Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Minister Kim Visits M.AX Caravan

Minister JK Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) visited the Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX) Caravan in Mokpo on June 22, 2026. The caravan was held as a side event following a MINI Alliance meeting. At the site, Minister Kim reviewed cooperation between AI solution providers and manufacturing companies and listened to industry views and on-the-ground challenges. date2026-06-23

M.AX to Expand Beyond the Factory Floor and Support Company-wide Innovation

Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX) will use data linkage to expand AI use beyond manufacturing processes to company-wide operations, including production planning, supply chain and inventory management, and worker safety. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held a joint launch ceremony for the Industrial AI Solution and AI Agent projects in Seoul on June 23, 2026. The event brought together approximately 100 participants, including representatives from the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), manufacturing companies, and AI companies. Background As global competition over AI intensifies, major economies are accelerating efforts to develop AI technologies and deploy them in industrial settings. In manufacturing, AI adoption can directly raise productivity and competitiveness, and AI use is expanding beyond the factory floor to broader business operations. Korea is home to world-class manufacturers and has built up extensive factory-floor data and skilled workers’ know-how. These assets are critical to maintaining and strengthening Korea’s manufacturing competitiveness in the AI era and provide the basis for rapidly deploying AI across industrial sites. Launched in September 2025 with 10 divisions and approximately 1,000 participating organizations, the M.AX Alliance added the Industrial Complex AX Division in February 2026, forming its “Best Eleven” structure with 11 divisions and approximately 1,500 member organizations. Building on this cooperation, MOTIR plans to expand AI application beyond manufacturing sites to company-wide operations. Project Overview The Industrial AI Solution Project is designed to rapidly deploy AI across industrial sites by fine-tuning AI companies’ verified models for immediate use in multiple similar manufacturing processes. Projects involving approximately 30 manufacturing companies have confirmed tangible results, including more accurate steel scrap classification and improved heat exchanger quality prediction. In 2026, the project, with a budget of KRW 12.8 billion, will support approximately 30 manufacturing companies in developing early M.AX success cases and facilitate broader adoption across the industry. While AI adoption in manufacturing has improved productivity in individual processes, some have noted that its impact on overall business competitiveness remains limited. In a February 2026 demand survey, companies said AI agents should be used not only in manufacturing processes but also in decision-making areas such as production planning, business planning, marketing, and delivery management. For manufacturers, applying AI agents accurately to their specific operations requires manufacturing process data to be closely connected with decision-making. To address this need, MOTIR will launch the new AI Agent Project, which uses manufacturing data to support company-wide operations. The project will develop and demonstrate AI agents in seven upstream and downstream areas linked to manufacturing processes, including production planning, supply chain management, safety and environmental management, and product design, to support decision-making across factory-floor and office functions. The call for proposals drew interest from more than 90 companies, and MOTIR selected 10 with strong proposals, including Sungwoo Hitech and Daeduck Electronics. With a 2026 budget of KRW 6.0 billion, MOTIR will work with the Manufacturing Services Division of the M.AX Alliance to demonstrate AI agents on-site and scale the results. Data Linkage Expanding AI use beyond manufacturing processes requires manufacturing data to be connected and used across related upstream and downstream areas. The Industrial AI Solution and AI Agent projects share a common feature: both use AI to solve a range of problems at manufacturing sites. As the projects proceed, lead organizations will date2026-06-23

M.AX to Link Shipbuilding Industrial Complexes as Key Hubs for 5+3 Regional Growth

