In the age of artificial intelligence, water represents a key advantage. Chuncheon, known as the city of lakes, is an ideal choice.
Yuk Dong-han, 67, the mayor of Chuncheon in Gangwon Province, stated in an interview with this newspaper on July 16, “Chuncheon, known for its plentiful water supply from Lake Soyang, renewable energy resources, and proximity to the capital area, is the ideal site for AI data centers.”
With leading companies such as GS and SK aiming to develop AI data centers in Gangwon Province, Chuncheon has also joined the competition to draw them in. Mayor Yuk stated, “We plan to attract AI data centers along the Soyang River and promote industries in AI, advanced video, and biotechnology.” He further mentioned that a science and technology institute would also be set up.
Mayor Yuk is a former government official who previously held the position of director-general at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and served as vice minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. He was re-elected during the June 3 Chuncheon mayoral election.
-Why Chuncheon?
AI companies thoroughly evaluate factors such as power supply, cooling water, site conditions, and access to the capital region. Chuncheon fulfills all these criteria. Once the Second Gyeongchun Expressway is completed in 2032, Chuncheon will effectively be integrated into the capital region. The travel time from Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, to Chuncheon will decrease from 60 minutes to 25 minutes.
-Municipalities everywhere emphasize AI.
Chuncheon is not a city that merely promotes AI as a buzzword. During my previous term, we established the foundation for developing the AI sector. For instance, we are constructing an AI·Bio Corporate Innovation Park (corporate city) in Gwangpan-ri, Namsan-myeon, with an investment of 1.1 trillion South Korean won. Spanning about 3.63 million square meters—1.25 times larger than Yeouido in Seoul—it was chosen as a pilot project by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in 2024. The aim is to begin construction next year following the ministry’s approval this year. We intend to draw in businesses specializing in AI, information and communication technology (ICT), and precision medicine.
-Where will the artificial intelligence data centers be located?
We are establishing a water-energy convergence cluster in Jinae-ri, Dong-myeon, near the Soyang River. Spanning 816,000 square meters, the project is expected to be completed by 2028. We plan to develop this area into a hub for data centers. There is significant interest from companies. Seven AI firms have already indicated their intention to relocate here. We will provide administrative support actively.
-What is water-energy?
We will utilize deep water from the Soyang River as coolant for AI data centers. The heated water that comes out of the centers will be employed for heating in smart farms. This environmentally sustainable energy will support both the AI data sector and smart farming at the same time. The deep water of the Soyang River has a consistent temperature of 9–10 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The water supply is also plentiful.
-What is the reason for creating a science and technology institute?
To foster growth in sectors such as AI, biotechnology, and advanced video, research and development centers along with master’s and doctoral-level professionals are essential. This is why we intend to set up a science and technology institution comparable to KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology). Our goal is to establish research institutes and graduate schools.
-You referred to constructing solar energy plants on Lake Soyang.
We intend to launch an ‘energy pension’ system by establishing floating solar power plants on Lakes Soyang and Chuncheon. The revenue generated from these plants will be distributed back to residents. We plan to allocate 200 billion South Korean won to Lake Soyang to construct the biggest floating solar power facility in the nation. With a production capacity of 100MW, the goal is to start operations in 2029.
-What about the ‘Camp Page’ website?
The Camp Page site (once a U.S. military base) located in front of Chuncheon Station was recognized as an urban regeneration innovation district by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport last year. This area will play a crucial role in shaping Chuncheon’s future. We aim to draw AI, K-content, and visual effects (VFX) companies here to establish a cutting-edge video industry ecosystem.
-You are constructing a hotel near Lake Euiam.
We intend to construct a five-star hotel and resort at the location of the Doosan Training Center near Lake Euiam in Samcheon-dong. Hotel Shilla will oversee the management. It will feature 200 hotel rooms and 250 resort rooms. A conference facility suitable for international conferences will also be established. The projected completion date is 2031.
-You focus on bringing new life to the old downtown area.
We are advancing the ‘Reborn City’ initiative to bring energy to the old downtown area. We plan to link the Camp Page site, the Chuncheon Station district, and the old downtown to channel pedestrian movement towards the historic district. Cultural, artistic, and educational activities will also take place in the Central Market and Myeongdong of the old downtown.
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