Mokpo National University Accelerates Efforts to Become the 'AI Heart of the Southwest' with Rapid Attraction of Mega Data Center

Mokpo National University announced on November 18 that it has strengthened cooperation with local governments and officially launched an AI Task Force (TFT) in order to ensure the stable attraction and establishment of the AI Data Center in the southwestern region.

The southwestern region of Jeollanam-do is emerging as a key hub for the domestic AI industry as the construction of large-scale national AI infrastructure accelerates. In this area, a national AI computing center with an investment of 2.5 trillion won is scheduled to be built, along with the OpenAI and SK Telecom data centers. This project is being promoted as a core national policy initiative.

Exterior view of Mokpo National University 70th Anniversary Hall. Provided by Mokpo National University

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This achievement is attributed to the strategic efforts of Governor Kim Young-rok and local governments, including affordable and stable renewable energy, abundant land, and swift administrative support, which have now come to fruition.

Furthermore, on November 5, the entire Jeollanam-do region was designated as a “Distributed Energy Specialized Zone (Special District),” laying a key foundation for attracting global AI companies.

Mokpo National University has been building its capabilities with the goal of becoming a central hub for the spread of AI technology linked to local industries. In 2025, it was selected as the lead institution for the “AI·Data” sector of Jeollanam-do’s Regional Innovation-led University Support (RISE) project, securing 8 billion won in research funding over five years.

The university has organized an AI TFT comprising over 40 expert faculty members, focusing on the development of AI+X convergence technologies for Jeollanam-do’s major industries, including energy, shipbuilding and marine, agriculture and fisheries, and bio.

President Song Hacheol stated, “Attracting this AI infrastructure is a golden opportunity for Jeollanam-do to become a center of the AI industry. The university will play an active role in developing the Haenam and Yeongam areas into an advanced support city for 100,000 people, overcoming the crisis of regional extinction, and making the southwestern region a new growth hub.”

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