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held a joint meeting of the MINI Alliances from three shipbuilding industrial complexes—Daebul, Myeongji Noksan, and Gunsan—on June 22, 2026, at Hotel Hyundai in Mokpo. The meeting brought together manufacturers, AI companies, universities, research institutes, and local governments to discuss the M.AX strategy for shipbuilding and cooperation among the three complexes. Shipbuilding relies on a broad supply chain that connects large, medium-sized, and small shipbuilders with equipment suppliers and partner companies. This makes it a key industry for supporting regional growth under the Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces (5+3) strategy. In particular, the three complexes taking part in the meeting each handle key functions of the shipbuilding supply chain, making them a strong model for creating synergy through cooperation across the 5+3 regions. The Daebul Industrial Complex is a major shipbuilding and offshore cluster where large shipyards and partner SMEs are concentrated, while the Gunsan Industrial Complex is home to marine mobility manufacturers that mainly build medium-sized and small vessels. The Myeongji Noksan Industrial Complex is Korea’s largest shipbuilding equipment cluster, with about 60 percent of the country’s shipbuilding equipment companies. The meeting was significant in that it expanded industrial complex M.AX discussions from individual complexes to the wider shipbuilding supply chain. There has been growing recognition in the field that, to accelerate the spread of industrial-complex AX, linkages among the same industry are needed beyond the boundaries of individual complexes and regions. Reflecting these voices from the field, MOTIR used the meeting to discuss concrete cooperation measures to connect the strengths of the anchor complexes for large shipbuilding, medium-sized and small shipbuilding, and shipbuilding equipment, and to spread the shipbuilding M.AX model across the supply chain. The discussions also explored ways for complex AX—built on an ecosystem clustering industry, academia, and research—to drive productivity gains and corporate growth in regional manufacturing, and ultimately to serve as a practical means of implementing the 5+3 strategy. The three MINI Alliances agreed that the complexes should move beyond separate projects and build a shared framework that uses data, knowledge, and AI models to support decisions across design, production, and quality control. During the meeting, each complex also presented its cooperation plan to link M.AX with the shipbuilding industry. Daebul proposed building common infrastructure to use manufacturing data and AI models on-site. Myeongji Noksan presented plans to develop an AI search engine tailored to shipbuilding and expand its use across design, manufacturing, and management. Gunsan outlined plans to develop AI models for design simulation and manufacturing quality control. Participants called for government support, noting that high-quality shipbuilding data and common infrastructure for collecting, transmitting, and processing data are essential to improve AI models and expand their use. After the meeting, Minister Kim also visited the M.AX Caravan to see how AI suppliers and manufacturers are working together and to hear industry views and concerns. The Caravan is an on-site program that connects manufacturers seeking AI transformation with AI solution providers. It was designed to help manufacturers overcome information gaps and technical barriers in adopting AI, and to bring AI supplier capabilities, which are still concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area, to regional industrial complexes. At the M.AX Caravan, 14 AI suppliers presented their solutions, and around 50 representatives from manufacturing companies attended, leading to active matching between the two sides throughout the eve date2026-06-22

MOTIR Shapes Blueprint for 5+3 Regional Growth Engines

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the Growth Engine Strategy Forum for the Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces (5+3) framework on June 10, 2026, at the Artificial Intelligence Industry Cluster Agency (AICA) in Gwangju. Chaired by Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak, the forum brought together about 100 regional industry stakeholders from Gwangju and Jeonnam, including local government officials and representatives of anchor companies and regional innovation institutions. The forum gathered views on industries proposed by local governments in each region as regional growth engines under the framework. Participants discussed each region’s industrial conditions and growth potential and explored development approaches tailored to regional strengths. Beginning with the forum for the Southwest region, MOTIR plans to hold similar forums across all regions covered by the framework, excluding the Seoul metropolitan area. Under the framework, the regional growth engine initiative positions each growth engine as a core industry for its region and supports balanced national growth through a more polycentric industrial structure. MOTIR plans to work closely with local governments to facilitate large-scale investment by anchor companies. The government also plans to draw on policy tools across ministries and provide substantial incentives for major regional investment projects through a seven-part support package covering fiscal support, financing, workforce development, infrastructure, and regulatory exemptions. At the forum, experts from the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade (KIET) presented an analysis of the industries that local governments submitted as candidate growth engines. Participants examined each industry in detail, including regional industrial conditions, corporate investment plans, future growth potential, and alignment with Korea’s national industrial strategy. The Gwangju Institute also presented its assessment of the Southwest region’s industrial landscape and development priorities, followed by a discussion on industrial development priorities for Gwangju and Jeonnam from a regional expert perspective. In a panel discussion moderated by Professor Na Ju-mong, President of the Korean Association of Regional Policy (KARP), panelists from anchor companies, local governments, and regional innovation institutions discussed proposals for developing Gwangju and Jeonnam’s growth engine industries. Kim Hee-sam, Vice President at Kia Corporation, said, “Kia plans to continue investing in its Gwangju Plant as part of the regional growth engine initiative. Policy and financial support from the government will be needed to strengthen the automotive industry ecosystem in the Southwest region.” Kim Young-moon, Gwangju’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and Economy, said, “Gwangju will continue strengthening communication and cooperation between the central and local governments to support the success of these growth engines.” In his opening remarks, Vice Minister Moon said, “This forum will mark the first step in reshaping the geography of Korea’s industrial growth around a polycentric structure built on the Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces.” He added, “MOTIR will identify and develop high-potential growth engines that build on each region’s strengths. We will use every available policy tool to help each region build a self-sustaining, competitive industrial ecosystem.” After consulting regions under the framework, MOTIR plans to select growth engines for each region and announce a seven-part policy support package to develop them into globally competitive industries. The package will cover fiscal support, tax incentives, financing, workforce development, technology support, infrastructure, and regulatory exemptions. date2026-06-10

