The vision of Ulsan as an AI capital is taking shape as the city accelerates its transformation from a traditional industrial hub into an artificial intelligence–driven metropolis. The “AI Capital Ulsan” strategy represents the city’s mid- to long-term economic blueprint, aiming to proactively respond to global industrial changes by integrating AI technologies with its strong manufacturing base.
On January 12 at 10:40 a.m., Ulsan City holds the 2026 Ulsan Metropolitan City–Ulsan Chamber of Commerce Economic Forum at the main conference hall on the second floor of City Hall. During the meeting, the city shares its economic policy direction and discusses public-private cooperation strategies. The forum focuses on refining future growth plans for the local economy through industrial restructuring and a comprehensive AI-driven transformation.
 [The Korean Today] Exterior view of Ulsan City Hall in Ulsan, South Korea © 정소영 기자 |
The event brings together Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom of Ulsan, Vice Mayor for Economic Affairs Ahn Hyo-dae, senior city officials including the heads of the Economic and Industrial Office, the AI Capital Promotion Headquarters, and the Investment Promotion Bureau, as well as Lee Yoon-cheol, Chairman of the Ulsan Chamber of Commerce, and around 30 local business leaders. Participants form a consensus that Ulsan’s accumulated manufacturing capabilities, when combined with AI technologies, can create new sources of global competitiveness.
Through its economic policy presentation, Ulsan City identifies the advancement of key industries and AI-based industrial transformation as its top priorities. The strategy focuses on strengthening the competitiveness of core sectors such as automobiles, shipbuilding, and petrochemicals, while upgrading industrial structures by incorporating digital and eco-friendly technologies. Based on this approach, the city moves forward with a phased transition toward becoming an AI capital while establishing a sustainable growth foundation.
The AI Capital Promotion Headquarters presents concrete implementation strategies aimed at securing future competitiveness through a large-scale AI transformation. Key initiatives include the development of an Ulsan-style sovereign AI cluster, the expansion of AI adoption centered on manufacturing industries, the rollout of intelligent city services that residents can directly experience, and the realization of data- and AI-driven scientific administration. Ulsan City states that these measures form the backbone of its plan to turn the AI Capital Ulsan vision into reality.
The Investment Promotion Bureau sets out its 2026 policy vision of building a globally competitive AI city that grows alongside businesses. Core measures include the creation of a 1-gigawatt-scale AI data center cluster, the implementation of AI transformation programs for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the establishment of AI-based infrastructure funding. In parallel, the city promotes startup and venture support, economic recovery for local communities, and innovation ecosystems linking young people and universities.
During the open discussion session, local business leaders raise challenges they face on the ground and suggest areas for policy improvement. They highlight issues such as the financial burden of adopting AI technologies and difficulties in securing skilled professionals, calling for practical and targeted support measures. Ulsan City responds by reaffirming its commitment to reflecting these on-site voices in policy design to deliver economic measures that businesses can tangibly feel.
Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom states, “Ulsan is uniquely positioned to integrate artificial intelligence technologies, built on the manufacturing competitiveness it has accumulated as an industrial capital,” adding that “the opinions discussed today are actively reflected in city administration to implement AI policies that businesses can truly experience.” He further emphasizes that “through the AI Capital Ulsan initiative, the city creates new growth engines and injects vitality into the regional economy.”
Looking ahead, Ulsan City plans to strengthen cooperation with the Ulsan Chamber of Commerce and the broader local business community while jointly advancing investment attraction, industrial innovation, and economic recovery. Attention is focused on how Ulsan’s leap from an industrial city to an AI capital reshapes the region’s overall economic landscape.
[ By Soyoung Jeong | Ulsan Gangbuk | ulsangangbuk@thekoreantoday.com ]
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