Democratic Party lawmakers Moon Jin-seok and Bok Ki-wang said Wednesday they welcomed the selection of Cheonan and Asan as AI-specialized pilot cities.
The AI-specialized pilot city development project aims to create future urban spaces by streamlining city functions such as urban planning, transportation, and safety based on AI technology. It is one of the key national agenda items of the Lee Jae-myung administration.
An official from Moon's office explained that "this achievement means securing the brain that comprehensively manages and coordinates AI, including autonomous driving control and real-time data analysis and application." The official assessed that the Cheonan-Asan region, which will be able to manage and verify large-scale data in future AI competitive projects and corporate recruitment processes, has gained an overwhelming advantage over other regions.
Cheonan and Asan signed an MOU for this competitive project and have jointly prepared for it. After more than half a year of preparation, the two cities submitted a business plan worth a total project cost of 610 billion won and were selected after receiving top scores in both quantitative and qualitative evaluations. In particular, they are known to have received high scores by emphasizing that rapid decision-making is possible through a consortium centered on small but strong companies with extensive AI business experience.
"With this competitive project selection, Cheonan and Asan have firmly established themselves as Korea's leading AI cities surpassing the capital region," Moon said. "I bow my head and deeply thank Cheonan Mayor-elect Jang Gi-su and city hall officials for their efforts."
Bok said, "Asan and Cheonan share a single living zone and have been win-win partners that have led the growth of South Chungcheong Province at the forefront." He added, "This selection as an AI-specialized pilot city goes beyond the simple introduction of advanced technology. It is an achievement showing that local areas can sufficiently lead future industries, and it will serve as a milestone toward balanced national development."