Growth Engine Strategy Forum for Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces

Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) attended the Growth Engine Strategy Forum for the Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces on June 10, 2026, at the Artificial Intelligence Industry Cluster Agency (AICA) in Gwangju. The forum brought together about 100 regional industry stakeholders from Gwangju and Jeonnam, including representatives from the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade (KIET), local governments, regional anchor companies, and regional innovation institutions. Participants gathered views on regional growth engines and discussed development approaches tailored to each region’s strengths. Vice Minister Moon said MOTIR will identify and develop high-potential growth engines that build on each region’s strengths and use all available policy tools to help each region build a self-sustaining, competitive industrial ecosystem. date2026-06-10

Korea to Build Secure System for Storing and Using Manufacturing Data, a Key Strategic Asset in the AI Era

High-quality manufacturing data and the infrastructure to store and use it are essential to successful AI transformation in manufacturing. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the third M.AX (Manufacturing AI Transformation) Expert Conference on June 5, 2026, to mark the administration’s first anniversary. The conference brought together manufacturing AI experts from industry, academia, and research institutions under the theme “Manufacturing Data, AI Models, and Infrastructure: The Keys to Successful M.AX.” Participants discussed the role of manufacturing data in M.AX and the AI models and infrastructure needed to secure and use high-quality data. Progress to Date As global AI competition intensifies, the success of M.AX depends on close cooperation among manufacturers, AI companies, academia, and research organizations. Korea’s world-class manufacturers and the high-quality data they hold are strategic assets in making the country a global leader in M.AX. The government is working to build a win-win environment and infrastructure needed for manufacturers and AI companies to develop manufacturing AI models that can be deployed directly at production sites. MOTIR is working through the M.AX Alliance, which brings together more than 1,500 manufacturers, AI companies, universities, and research organizations across 11 divisions, to secure manufacturing data and build an ecosystem for its use. The AI Factory Division is establishing a basis for using manufacturing process data through the AI factory project, which applies AI to manufacturing processes to improve productivity. It is also pursuing R&D to develop industry-specific foundation models and, through a new tacit-knowledge AI model project launched in June 2026, will accumulate data capturing the know-how of skilled workers across industries and processes. The AI Robotics Division is selecting flagship tasks where humanoids can be deployed and collecting motion data generated during development and demonstrations. The Autonomous Ship Division launched an AI data platform project in May 2026 to build infrastructure for securing real-world operational data from about 6,000 voyages, while the AI Future Mobility Division has begun developing a data pipeline to collect and process driving data alongside autonomous driving development and demonstrations. Plans Ahead Manufacturing data often contains critical intellectual property (IP), including core technologies and production know-how, as well as sensitive business information. Companies that provide such data therefore have strong concerns about possible leaks. To address this, MOTIR will build a manufacturing data library that will securely store, manage, and use data provided for follow-up R&D projects. Because the library will hold high-quality manufacturing data, MOTIR will put in place dedicated safeguards and procedures to prevent leaks and maintain security. Data may be used only in an isolated clean room and may not be taken outside, while access will be subject to a separate, strict review process. Until the manufacturing data library is completed, MOTIR is using the Manufacturing AI Solution Development Support Center, operated by the Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI), as an interim hub. Since May 2026, the ministry has been storing data collected through the AI factory project and other initiatives at the center. Using this data, MOTIR plans to develop a prototype manufacturing AI foundation model by the end of 2026 and work with M.AX Alliance participants to test its field application and performance. It will also continue securing product data and developing product AI models. The AI Robotics Division will collect robot behavior and training data through industrial-site demonstrations and the planned robot data factory, while the Autonomous Ship Division will link real-world voyage data, data already h date2026-06-05

