Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

MOTIR and Local Governments Discuss Innovation Infrastructure for Battery Triangle Belt

Choi Woo-hyuk, Director General for High Technology Industry at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), delivered opening remarks and chaired a meeting at Sejong on September 1, 2026, to discuss the development of innovation infrastructure for the Battery Triangle Belt.  The meeting brought together officials from local governments, including Chungcheongbuk-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Jeollabuk-do, as well as representatives from relevant organizations. “The Battery Triangle Belt is a critical national initiative to establish an integrated national battery supply chain network,” Director General Choi said. “We will work closely with local governments to maximize the strengths of each specialized complex and ensure that support projects at each hub proceed smoothly.” date2026-09-01

Korea to Promote National Land Transformation through Local-Led Growth

At the 10th Central-Local Cooperation Council chaired by the President on August 26, 2026, the Korean government announced its plan to promote local-led growth, a set of growth engines selected for each region, and its decision to pursue a new strategy for balanced growth led by local governments. National Land Transformation Strategy Minister Im Ki-geun of the Office for Government Policy Coordination (OPC) presented the plan to promote local-led growth and outlined three strategies and eight tasks under the National Land Transformation Strategy, which calls for local governments to lead the redesign of regional industries and institutional frameworks. 1.    Redesigning the National Spatial Structure     Establishing Sejong as a Fully Functioning Administrative Capital: The government will complete the Presidential Sejong Office by August 2029 and the National Assembly Sejong Complex by the second half of 2033. It will also build the institutional foundation needed to establish Sejong fully as the administrative capital.     Developing Regional Hub Cities: The government will develop corporate-friendly high-tech cities that bring together industrial complexes, R&D facilities, and residential communities. It will also develop self-sufficient cities powered by renewable energy (including RE100 industrial complexes) linked to each region’s specialized industries, and develop Saemangeum as a future industry hub anchored by corporate investment.     Expanding Nationwide Transport Links: The government will upgrade transport networks connecting hub cities to meet regional demand, including by expanding metropolitan rail and express bus services, and strengthen links between mega-regions by building out the high-speed rail network and ensuring the timely opening of major expressways. 2.    Developing Strategic Industries by Region     Specialized Development through Growth Engines Under the “Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces (5+3)” Initiative: The government will designate growth engines for each region and concentrate support on them. It will also launch a government-wide support system to accelerate implementation of the three megaprojects, including those involving semiconductors and AI.     Establishing Mega Special Zones: The government will work with businesses and local governments to establish Mega Special Zones linked to regional growth engines. The zones will offer special regulatory treatment—including menu-based exemptions, demand-responsive deferrals, and upgraded regulatory sandboxes—and policy support packages to drive regional growth.     Developing Regional Talent for Growth Engines: The government will select and support signature colleges for regional growth engines at national flagship universities. The selected colleges will train specialists to meet business needs and serve as research hubs. The government will also utilize vocational high schools, the regional talent development system (ANCHOR), AX research centers run jointly with businesses, and Korea Polytechnics campuses to support regional talent development at every stage. 3.    Laying the Foundation for Regional Vitality     Promoting Investment and the Relocation of Businesses and Public Institutions: The government will expand tax incentives and subsidies for companies that relocate to or invest in the regions and ensure they have timely access to power, water, and other infrastructure. The government will also develop measures covering housing, healthcare, education, care, and culture to help employees of relocated businesses and institutions build stable lives in their new communities.     Overhauling Support Systems to Prioritize the Regio date2026-08-28

Automobile Exports Hit Record High for July; Government and Industry Join Forces on Future-Vehicle Transition and Mutual Growth

