A digital representation of Ulsan's industrial sector integrating with advanced data processing infrastructure.
Ulsan, South Korea’s industrial heartland, is pivoting toward an AI-driven future. Backed by a $73 million federal investment and a 1.06 trillion won local budget, the city is modernizing its shipbuilding and automotive sectors through advanced automation and sovereign data infrastructure. This shift marks a transition from labor-intensive heavy industry to high-tech manufacturing.
Sovereign AI and Underwater Data Centers
The "AI Capital" vision centers on a 7 trillion won data center complex. This includes South Korea’s first underwater data center, designed to submerge 100,000 servers to cut cooling costs by 30%. This project aims to provide localized, high-efficiency computing power for heavy industry. By 2029, these facilities will support the Ulsan Mipo National Industrial Complex, ensuring data sovereignty for local enterprises.
Industrial AI and Training
The Ministry of Science and ICT is developing AI foundation models specialized for Ulsan’s specific manufacturing needs. To support this, UNIST has established an AI college to train 2,500 specialists. Major players like Amazon Web Services and SK are also committing to local data infrastructure, reinforcing the gateway for deep tech in the region.
Smart City Integration
Ulsan is deploying digital twin technology for predictive urban management. New autonomous transit services in the Innovation City district mark the final step in blending industrial AI with urban operations. By integrating high-precision spatial information, the city aims to automate administrative services and improve transit efficiency for its industrial workforce.
