🇰🇷 Introduction: A Nation Looking to the Future

In 2025, South Korea is not merely envisioning the future—it is building it at high speed. With massive investments in technology, ecology, healthcare, culture, and social inclusion, the South Korean government is positioning itself as a major player in global innovation. This overview of national megaprojects immerses you in the tangible ambitions of a country firmly committed to excellence.

1. 🌐 The Korean New Deal: Digital, AI, and Smart Cities

💰 Record Investments in Research and Artificial Intelligence

The government is allocating more than USD 18.3 billion to research in 2025, with three key priorities:

• Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductors

• Advanced Biotechnologies

• Quantum Technology

📌 Goal: To make South Korea a global benchmark in digital innovation, by fostering local creativity and training a new generation of tech talent.

1.1 Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Semiconductors

Government Investments
South Korea is dedicating tens of billions of dollars to support the semiconductor and AI sectors through large national funds focused on research, innovation, and digital sovereignty. These investments fund infrastructure, data centers, support for SMEs, and specialized AI training.

Education and Curriculum Development
AI is being introduced in schools starting at the elementary level, requiring parallel investments in equipment, educational resources, and teacher training.

Semiconductor Ecosystem
To maintain its global leadership, billions are invested in research for high-performance memory chips (HBM) and securing supply chains. Substantial subsidies also help local companies remain competitive on the world stage.

1.2. Advanced Biotechnologies

Public-Private Projects
Large government grants (amounting to billions of USD) are supporting research in bioinformatics, precision medicine, drug discovery, and vaccination.

Collaborative Laboratories
The “open lab” model provides access to cutting-edge equipment, backed by significant budgets to promote resource sharing between universities and companies.

International Network
Partnerships and project calls with foreign institutions (Europe, USA, etc.) aim to boost competitiveness and accelerate innovation.

1.3. Quantum Technology

Infrastructure and Research
Hundreds of millions of dollars are being invested in quantum supercomputers, specialized labs, and academic collaborations.

First Quantum Computers
Quantum computers are being installed in major universities, involving contracts and the purchase of high-tech equipment (costing tens of millions USD per installation).

International Cooperation
Financial support is provided for bilateral projects, especially with Switzerland and other pioneering countries, to speed up research and develop industrial applications in quantum tech.

For each sector, South Korea is not afraid to match the investment levels of global powers, often committing multi-billion dollar packages to boost its technological and scientific development. All international government communications and partnership announcements express budgets in USD, making comparison easier and highlighting the scale of the country’s ambitions.

2.🏙️ Massive Development of Smart Cities

With nearly USD 7.4 billion invested in smart urbanization, cities like Songdo and Sejong now feature:

• Sensor networks

• Intelligent energy management

• Connected transport systems (IoT)

👉 Coming soon: the launch of fully energy-autonomous and hyperconnected districts.

Sensor Networks in South Korea

South Korea is a global leader in deploying connected sensor networks—critical for smart cities and the modernization of industry and public services.

Large-Scale Deployment
Numerous sensors monitor air quality, forecast floods, and provide real-time alerts on urban pollution.

Technology and Innovation
Long-range networks (LoRa) cover wide areas, particularly in Seoul, where centralized data management enables city-wide service optimization.

Key Uses
Traffic monitoring, energy management in buildings, infrastructure security, and everyday services (alerts, notifications, public environmental data).

Smart Energy Management

Smart energy management in South Korea is driven by smart grids and innovative platforms, with major pilot projects in Seoul and on Jeju Island.

Flagship Projects
Pilot neighborhoods and islands where homes, buildings, and district heating systems are connected, allowing optimized consumption and local renewable energy production.

Notable Advances
Citizens benefit from real-time tracking, savings advice, and personalized alerts. Energy autonomy is promoted in equipped areas, reducing dependence and encouraging clean energy use.

Public-Private Collaboration
Major tech companies, start-ups, and institutions work together to integrate sensors and AI into daily energy management.