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held an automobile industry roundtable on August 13, 2026, at the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association (KAMA), with Park Dong-il, Deputy Minister for Industrial Policy at MOTIR, in attendance. Participants included representatives of four automakers—Hyundai Motor, GM Korea, KG Mobility, and Renault Korea—and four industry and research organizations: KAMA; the Korea Auto Industries Cooperative Association (KAICA); the Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH); and the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KIET). They discussed key issues, including automobile industry trends in July and the outlook for the second half of 2026, the transition to future vehicles, and how to foster mutually beneficial cooperation across the industry ecosystem. Automobile Industry Trends in July Korea’s automobile exports rose 7.0 percent year-on-year to USD 6.24 billion in July 2026, the highest July figure on record. Domestic sales and production also increased 0.5 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively, to 139,000 and 352,000 units. Eco-friendly vehicles led export growth, with their export value rising 25.5 percent year-on-year to $2.59 billion. Exports of electric and hydrogen vehicles increased 31.9 percent to $0.94 billion, while hybrid vehicle exports rose 22.2 percent to $1.65 billion. By contrast, exports of internal combustion engine vehicles fell 3.1 percent to $3.65 billion. By region, export growth was led by key markets, with North America up 18.0 percent year-on-year to $3.25 billion and the European Union up 23.5 percent to $0.88 billion. The increase appears to reflect more working days after major automakers moved their annual summer shutdowns from July in 2025 to August in 2026, along with solid global demand for eco-friendly vehicles and SUVs. Exports to the Middle East rose 12.7 percent to $0.43 billion, returning to year-on-year growth after eight months. Domestic sales in July rose 0.5 percent year-on-year to 139,000 units. Demand for eco-friendly vehicles remained solid, with sales reaching 84,000 units, or approximately 60 percent of the total. Sales of electric vehicles rose 47.5 percent to 36,000 units. Automobile production rose 11.3 percent year-on-year to 352,000 units, supported by additional working days after major automakers shifted their summer shutdowns. Key Roundtable Discussions Automakers called for policy support from the government, saying it is essential to maintain a stable domestic production base of at least 4 million vehicles a year to safeguard Korea’s automobile ecosystem as the rapid rise of foreign companies intensifies competition for survival in the global EV market. Participants also agreed that the parts industry needs to make an early transition to future vehicles in response to electrification and other changes reshaping the automobile industry, while building an ecosystem in which automakers and suppliers can grow together. Government and industry agreed to work together toward these goals. Deputy Minister Park said, “The global automobile industry is being reshaped by the transition to future vehicles and other changes. At this critical time, the government, automakers, and parts suppliers must work as one team to overcome the challenges.” He said MOTIR would remain in close contact with the industry, carefully monitor issues including production and export conditions, and provide hands-on support. He also asked automakers to strengthen labor-management communication and cooperation and take the lead in fostering mutually beneficial collaboration with parts suppliers as they shift their businesses toward future vehicles and undergo AI transformation (AX).   ▶ View Video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0V6esjo3n_c date2026-08-14

M.AX Delivers Tangible Results on the Factory Floor

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced the key achievements of Korea’s Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX) and its plans going forward as part of its policy briefing on August 4. Korea’s manufacturing sector faces structural challenges, including a shrinking working-age population, an aging skilled workforce, and slowing growth in labor productivity and in the manufacturing sector. MOTIR is pursuing M.AX as a core strategy to combine Korea’s strengths—world-class manufacturers and high-quality factory-floor data—with AI to transform not only production processes but the full range of business operations, from product and service development to production planning, supply chain management, and inventory management. Implementation Framework: M.AX Alliance In September 2025, MOTIR launched the M.AX Alliance, a collaborative network spanning industry, government, academia, and research, with around 1,000 participating organizations, including manufacturers, AI companies, universities, and research institutes. In February 2026, the ministry added the Industrial Complex AX Division to advance regional AI transformation (AX) centered on industrial complexes, completing the Alliance’s “Best Eleven” structure of 11 divisions, including AI Factory, AI Semiconductors, and AI Robotics. Participation increased by 50 percent in the Alliance’s first eight months, to around 1,500 companies and organizations, establishing the Alliance as Korea’s flagship platform for manufacturing AX. In process-focused AX divisions such as AI Factory and AI Manufacturing Services, manufacturers and AI companies are working together to develop Korean AI models and solutions that can operate actual manufacturing processes. In product-focused divisions such as AI Robotics, Autonomous Ships, and AI Semiconductors, anchor companies, component suppliers, and AI companies are working together by sector to develop core components and demonstrate innovative products. The Industrial Complex AX Division supports AI innovation among tenant companies through collaboration between local companies and universities. MOTIR plans to develop manufacturing AX infrastructure, including AI data centers, tailored to the characteristics of regional industries and company needs, while expanding region-specific collaboration models involving local companies, universities, and research institutes. Process AX: Measurable Gains in Manufacturing M.AX is beginning to deliver measurable results at manufacturing sites in industries including semiconductors, automobiles, and shipbuilding. Through its AI Factory Flagship Project, MOTIR has supported AX at more than 170 manufacturing sites. A review of 42 sites that joined the project relatively early and have started to generate measurable results found that productivity increased by an average of 30.1 percent, while defect rates fell by an average of 15.5 percent. Individual companies are also reporting clear gains. In semiconductors, Shinhan Diamond Industrial introduced an AI-based automated inspection system for CMP disks, consumables used in wafer polishing processes, cutting quality inspection time by 33 percent. SurplusGLOBAL applied AI to its harvest process for dismantling semiconductor equipment and sorting and recovering parts, raising productivity by 66.7 percent. In the automotive sector, Asan Sungwoo Hitech introduced an autonomous, unmanned manufacturing system for EV batteries, reducing quality inspection time by 90 percent. HWASHIN introduced a predictive maintenance system for equipment used in battery case production, lowering the product defect rate by 20 percent. In shipbuilding, HD Hyundai Samho applied an AI-based autonomous welding and inspection solution to the welding and production processes for rudder trunks, key structural components that support the rudd date2026-08-05

