(Chuncheon = Yonhap News) Reporter Jaehyun Lee = It has been confirmed that Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province is also conducting investment discussions with large domestic companies such as KT and Shinsegae to attract artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in Wonju and Chuncheon.
Gangwon Province Governor Woo Sang-ho said at a press conference held in a small conference room on the second floor of the provincial office on the 7th, "We are discussing with KT the AI data center we plan to build in Wonju, and we are continuing discussions with Shinsegae as it is considering investment in the Chuncheon hydrothermal energy convergence cluster."
However, he drew a line saying, “It has not been finalized yet,” but added, “I will let you know if there are any further developments.”
As a result, the province is pursuing the construction of AI data centers with GS in the East Sea and SK in Gangneung.
Governor Woo also announced that in the process of attracting AI data centers, he will give priority to reviewing projects linked by large domestic companies and foreign big tech companies rather than independent investments by overseas companies.
He broadly divided businesses seeking investment in Gangwon-do into three types: joint investment by domestic large corporations and foreign big tech companies, direct investment by overseas companies, and investment funds that have secured overseas demand.
The reasons for prioritizing investments linked to large domestic companies were economic ripple effects such as coexistence with local companies and follow-up investments.
Governor Woo emphasized, “The goal is not just to attract a data center, but to build a new industrial ecosystem by creating cooperative relationships with small and medium-sized companies in the Gangwon region.”
He went on to explain, “If large domestic companies participate, they can form a win-win agreement with Gangwon-do companies and connect local talent with employment,” and “We can also expect the group’s affiliates or partner companies to make additional investments in Gangwon-do.”
Regarding the method of attracting companies to the Chuncheon Hydrothermal Energy Convergence Cluster, they announced that they are discussing system improvement with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Governor Woo said, "The current Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport notification is based on a lottery system when multiple companies enter, so large corporations that have shown willingness to invest are feeling the burden," and added, "We are conveying our opinion to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to come up with a plan to screen and select companies that offer good conditions."
In addition, Governor Woo cited major achievements during his two months in office as including the reflection of 11.123 trillion won in national expenses in next year's government budget, expansion of private investment in border areas, and passage of preliminary feasibility studies for 9 national and national road projects.
Regarding the investment agreement last month to invest 500 billion won in Goseong to create the 730,000 pyeong Haesolia tourist complex, it was emphasized that the land of security in the past is being reborn as a land of investment.
Governor Woo said, “The fact that 500 billion won of private capital is coming into Goseong, Gangwon-do is itself a signal that the future of the border area is changing,” and added, “New investments are being made in areas where military restrictions have been lifted.”
In addition, Governor Woo explained that the comprehensive investigation into the use of business promotion funds by heads of investment and contribution organizations under the province is intended to raise awareness of careless usage practices.
He said, “I have ordered an investigation into the incorrect business expense practices as they need to be improved, and if there are serious problems, we will consider taking appropriate action.”
He said, "It is not intended to vote for a specific person, but it is true that some heads of investment and contribution institutions have expressed their resignation. As I have always said, there is no change in our policy to enact an ordinance that matches the term of office of the governor and the heads of investment and contribution institutions within the term of office."
