Hyundai Motor Group Saemangeum Innovation Hub Investment in South Korea

Hyundai Motor Group announced on February 27 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Korean government and Jeonbuk State to develop the Hyundai Motor Group Saemangeum innovation hub in the Saemangeum area of Gunsan city. The company plans to invest approximately KRW 9 trillion starting in 2026 to build a next-generation industrial complex focused on emerging technologies.

The large-scale development aims to establish a central hub dedicated to robotics, artificial intelligence, hydrogen energy, solar power and AI-driven smart city solutions. The initiative is expected to strengthen South Korea’s advanced technology ecosystem while supporting future mobility and energy infrastructure.

Large-scale investment in AI infrastructure and robotics

A major share of the funding will be allocated to building advanced digital and robotics capabilities. The investment reflects growing demand for high-performance computing infrastructure to support autonomous systems and automation technologies.

AI data center for mobility and robotics development

Approximately KRW 5.8 trillion will be invested in AI data center infrastructure designed to process massive datasets used for autonomous driving systems and robotic technologies. These data facilities will enable high-performance computing required for developing intelligent mobility platforms and automated industrial systems.

Robot manufacturing and foundry operations

The group will also invest KRW 400 billion in complete robot system production facilities capable of manufacturing up to 30,000 units annually. The facility will include a specialized foundry operation plant designed to support the growing robotics ecosystem and industrial automation demand.

Hydrogen production and renewable energy integration

The innovation complex will also support large-scale clean energy production and energy infrastructure required for future industrial operations.

PEM electrolyzer plant for clean hydrogen

An investment of KRW 1 trillion will fund the construction of a polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzer facility. The plant will enable large-scale hydrogen production, supporting clean energy deployment for industrial operations and future hydrogen mobility systems.

Solar power infrastructure for energy-intensive operations

To power the industrial complex sustainably, KRW 1.3 trillion will be directed toward solar power infrastructure. The renewable energy system will supply electricity for the site’s energy-intensive computing facilities and manufacturing operations.

AI-powered hydrogen smart city development

The project also includes the creation of an AI Hydrogen Smart City supported by a localized energy ecosystem. Approximately KRW 400 billion will be invested in urban infrastructure that integrates hydrogen production with AI-powered city management systems.

The smart city will feature transportation, logistics, safety and daily urban services supported by artificial intelligence platforms. Hydrogen produced on-site will power localized energy systems designed to improve efficiency and sustainability across urban operations.

Economic impact and job creation

The investment is expected to generate approximately KRW 16 trillion in total economic impact and create around 71,000 jobs. The initiative positions the Saemangeum region as a strategic technology hub supporting robotics, clean energy and digital infrastructure development in South Korea.

The large-scale development also reflects Hyundai Motor Group’s broader strategy to accelerate innovation across mobility, robotics and sustainable energy systems.