Connected Transport Systems (IoT)

In transportation, South Korea is rolling out large-scale IoT systems to ease congestion, enhance safety, and prepare for the arrival of autonomous vehicles.

Smart City & C-ITS
The Cooperative Intelligent Transport System uses sensor networks on roads, buses, taxis, and stations to collect and analyze real-time traffic data.

Concrete Applications
Vehicle-to-vehicle communication, incident detection, route optimization, maintenance forecasting, and smart management of vehicle fleets and urban logistics.

Open Data and Innovation
Collected data is made available to start-ups and universities to develop new urban mobility services.

These three fields showcase South Korea’s ambition to become a world model for smart cities, energy efficiency, and connected mobility—not just by integrating sensors, but by fostering synergy between public players, industry leaders, and citizens.

3.🌱 Green New Deal: Toward a Greener, Decarbonized Korea

🌍 Carbon Neutrality and the Rise of Green Cities

A total budget of USD 95 billion has been allocated to:

• Energy renovation of public buildings

• Promotion of cycling, hydrogen, and electric vehicles

• Expansion of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.)

Energy Renovation of Public Buildings

South Korea places public building energy renovation at the heart of its ecological transition strategy.

Goals: Modernize government infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and other public facilities to improve energy efficiency.

Concrete actions:

• Enhanced insulation, installation of high-performance windows, and smart heating/cooling systems

• Integration of automated management systems to optimize energy consumption

• Deployment of solar panels on rooftops for on-site electricity generation

Impacts:

• Lower energy bills for public institutions

• Reduced carbon footprint in the public sector

• Ripple effect to encourage similar standards in the private sector and raise public awareness about energy renovation

Promotion of Cycling, Hydrogen, and Electric Vehicles

Sustainable mobility is a key pillar of South Korea’s policies to reduce pollution and diversify transport modes.

Cycling:

• Expansion of urban bike lanes, secure parking facilities, and awareness campaigns promoting daily cycling

• Integration of cycling into multimodal solutions connecting train stations, subways, and residential neighborhoods

Hydrogen:

• Launch of a major national program to boost hydrogen production, distribution, and usage as a clean fuel

• Deployment of hydrogen-powered buses, taxis, and trucks in pilot cities, alongside the construction of refueling stations

• Collaboration between industry, academia, and local governments to build a nationwide hydrogen ecosystem

Electric Vehicles (EVs):

• Expansion of fast-charging networks in public spaces and government facilities

• Purchase incentives and business support to encourage fleet renewal

• Integration of EVs into municipal fleets and public transport services

Expansion of Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, etc.)

South Korea is accelerating its shift to renewable energy to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Solar:

• Deployment of large-scale solar farms, installation of rooftop solar panels on homes, public buildings, and factories

• Incentives for individuals and businesses to adopt solar, especially in both urban and rural areas

Wind:

• Development of onshore and offshore wind farms, particularly along the west coast and near certain islands

• Advancement of technologies to optimize wind production and integrate it into the national grid

Other Sources:

• Investments in biomass, geothermal energy, and hydroelectric power to complement the renewable portfolio

• Promotion of hybrid systems combining multiple energy sources and support for R&D to improve technological efficiency

Through these coordinated initiatives, South Korea is positioning itself as a major force in the energy transition and smart city development across Asia.

🔋 The Hydrogen Industry is Booming

Some provinces, such as Wanju, have become national priorities for hydrogen development. These regions host numerous innovation and production projects backed by government bodies, universities, and local businesses—forming true technological hubs around this clean energy.

These areas focus on:

• Building production infrastructure

• Developing local hydrogen ecosystems (jobs, research, industrial use, clean mobility)

• Boosting national and international influence in the hydrogen sector

4.🎓 Spotlight: Education at the Heart of the Transition

An educational component supports these efforts: awareness programs on sustainable development and hydrogen are now integrated into school curricula. These range from in-class projects and pilot site visits to hands-on workshops—training a new generation that is aware of climate challenges and future-facing solutions.

