South Korea designates robot and aviation engine special zones

South Korea has designated the Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do regions as a unified national strategic industry special zone for humanoid robots. This designation aims to create a complete industrial value chain by linking Daegu’s software and AI control capabilities with Gyeongsangbuk-do’s manufacturing and R&D strengths in Gumi and Pohang.

In Daegu, twelve leading companies have announced plans for mid-to-long-term private investments totaling approximately 2.2 trillion won. The regional strategy involves four key hubs: Suseong Alpha City for AI and software, Daegu Technopolis for R&D and component design, Seongseo Industrial Complex for prototyping, and the Daegu National Industrial Complex for final assembly.

Additionally, Gyeongsangnam-do has been designated as a special zone for the defense and advanced aviation engine industry. The province plans to invest 773.1 billion won over the next decade to develop a full-cycle ecosystem, from core material development to engine manufacturing and testing. Major participating companies, including Hanwha Aerospace, have prepared investment plans worth approximately 2.28 trillion won to bolster domestic supply chains and technological independence in aviation engine production.