New RNA Certification Streamlines KS Process for Medium and Large Wind Turbines

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) is introducing separate Korean Industrial Standards (KS) certification for the rotor-nacelle assembly (RNA), a core component of medium and large wind turbines, to help domestic wind turbine manufacturers obtain certification more quickly. The new RNA certification is a follow-up to the plan to reform the KS certification system, announced at the Ministerial Meeting on Economic Affairs in February 2026. The reform is intended to align Korea’s certification system with the IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Renewable Energy Applications (IECRE). Under the current system, KS certification covers the entire wind turbine. Even when using the same RNA, any change in tower height or other specifications requires the entire turbine to be reassessed and recertified. As a result, the same RNA may undergo duplicate assessments, increasing both certification time and cost. In practice, obtaining KS certification for a medium and large wind turbine takes an average of 1,118 days, placing a substantial burden on manufacturers. To address this issue, KATS has established a separate KS certification category for RNAs. Once an RNA is certified, manufacturers can use the existing certification results even if the tower height or other specifications change. This is expected to reduce duplicate reviews and assessments, shorten certification times, and lower costs. Applications for KS certification of RNA may be submitted through the Korea Energy Agency (KEA), the designated KS certification body for medium and large wind turbines, beginning July 31, 2026. date2026-07-30

Incheon Global Campus to Build Innovation Ecosystem for Industry–Academia Collaboration

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held a roundtable to promote industry–academia collaboration at Incheon Global Campus (IGC) and hosted the IGC Navigator Day 2026 on July 30, 2026, in Seoul. The event drew around 50 participants, including representatives from the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA), the industry-academic cooperation foundations of IGC’s five foreign universities, the Incheon Global Campus Foundation, and the Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT), as well as experts from industry, academia, and research institutions. IGC is a shared campus for foreign universities, developed in Songdo, Incheon, since 2009 to establish an education hub in Northeast Asia. It is now home to five institutions: Stony Brook University and the Fashion Institute of Technology at SUNY Korea, George Mason University Korea, Ghent University Global Campus, and the University of Utah Asia Campus. MOTIR has worked to develop IGC into a global cluster connecting industry, academia, and research institutions. A September 2020 amendment to the Industrial Education Enhancement and Industry–Academia–Research Cooperation Promotion Act allowed foreign universities to establish and operate industry-academic cooperation foundations in Korea. All five foreign universities at IGC established foundations in December 2021. The event allowed the foundations to share their achievements and challenges and discuss IGC’s future development. It also aimed to link Korean industries with talented individuals and academic achievements cultivated through global universities’ expertise, while strengthening domestic and international networks across industry, academia, and research institutions. Key programs included a keynote address by Professor Lee Kyoung-jun of Kyung Hee University titled “Turning Research into Value in the Age of AI Agents,” followed by a presentation on the Korean government’s R&D policy direction and a networking session among IGC universities. MOTIR expects the event to deepen cooperation on technology and human resources between foreign universities in Korea’s free economic zones and Korean companies. By developing industry–academia–research clusters, the ministry also aims to stimulate foreign investment, attract global companies, and thereby strengthen Korea’s competitiveness. Noting that Incheon Global Campus, Korea’s first shared campus for foreign universities, has established itself as a model success story, Director General Je Kyung Hee of the Free Economic Zone Planning Office expressed hope that it would become a leading innovation hub in Korea—a center of global technological innovation that attracts world-leading companies and drives global R&D collaboration. date2026-07-30

ISO Publishes Two International Standards on Manufacturing Digital Twins Developed under Korea’s Leadership