5.❤️ Health, Social Inclusion, and Security

🧬 Regenerative and Digital Medicine

The government is developing connected healthcare programs, notably through AI and medical software. The objectives are:

• Smart screening

• Remote patient monitoring

• Personalized medicine

Smart Screening

South Korea is embracing smart screening in the medical sector to strengthen prevention and improve care efficiency.

Advanced Technologies
Combined use of artificial intelligence, medical imaging, and data analysis to detect diseases early—especially cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.

Automated Systems
Deployment of platforms that automatically analyze, classify, and flag abnormal results for doctors—saving time and reducing errors.

Accessibility
Installation of screening kiosks or mobile devices in hospitals, community centers, and public spaces, making tests more accessible to a broader population.

Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote monitoring is becoming mainstream in South Korea, making it easier to manage chronic conditions and support patients outside of healthcare facilities.

Medical Telemonitoring
Patients are equipped with connected devices that collect real-time data such as blood pressure, heart rate, or glucose levels. This data is automatically transmitted to healthcare teams.

Remote Consultations
Teleconsultations are becoming standard for both routine check-ups and emergencies, using dedicated apps and secure platforms.

Advantages
Faster treatment adjustments, fewer trips to clinics, and better quality of life for patients in rural or isolated areas.

Personalized Medicine

Personalized medicine is gaining traction through the analysis of genetic profiles, lifestyle, and individual health data.

Research and Innovation
Development of tailored treatments based on biological traits and medical history.

Digital Tools
Integration of big data and AI to identify the most effective therapies, assess specific health risks, and offer customized preventive measures.

Individualized Care Plans
Adjustments in prescriptions, dietary advice, or physical activities tailored to each patient’s profile—for optimal care.

These advancements are part of the national strategy to modernize public healthcare, combining technological innovation with accessibility and providing care tailored to everyone’s unique needs.

6.🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social Safety Nets and Equal Opportunity

At the same time, South Korea is relying on a broad range of initiatives to actively combat poverty, promote sustainable employment, and ensure digital access for all.

Strengthening Social Support and Inclusion

Several public programs are in place to support vulnerable individuals: enhanced benefits, reintegration services, easier access to job training, and employment support. The goal is not only to reduce long-term poverty but also to foster the creation of lasting jobs, especially in the green and digital sectors.

Closing the Digital Divide

The government is launching initiatives to ensure everyone can benefit from digital tools: distributing computer equipment, opening free internet access points in public spaces, and offering digital training programs for all ages and skill levels. These efforts aim to prevent anyone from being left behind in the technological transformation, including those in rural areas or from vulnerable communities.

👩 Focus on Inclusion

Special attention is given to the inclusion of women, seniors, and people with disabilities:

For Women: Programs support access to employment, digital training, and entrepreneurship. Mentorship systems, childcare services, and flexible hours help balance work and family life.

For Seniors: Dedicated actions encourage continued employment, upskilling in digital tools, and social engagement through connected community centers.

For People with Disabilities: Specific efforts are made to improve digital accessibility (accessible websites, adaptive devices), ensure access to training, and facilitate professional integration through adapted workstations and targeted support.

Altogether, these policies strengthen both social cohesion and fairness in the face of the country’s ongoing economic and technological transformation.

🚀 Strategic Industries, Culture, and Tourism

7.🌌 Space and Autonomous Mobility

State-led programs are being implemented to develop:

Korean Rockets and Satellites

South Korea is making significant investments in its space sector, with a national strategy focused on innovation and technological independence.

National Space Program
The country has designed and launched several rockets with the goal of having fully domestic launch capabilities. These efforts allow South Korea to deploy various types of satellites into orbit: for Earth observation, weather, telecommunications, and scientific experiments.

