Jeonbuk‘s 2036 Olympic Bid Aims to drive Innovation and K-Culture Industrialization
Jeonbuk Province is aggressively pursuing a bid to host the 2036 olympic Games, framing the event as a catalyst for economic diversification and the advancement of cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the realm of “physical AI.” Governor Kim Kwan-young underscored the province’s commitment to embracing new challenges during a recent forum.
Historically reliant on agriculture, Jeonbuk aims to leapfrog past limitations imposed by a slower pace of industrialization. “Jeonbuk has long relied on an agriculture-centered economic model, which left the province lagging behind in the era of rapid industrialization. We are pursuing bold innovations that no other region has tried, seeking to set a new direction for the nation,” Kim stated.
A key component of this strategy is leveraging a 1 trillion won ($691 million) government project to establish a national “physical AI” cluster within the province. physical AI integrates artificial intelligence into physical systems like robotics and autonomous vehicles. Jeonbuk plans to build a consortium involving universities, research institutions, and companies to develop facilities including autonomous vehicle testbeds and smart farms across its 14 cities and counties. The goal is to attract investment and establish Jeonbuk as a “global hub of innovation.”
The province’s Olympic bid is seen as integral to this broader vision. Speaking at the same forum,Democratic Party Representative Lim Oh-kyung,a former Olympic handball medalist,emphasized the importance of facing challenges head-on. Drawing on her athletic experience, Lim likened opportunities to ”flying balls” requiring direct engagement for success. She also highlighted the importance of supportive leadership that recognizes and leverages individual strengths within a team.
Lim, a key player in korea’s handball successes – including a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and silver medals at the 1996 Atlanta and 2004 Athens Games – connected the spirit of athletic competition to the Olympic endeavor. She referenced the popular 2008 film “Forever the Moment,” which dramatized the national handball team’s journey to the Athens Olympics, as an example of how sports can inspire national pride.
She further stressed the need for widespread public support, drawing a parallel to the successful APEC Summit recently held in Gyeongju, which she attributed to national unity. “Jeonbuk’s Olympic dream can only be realized with the support of the people,” Lim stated.
The discussion took place at the Global Business Forum,organized by The Korea Herald and Herald Business,which brings together diplomats and industry leaders each Wednesday to discuss emerging global business trends under the theme “Designing the Future.”