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has officially published two international standards for manufacturing digital twins proposed by Korea. Digital twin technology creates virtual models of physical products, equipment, processes, and factories. These models allow manufacturers to monitor real-world conditions, predict problems, and optimize operations. As autonomous manufacturing and AI-based manufacturing services become more widespread, digital twins are emerging as a core technology for improving productivity and quality in manufacturing. Korea has led efforts to develop international standards for manufacturing digital twins, contributing to the development of ISO 23247-1 through ISO 23247-4. These standards cover general principles, reference architecture, digital representations of manufacturing elements, and information exchange. The two newly published standards expand the series to cover how multiple digital twins can be connected and combined for specific purposes. ISO 23247-5 (Digital Thread for Digital Twin) sets out how to link information from different stages of manufacturing, including product design, production processes, equipment status, and inspection results, into a continuous digital thread, allowing users to find and use the data needed for digital twin applications. This makes it possible to trace and analyze design information, production conditions, equipment history, and inspection data in relation to one another when a specific quality issue arises. ISO 23247-6 (Digital Twin Composition) sets out how to select and combine digital twins to create a larger virtual model for a specific purpose. This allows digital twins of individual products, equipment, and processes to be combined like building blocks into a composite digital twin for an entire production line or factory, providing greater flexibility in configuration. With government support, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) proposed the above standards based on Korean technologies. Companies and organizations from countries including the United States and Sweden also participated in their development. “The publication of these international standards has paved the way for Korean digital twin technologies to be used worldwide by incorporating them into international standards,” said KATS President Kim Dae-ja. “We will continue to actively support related standards development by industry, academia, and research institutions to facilitate the rapid adoption of AI across Korea’s manufacturing sector.” date2026-07-28

K-Display 2026 Opens in Seoul

Director General for High Technology Industry Choi Woo-hyuk of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) attended the opening ceremony of K-Display 2026 at COEX in Seoul on July 22, 2026. The ceremony brought together Korea Display Industry Association Chairman Yi Chung, Korea’s two leading OLED panel makers, and Korean and overseas materials, parts, and equipment companies. Director General Choi joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony, presented MOTIR Minister’s Awards to six recipients, including Samsung Display Vice President Choi Min-hwan, and viewed advanced display technologies and products showcased at the exhibition. “Displays are evolving beyond screens to drive change across future industries,” he said. “The government will accelerate M.AX in the display industry and help innovative Korean products reach global markets.” date2026-07-22

The Future of World-Leading Displays Powered by M.AX

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that it will host K-Display 2026 at COEX in Seoul from July 22 to 24, 2026. Now in its 25th year, K-Display is Korea’s only international exhibition dedicated to the display industry, showcasing the latest display technologies and products. This year, Korea’s two leading organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel makers will be joined by a wide range of Korean and overseas materials, parts, and equipment companies. A total of 142 companies and organizations will exhibit across 446 booths, presenting the future direction of next-generation display technologies integrated with emerging industries. The event features an exhibition, business programs, and other activities. At the central theme pavilion, visitors can see how manufacturing AI transformation (M.AX) will reshape display production and explore physical AI technologies that combine displays with AI and robotics. Business matchmaking sessions on procurement, technology, and trade will also connect companies with potential partners and overseas markets, helping Korean MPE companies expand their global sales channels. The event will also feature a ceremony presenting six MOTIR Minister’s Awards to companies recognized for technological innovation, as well as a job fair connecting display companies with young talent.   At the opening ceremony, Director General for High Technology Industry Choi Woo-hyuk said, “Displays are evolving beyond screens into a key driver of change across future industries. The government will accelerate M.AX in the display industry, build regionally based industrial ecosystems, and provide comprehensive support to help innovative new products from Korean companies reach global markets.” date2026-07-22

MOTIR Highlights Responsible Business Conduct as Key to Sustainable Growth in the AI and Supply Chain Era

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) co-hosted the 2026 Public-Private Seminar on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) with the National Human Rights Commission of Korea and UN Global Compact Network Korea at the Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI). RBC refers to responsible business practices across economic and social areas, including human rights, labor, and the environment, as set out in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. The event drew approximately 100 participants, including corporate representatives and ESG experts.  The seminar marked the 50th anniversary of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. It provided an opportunity to reflect on the Guidelines’ role as an international standard for responsible business conduct over the past five decades and to strengthen Korean companies’ ability to respond to a rapidly changing business environment shaped by global supply chain shifts and the wider use of AI. Participants shared approaches to the responsible use of AI; managing human rights and labor risks in critical mineral supply chains; government support for human rights management by Korean companies operating overseas; and corporate AI governance. They also discussed key RBC issues arising from AI and supply chain developments and how companies should respond. “The Korea NCP will expand training and outreach to promote the adoption of the OECD Guidelines across Korean businesses,” said Kang Gam-chan, Deputy Minister for International Trade and Investment at MOTIR, in his opening remarks. “We will also strengthen support for resolving disputes arising from the implementation of the Guidelines.” date2026-07-14