Strengthening Industrial Capabilities
Public agencies, universities, and private companies collaborate to locally produce engines, navigation systems, and satellite platforms—facilitating technology transfer and the upskilling of Korean engineers.

Practical Applications
Satellites are used to improve weather forecasting, monitor natural resources, ensure internet connectivity, and enhance national security. Educational programs are also being developed to train young researchers in space-related careers.

Autonomous Vehicles and Smart Roads

South Korea is a global pioneer in autonomous mobility, supported by a comprehensive vision for intelligent transportation.

Self-Driving Cars
Leading car manufacturers and startups are working together to develop vehicles equipped with sensors, radars, cameras, and advanced software. These cars are tested in pilot zones and selected urban areas under progressive regulations that encourage innovation.

Smart Roads
Dedicated infrastructure is being built, including roads equipped with sensors, 5G networks, dynamic signage, and real-time data exchange systems. The goal is to enable vehicles to communicate with their environment—other vehicles, road infrastructure, and control centers—to enhance safety and optimize traffic flow.

Testing Grounds
Several “lab cities” serve as testing grounds for autonomous vehicles and connected infrastructure. These areas allow testing of traffic management, emergency responses, and public perception.

Objectives
To make transportation safer, reduce traffic accidents, improve flow, and cut emissions—all while preparing for the future of mobility.

These initiatives demonstrate South Korea’s ambition to be at the forefront of tomorrow’s technologies by investing in research, education, and smart infrastructure.

8.🎭 Cultural Revolution and Tourism Clusters

Immersive cultural districts are being developed (Cheong Wa Dae, Busan Pop Culture Valley, etc.) featuring:

• Immersive K-drama and webtoon experiences

• A government-backed “Korean Disney” project

🎯 Goal: Double the number of international visitors by 2030.

Immersive Cultural Districts in South Korea

South Korea is banking on immersive cultural hubs to boost tourism and export its pop culture worldwide.

Flagship Examples:

• Cheong Wa Dae (former presidential residence):
  Transformed into a cultural hub with interactive museums, Korean history exhibitions, and digital art spaces.

• Busan Pop Culture Valley:
  Includes theme parks, production studios, and K-pop/K-drama/webtoon experience zones. Visitors can step into famous show sets and take part in immersive workshops.

Immersive K-drama & Webtoon Experiences

• Interactive Studios:
  Recreated sets where visitors can play their favorite characters.

• Virtual Exhibitions:
  Showcasing how webtoons are created and adapted for screen.

• Roleplay and Workshops:
  Visitors can try screenwriting, voice dubbing, or create their own mini-comics.

A Government-Backed “Korean Disney”

Flagship Project:
A national theme park inspired by Korean culture: K-pop, cinema, and graphic literature. A public-private partnership will bring together attractions, shows, merchandise, and immersive experiences.

Ambition:
To become Asia’s must-visit destination for Korean pop culture fans.

Tourism Goal: Doubling International Visitors

National Strategy:
These projects are part of a plan to make South Korea more attractive by expanding beyond traditional tourism and offering new cultural experiences.

Objective:
Double international arrivals by 2030 by showcasing K-culture, creativity, and innovation in hospitality and entertainment.

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased attendance at cultural and leisure sites

• Greater global influence for Korean culture

• Job creation in culture, tourism, and creative industries

These initiatives reflect South Korea’s determination to turn pop culture into a major driver of tourism through unique, immersive global experiences.

9.🌍 Diplomacy, Youth, and Global Solidarity

🤝 Strengthened Global Cooperation

South Korea is pursuing an ambitious international cooperation strategy focused on development, innovation, and inclusion.

Development Aid and International Partnerships

The government is committed to scaling up global development initiatives.

Focus on Strategic Partnerships:
Strengthened ties with Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe through:

• Joint projects in education, healthcare, technology, and climate

• Knowledge-sharing in digital transformation and sustainable urban management

Promoting Co-Development:
Special programs support local innovation, skills development, and economic resilience among partner countries—drawing from Korea’s own experience to offer tailored solutions.

