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Gangwon Governor's first act: Establish AI data center task force

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Gangwon Province Governor Woo Sang-ho prioritizes establishing an AI data center task force as his first official act.
  • This initiative supports a 100 trillion won investment from GS and SK groups in AI data centers along the East Coast.
  • The goal is to accelerate construction, boost the provincial economy, and attract future investments.

Gangwon Province Governor Woo Sang-ho has designated the establishment of a task force for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) data center as his first official act upon taking office. This move signals a strong commitment to facilitating a massive 100 trillion won investment pledged by GS and SK groups for the development of AI data centers along the province's East Coast.

We will proceed with the establishment of a task force to handle the practical work of installing a 1-gigawatt substation, which is one of the site conditions for SK Group to build an AI data center in the Gangneung area, as the governor's first official approval.

— Woo Sang-hoAnnouncing the immediate priority to establish a task force for the AI data center project.

Governor Woo stated that the investment, which he was involved with from its early stages as a presidential secretary, is a long-term project that he aims to see commence construction as quickly as possible to benefit Gangwon Province's economy. He explained that while GS Group has secured land in Donghae with water and electricity solutions, SK Group's investment plans are still pending site selection due to power supply issues.

To address these challenges, Governor Woo announced the creation of a task force to handle the practical work of installing a 1-gigawatt substation, a key requirement for SK Group's potential AI data center in the Gangneung area. This task force will involve ongoing consultations between Gangwon Province, Gangneung City, and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).

The large-scale investment of over 100 trillion won by these two major corporations will have a significant impact on the entire province, and I hope all cities and counties will welcome it.

— Woo Sang-hoExpressing hope for widespread support for the massive investment project.

The governor emphasized his focus on creating an environment that allows companies to proceed with construction and completion swiftly. He highlighted the expected creation of approximately 20,000 jobs during the construction phase and about 3,000 permanent positions upon completion. Furthermore, he plans to attract user companies to foster related industries, aiming for a second phase of development that will benefit all 18 cities and counties within Gangwon Province.

We will support this project cleanly and successfully, which will make other companies pay attention to Gangwon Province again.

— Woo Sang-hoStating the commitment to ensure the project's success to attract further business.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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