Saemangeum Authority boosts Hyundai's 9 trillion won rollout

Dedicated Robot Hydrogen Promotion Headquarters coordinates permits and infrastructure support.

A panoramic view of the Saemangeum Development Authority.

The Saemangeum Development Authority (SDA) has fully activated the ‘Saemangeum Robot Hydrogen Promotion Headquarters,’ a dedicated support organization, to accelerate Hyundai Motor Group’s 9 trillion won investment in Saemangeum. The headquarters plans to actively support the entire investment execution process, based on a pan-governmental cooperation system involving the central government, local governments, and relevant agencies.

The SDA announced on April 9 that it launched the Saemangeum Robot Hydrogen Promotion Headquarters on March 11 and has conducted approximately 30 working-level consultations until recently.

Through these consultations, the Headquarters is reviewing difficulties in administrative procedures, permits and approvals, and the process of establishing business infrastructure, while actively seeking solutions. It has also strengthened the internal operational efficiency of the organization by holding weekly regular meetings to manage performance and share current issues.

Additionally, the Headquarters participates in the ‘Saemangeum-Jeonbuk Grand Innovation TF’ led by the Office for Government Policy Coordination, discussing inter-ministerial policy coordination and administrative support measures. Concurrently, it is coordinating with the ‘Hyundai Motor Investment Support Team’ within Jeonbuk Self-Governing Province on matters such as site acquisition, permits and approvals, and subsidy support. The policy aims to swiftly resolve investment obstacles for companies by establishing a constant communication system between the central government and local governments.

Yoon Jin-hwan, Head of the Saemangeum Robot Hydrogen Promotion Headquarters, stated, “We will actively resolve suggestions within the government to ensure the smooth implementation of Hyundai Motor’s Saemangeum investment plan.” He added, “We will concentrate administrative capabilities to enable early groundbreaking for key facilities such as AI data centers, water electrolysis plants, robot manufacturing and parts clusters, and solar power generation projects.”

Jung Suk-yee