway (Tram) Line 1 (KRW 381.4 billion).
In particular, Ulsan City plans to stress the need for national-level support to transition its manufacturing-centered industrial structure to a future industry based on AI and robotics. By advancing manufacturing innovation projects that integrate AI and humanoid technologies and building talent development infrastructure, the city aims to accelerate its “AI Capital Ulsan” strategy.
In the transportation sector, Ulsan City will present the construction of the Ulsan Outer Ring Expressway and Urban Railway Line 1 as core tasks, requesting government support to enhance industrial and living infrastructure and strengthen the city’s competitiveness.
Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs Ahn Hyodae stated, “Transforming toward future industries such as AI and robotics, and building essential infrastructure like Urban Railway Line 1, are projects that can no longer be delayed for Ulsan’s new leap forward. We will actively work to ensure these projects are included in the government’s budget plan.”
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Even after the Local Finance Council, Ulsan City plans to continue its efforts to secure national funding by visiting central government ministries and collaborating with local National Assembly members.
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