Hyundai Motor Group will invest 10 trillion won (around $6.9 billion) over five years in Saemangeum, North Jeolla Province.
The goal: a future-focused cluster for AI, hydrogen and robotics on a 409-square-kilometer reclaimed land project, roughly two-thirds the size of Seoul.
The strategic context
The 10 trillion won commitment is part of Hyundai’s broader 125 trillion won domestic investment plan through 2030. Saemangeum is the first major concrete project under that roadmap.
Nvidia backbone: Hyundai is doubling down on AI infrastructure. Chairman Chung Eui-sun has already agreed with Jensen Huang to deploy 50,000 Blackwell GPUs.
That computing power is intended to accelerate autonomous vehicles, robotics and digital twins in manufacturing.
Hydrogen strategy: Hydrogen has been a core pillar of Hyundai’s long-term strategy for years. Solar-powered electrolysis would enable the production of “green” hydrogen.
Robotics is also central to the plan: from the humanoid Atlas to industrial wearables and mobile platforms. Saemangeum is set to become a testing ground for smart mobility and autonomous systems.
Why Saemangeum?
Ample land, strong solar conditions and political backing: Hyundai plans to build an AI data center, large-scale green hydrogen electrolysis facilities and robot manufacturing operations there. Local solar installations are also under consideration to generate and consume energy on site.
Beyond land and sunlight, aggressive investment incentives are a draw:
Long-term land leases at symbolic rates
Employment subsidies
Government support and coordination
Seoul is pushing to industrialize regions outside traditional hubs such as Ulsan — and Saemangeum is emerging as a flagship project.
Sources: Chosun, JoongAng Daily, TechInAsia
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