Gangwon Province Drives Smart Factory Initiative with ₩1 Trillion Investment
Gangwon Province, South Korea, is accelerating its industrial transformation with a significant ₩1 trillion investment in advanced industries, including a focused push for smart factory adoption among local manufacturers. This initiative, a collaboration between Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and Gangwon Techno Park, aims to bolster the competitiveness of regional businesses through digital transformation and the integration of cutting-edge technologies.
Expanding Support for Smart Manufacturing
A recent city-county meeting, held on February 26, 2026, by Gangwon Techno Park and the province, highlighted progress in the ‘Gangwon Smart Factory Construction Support Project’ and outlined plans for 2026. A key focus is expanding support for the construction of basic-level smart factories for local manufacturing companies. The project aims to strengthen manufacturing competitiveness by introducing technology-based solutions and establishing facility interconnection systems.
Financial Support and Participation Details
The total project cost per company is capped at ₩50 million, with the province and relevant city/county governments providing support of up to ₩40 million. Gangwon Techno Park is currently recruiting participating companies, with a deadline of March 23, 2026. Gangwon Techno Park received an A grade in the performance evaluation of the smart factory construction and advancement project of the Ministry of SMEs, and Startups.
Strategic Alignment with National Goals
This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to promote advanced industries, including semiconductors, biohealth, future vehicles, and artificial intelligence (AI). Gangwon Province has secured over ₩10 trillion in national funding, marking a significant milestone in its industrial development. The province has secured 48 advanced industry projects and ₩121.3 billion in national funding for 2026.
The Role of Gangwon Techno Park
Established in 2003, Gangwon Techno Park plays a crucial role in promoting industrial technology innovation and supporting local industries. The park has already supported the construction of smart factories for 13 companies – six advanced and seven basic – and provided customized consulting for 18 companies, training dedicated personnel for 200 individuals. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups plans to provide an additional ₩300 million in budget for regional specialized companies this year.
Looking Ahead
Heo Jang-hyun, Director of Gangwon Techno Park, emphasized the growing importance of smart manufacturing in the age of AI. The project aims to accelerate the digital transformation of manufacturing companies in the province, laying the foundation for sustainable growth and strengthening their competitiveness in the evolving industrial landscape. Governor Kim Jin-tae is driving Gangwon’s high-tech development.