Scientific and Technological Diplomacy

Science diplomacy is central to Korea’s international agenda.

Examples of Partnerships:

• Close cooperation with France in research, engineering, energy, and AI

• Creation of networks and institutes to foster knowledge exchange and co-innovation

Joint Initiatives:

• Forums, consortiums, and international labs to promote innovation, share best practices, and address global challenges collaboratively

10.👩‍🎓 Youth and Women-Focused Programs

Youth and equal opportunity are key pillars of Korea’s global engagement.

Scholarships and Exchange Programs:

• Financial support to encourage South Korean and international youth to participate in global training, exchanges, and internships

• Joint degrees and dual diploma programs to increase mobility and employability

Diversity and Gender Inclusion:

• Programs supporting women in STEM: dedicated scholarships, mentorship, and female entrepreneurship support

• Greater inclusion of youth from diverse backgrounds to ensure cultural and social diversity in global partnerships

Through this multidimensional approach, South Korea is asserting itself as a global leader in cooperation, while empowering an open-minded, innovative, and inclusive generation.

❓ FAQ – Government Projects in South Korea (2025)

Why is South Korea investing so heavily in AI and technology?

Because AI is seen as a pillar of technological sovereignty and long-term competitiveness. Korea aims to become a world leader in strategic sectors.

How much is the government spending on ecology?

The Green New Deal represents around USD 95 billion, focusing on hydrogen, renewables, and green infrastructure.

What are the most innovative projects right now?

Highlights include the smart cities of Songdo and Sejong, the national space program, and the creation of immersive cultural districts.

Is social inclusion also a priority?

Yes. Fair digital access, gender equality, healthcare for all, and support for vulnerable populations are core to the government’s agenda.

❓ FAQ – Environmental and Energy Issues in South Korea

What are South Korea’s main environmental challenges?

Urban air pollution, waste management, climate change, and fossil fuel dependence. The government promotes clean transport, green urban planning, and emissions reduction.

What defines a sustainable policy in Korea?

Building low-pollution infrastructure, promoting eco-friendly materials, encouraging low-carbon lifestyles, and engaging all sectors of society.

How is South Korea expanding renewable energy?

Through investments in wind, solar, biomass, and urban heating networks, combined with funding for innovation in major cities.

What is a “positive energy building”?

A building that produces more energy (via solar or wind) than it consumes—now a target for future public and private construction.

Do startups contribute to the energy transition?

Yes—many develop solutions in smart energy management, biofuels, low-energy public lighting, and energy network cybersecurity.

Can local governments play a role?

Absolutely—they deploy heating networks, install smart meters, and launch urban pilot projects like LED streetlights and electric transport.

How is Korea cutting greenhouse gas emissions?

By investing in renewables, retrofitting buildings, promoting low-carbon transport, and improving industrial energy efficiency.

What tools help control energy use?

Smart meters that track consumption in real time, plus awareness campaigns and public-private initiatives.

What’s the role of urban networks?

Centralized systems for heating, lighting, and energy management in cities help reduce overall environmental impact.

How does Korea fight pollutants?

Through air quality monitoring, industrial filter systems, and cleaner fuels like bioenergy.

What’s the challenge of climate change for Korea?

Facing more extreme events such as heatwaves and typhoons, Korea prioritizes clean energy, thermal efficiency, and early environmental education.

How can Korea secure reliable and clean energy?

By diversifying sources, modernizing infrastructure, and supporting domestic innovation.

Why choose renewable energy?

To reduce import dependence, cut pollution, ensure energy security, and adapt to climate change.

🧭 Conclusion

South Korea is turning its ambitions into reality: with massive budgets and a long-term vision, the country is shaping a more technological, greener, and inclusive society. For innovation enthusiasts, urban planners, cultural explorers, or geopolitics watchers, South Korea offers an open-air laboratory worth observing closely.