Minister Yeo Holds Roundtable with Ulsan Exporters

Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) chaired a roundtable with Ulsan exporters in Ulsan on May 29, 2026. The meeting was attended by representatives from local companies, including Hanjoo Light Metal, YK-INPRO E&C, and LIHAON. After delivering opening remarks, Minister Yeo discussed production conditions, export trends, and business concerns among major companies in Ulsan. Minister Yeo said MOTIR will continue helping local and small businesses enter export markets and provide sustained support for promising SMEs with the potential to play a central role in Korea’s exports. date2026-06-01

Minister Yeo Visits HD Hyundai Electric and Meets with Power Equipment Exporters

Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) visited HD Hyundai Electric in Ulsan on May 29, 2026, to support continued growth in Korea’s exports. During the visit, Minister Yeo toured key production lines, including transformer lines, and met with executives and officials from power equipment exporters, including HD Hyundai, Sam Dong, and Inheung Industries. They discussed government support for expanding Korean power equipment exports. date2026-06-01

Trade Minister Reviews Export Operations for Korea’s Leading Electrical Equipment Industry

Korea’s exports topped USD 80.0 billion in both March and April 2026, marking new export milestones. In particular, Korean electrical equipment exports are expected to reach a record high in 2026 as global demand grows, driven by AI infrastructure expansion, green energy transition policies, and replacement demand for aging U.S. power grids. Marking the administration’s first anniversary, Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) visited HD Hyundai Electric on May 29, 2026. During the visit, Minister Yeo reviewed the company’s export operations and met with the electrical equipment industry to hear directly from companies and discuss government support for expanding Korean electrical equipment exports. At the roundtable, participating companies asked MOTIR to help stabilize supply chains, including those for raw and subsidiary materials, and support continued business operations and exports amid global uncertainty. MOTIR will provide wide-ranging support to help Korean industries, including electrical equipment, sustain export growth. In 2026, the ministry will expand trade insurance to a record KRW 275.0 trillion, including KRW 114.0 trillion for SMEs and middle-market companies, to support balanced growth between large companies and smaller firms. MOTIR will also provide KRW 127.0 trillion over the next five years in financing, performance guarantees, and other support for medium- to long-term, large-scale projects in areas such as nuclear power, defense, and electrical equipment. For electrical equipment, MOTIR will help Korean companies win energy infrastructure projects worldwide by identifying opportunities, matching companies with projects, and arranging early financing as demand rises from AI data centers and other sources. “Even amid global uncertainty, Korea’s electrical equipment industry continues to lead global markets with highly competitive technologies,” Minister Yeo said. “The government will expand trade finance and utilize trade channels with major economies to help Korean companies expand their global reach.” Minister Yeo also met with local Ulsan companies, including Hanjoo Light Metal, INPRO E&C, LIHAON, Colorant Corea, Yetgan, ECOCAB, and Rinno Aluminum, at a working lunch to hear their business concerns. He highlighted that the government will continue supporting local and small businesses as they take their first steps into export markets and provide sustained support for promising SMEs to become key contributors to Korea’s exports. date2026-05-29

Third General Meeting of the AI Home Appliance M.AX Alliance

Choi Woo-hyuk, Director General for High Technology Industry at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), attended the third general meeting of the AI Home Appliance M.AX Alliance at Electronics Hall in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on May 28, 2026. The meeting brought together about 80 participants from home appliance, component, and AI companies, including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Coway, as well as universities and specialized institutions. Director General Choi said AI transformation across the manufacturing ecosystem is essential for staying competitive and that MOTIR will support the home appliance industry in advancing product intelligence and AI-based manufacturing transformation together. date2026-05-29