Hyundai Motor Group announced a 9 trillion won investment in the Saemangeum area of North Jeolla Province to build an AI data center, robotics cluster, and hydrogen facilities. The initiative was revealed at an MOU signing ceremony attended by President Lee Jae Myung, who vowed strong government support. The project is projected to create about 70,000 jobs and generate 16 trillion won in economic value.
Hyundai Motor Group announced its 9 trillion won ($6.26 billion) investment plan on February 27, 2026, during an MOU signing ceremony at the Gunsan Saemangeum Convention Center. Attendees included President Lee Jae Myung, Executive Chair Chung Euisun, and Vice Chair Chang Jae-hoon. The investment covers an AI data center for robots and physical AI (5.8 trillion won, powered by 50,000 GPUs), a robot and components manufacturing cluster (400 billion won), a 200-megawatt water electrolysis plant (1 trillion won), a gigawatt-scale solar power facility (1.3 trillion won), and an AI hydrogen model city (400 billion won).
Vice Chair Chang Jae-hoon stated, “The next-generation industrial paradigm that will take shape in Saemangeum will become a pivotal turning point for the future of not only North Jeolla Province but also Korea.” President Lee emphasized, “The government will provide even bolder support for companies' bold decisions,” highlighting it as a model for balanced regional development.
Construction will begin in 2027 for the AI data center, solar farm, and electrolysis plant, with completions targeted for 2029. The robot plant and parts cluster will start in 2028 and finish in 2029. This initiative marks a milestone in Hyundai's shift from carmaker to physical AI company, building on technologies like the Atlas humanoid robot and MobED demonstrated at CES 2026. KB Securities analyst Kang Seong-jin noted, “This investment is significant in that it marks the beginning of concrete execution of its physical AI vision.”
Saemangeum, a large reclaimed area in North Jeolla Province for industrial, tourism, and agricultural uses, has sought advanced investments amid recent debates over semiconductor projects. A Hyundai official said, “With our world-leading manufacturing and innovation capabilities, we will contribute to helping Korea take the lead in future industries.”
