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Ansan Mayor Vows AI, Robotics Transformation and 'Penta Station Area' Development
🇰🇷 South Korea /Technology

Ansan Mayor Vows AI, Robotics Transformation and 'Penta Station Area' Development

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Ansan Mayor Lee Min-geun aims to transform the city into a hub for AI and robotics, leveraging the newly designated Economic Free Zone.
  • The city plans to underground the Line 4 subway and develop the Choji Station area into a 'Penta Station Area' with five major transit lines.
  • Plans also include transitioning traditional industrial complexes to AI-driven operations and enhancing urban infrastructure and public services.

Ansan Mayor Lee Min-geun is charting a bold course for his second term, aiming to pivot the city towards advanced industries like AI and robotics. This ambitious vision includes significant urban redevelopment, centered on the designation of the Ansan Science Valley (ASV) as a Gyeonggi Economic Free Zone. The zone is expected to spur economic growth, generating an estimated 8.4 trillion won in production and 30,000 jobs.

We will foster the Economic Free Zone and the artificial intelligence (AI) and robot industry as Ansan's new growth engines, and change Ansan's future through railway undergrounding and urban space innovation.

— Lee Min-geunAnsan Mayor Lee Min-geun outlining his vision for the city's future in an interview.

A key component of Lee's plan is the "AI·Robot City" initiative, which seeks to integrate artificial intelligence and robotics into daily life. This involves establishing an AX (AI Transformation) demonstration complex and creating the region's largest robot vocational training center, aiming to cultivate over 5,700 skilled professionals by 2028. Educational institutions, from elementary to high schools, will also receive humanoid robots, alongside the development of AI-specialized libraries and smart city management systems.

Transportation is another major focus, with the planned undergrounding of Ansan Line (Line 4) set to reclaim significant urban space for green areas, commercial, residential, and cultural development. Choji Station is slated for a major upgrade into a "Penta Station Area," connecting five key transit lines, including the planned GTX-C and the extension of the Shinansan Line to Daebudo. The mayor also highlighted plans for the Banghameori Port development to improve the quality of life for Daebudo residents and ensure safer working conditions for fishermen.

We will create a city where all Ansan citizens can experience AI and robots in their daily lives.

— Lee Min-geunDescribing the 'AI·Robot City' initiative.

Economically, the city will bolster its commercial revitalization efforts through tailored consulting and an expanded local currency program. Youth entrepreneurship will be supported with a significant increase in the startup fund. Educational competitiveness will be enhanced through the attraction of international schools and specialized education centers. In preparation for an aging population, Ansan will expand its integrated healthcare and housing support services, ensuring seniors can live comfortably in their communities.

Choji Station will be developed into a 'Penta Station Area' where Line 4, Seohae Line, Suin-Bundang Line, KTX, and Shinansan Line meet.

— Lee Min-geunDetailing transportation innovation plans.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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